After Care

Click on one of the relevant products below to be taken to correct after care guide:

Allusion Blinds   |   Awnings   |   Curtains   |   Faux Wood Venetian Blinds   |   Intu / Perfect Fit   |   Metal Venetian Blinds   |   Motorised Blinds   |   Pleated / Duette   |   Roller Blinds   |   Roman Blinds   |   Shutters   |   Vertical Blinds   |   Warranty   |   Wood Venetian Blinds

Operation

• Wand control – tilting the operating wand will rotate the slats. Moving the wand to the side will draw the blind open and closed.
• Cord and Chain – The chain will rotate the slats. The cord will draw the blind open and closed.
• IMPORTANT: Always make sure the slats are tilted to the open position before drawing the slats side to side.
• Allusion is designed with separate slats; this allows the option to ‘walk through’ the blind. Our advice is to have this as an occasional feature rather than regular. The slats are very delicate and could be marked, frayed, or damaged with high traffic through the blind.

Maintenance

• To take the blind down, firstly remove all the slats (with them tilted to the open position). Behind the headrail will be metal brackets that you need to push up to the top of the recess, this will release the headrail from the brackets. The rail will then twist out from the back of the bracket.

Cleaning

• Once the fabric is manufactured into a Vertical blind, Concorde Blinds does not recommend cleaning any of the fabrics.
• Regular light dusting should be sufficient. Do not use any cleaning solutions or heavy moisture to clean the blinds.
• We DO NOT recommend removing the slats to deep clean in the bath or washing machine.

Operation

• Manually operated awnings are operated using the crank handle provided. Simply hook the handle into the ‘eye’ on the crank gear and wind the awning open and closed. We always recommend using a smooth controlled motion and not too fast or jolted.
• NOTE! The winding handle must be held perfectly vertical to the gearbox. Cranking your patio awning open/close with the winding handle not held vertical can cause damage to the mechanism and make it awkward to function (causing the mechanism to jerk).
• IMPORTANT! The fabric must always come off the top of the roller tube. DO NOT overextend your patio awning fabric, allowing it to wrap the wrong way around the roller tube. This will cause damage to the fabric and mechanism.
• Motorised awnings are operated using the remote control provided. Simply press the up or down buttons to project and retract the awning. The ‘My’ button can be used to stop the awning at the desired mid-point.
• The awning motor limits have already been pre-set and the transmitter has been pre-programmed to the motor.
• When a button is pressed on your remote control the LED lights up green to indicate a command has been sent. If the LED does not light up, this indicates the battery (CR2430) needs replacing. By removing the back casing of the remote control, the battery can be accessed and replaced.
• Ensure there are no foreign objects or people in the way of your patio awning when operating it.
• Do not climb on or hang any items of your patio awning.
• If anyone is working within the immediate vicinity of your patio awning it is recommended not to operate your patio awning and to isolate the power supply to it.
• If adverse weather conditions are expected retract your patio awning.

Maintenance

• When temperatures are sub-zero, do not operate your patio awning, as this can cause damage to the mechanism.
• Your patio awning is designed for use as a sun protection product, however, subject to a pitch of 14 degrees or greater (minimum fall of 25cm off horizontal per metre projection) it can be used for occasional protection from a light rain showers. Use in rain showers will however exaggerate fabric rippling as detailed below. If the fabric on your patio awning is retracted away wet, ensure it is extended at the next available opportunity to dry out.
• Despite the most advanced manufacturing techniques, rippling and puckering of the material will occur around the seams (where the fabric is joined) and at the edges (hems) due to the double thickness of material on these parts ‘v’ the single thickness of the main panel of fabric. This is a natural characteristic that cannot be avoided however it will not affect the function or performance of your patio awning. To minimise this effect do not use your patio awning in rain or windy conditions and if the fabric is rolled away wet, extend your patio awning at the next available opportunity so the fabric can dry off.
• In extreme heat or constant operation, the motor has a built-in thermal overload protection which prevents the use of your patio awning for approximately 15 minutes, allowing the motor to cool down and then the normal operation can be resumed.
• As the awning extends/retracts it may become unlevel due to the floating pin contained within the arm elbow. This is perfectly normal and when the awning is in the fully extended or retracted position the leadrail will be perfectly horizontally level with the main cassette.
• If you have a valance on your leadrail, this can be removed to prevent weather damage throughout the winter months.

Cleaning

• Your patio awning has been manufactured using the most advanced materials, treated with the latest self-clean effect coatings, however, to ensure your patio awning keeps functioning correctly and looking like new, it should be regularly cleaned (at least twice a year).
• DO NOT USE pressure washers or any abrasive cleaners, detergents, stiff bristle brushes or cloths, or corrosive oils or sprays as these can damage the hardware and/or fabric.
• Always ensure the power supply to your motorised patio awning is isolated before cleaning.
• Framework: Simply hose down the framework and any stubborn marks or stains can be cleaned off with a sponge, warm water, and a mild soapy solution. Acidic substances including birds’ mess & tree sap, must be cleaned off immediately to avoid it damaging the powder coating. Be careful not to spray water directly at the motor head as this could damage it (cause water ingress) and prevent your patio awning from functioning correctly.
• Joints: The pins which connect the folding arms at the rear and front along with the pin in the elbow joints of the folding arm should be sprayed with a non-corrosive silicone spray to ensure they continue to run smoothly.
• Material: Simply hose down the material and any stubborn marks or stains can be cleaned off with a sponge, warm water, and a mild soapy solution. Acidic substances including birds’ mess & tree sap must be cleaned off immediately to avoid it damaging the coating on the fabric. Always allow the fabric to dry completely before retracting your patio awning away.

Sensors

• If the awning has a sensor (Sun and/or wind) this has been pre-programmed to the motor. For Eolis 3D wind vibration sensor the back plate will be attached to the leadrail.
• If your patio awning is fitted with a wind/vibration sensor this will automatically retract your patio awning away when strong winds pose a danger (exceed the pre-set threshold, set to reflect the windspeed capability of your patio awning).
• You will not be able to operate your patio awning via the remote control whilst it is retracting.
• After approximately 30 seconds of your patio awning is closed away you will be able to extend it again, however, if the wind speeds remain above the safe threshold your patio awning will automatically close again. If this process occurs more than three times within a 30-minute period (i.e. you extend your patio awning and it retracts due to wind levels) your patio awning will remain closed for approximately one hour. After this period you will be able to operate your patio awning again from your remote control.
• Wind/vibration sensors are not a fail save device for retracting your patio awning in the case of high winds and therefore it is your responsibility to ensure your patio awning is retracted before high winds pose a danger
• If your patio awning is equipped with a sun sensor and you have switched the sensor on by sliding the mode button to ‘auto’ (which will result in your patio awning making a shunting movement), when daylight levels exceed the pre-set sensor threshold (factory set to 20,000 lux level) for a period of 2 minutes or more, your patio awning will automatically extend. If daylight levels fall below the threshold for a period of 10 minutes or more, your patio awning will automatically retract.
• If you wish to function your patio awning manually via your remote control, you must turn the sensor off by sliding the mode button to ‘manu’ on your remote control. This will ensure your patio awning doesn’t automatically extend after you have retracted it or vice versa (based on daylight levels).
• NOTE: The wind/vibration sensor always takes priority and overrides the commands of the sun sensor.
• If your patio awning keeps closing away by itself but it’s not windy, this indicates there is an issue with the wind/vibration sensor. If your patio awning is fitted with the vibration sensor, it is likely that the batteries (AAA) need replacing. To replace the batteries, simply unclip the sensor from its plate on the leadrail, remove the inner cartridge and then the batteries can be replaced.

Operation

• Most of our curtains are manually operated. Simply draw the curtains open and close by pulling the curtain. We recommend pulling the curtain higher rather than lower, as close to the pole/track will reduce the stress on the curtain fabric.
• If the curtain track is corded, simply pull the cord at the end of the track to draw the curtains.

Maintenance

• Our curtain product is very low maintenance. Regular opening and closing to help the curtain maintain its shape and also dressing the curtain to train it into the pleats are recommended.

Cleaning

• Remember to prioritise frequency over intensity. Cleaning your curtains regularly (e.g. monthly or even weekly) will often do more for them than cleaning them intensively once a year.
• Remove dust – Ideally using a feather duster or soft, clean cloth. You can also use the vacuum cleaner with the soft brush attachment to remove heavy dust.
• Removing stains – Use a small amount of water to remove any stains or stubborn marks. Beware not to get the fabric too wet as it may leave a watermark. Gently wipe with a soft, clean cloth and let it air-dry naturally. DO NOT use any cleaning products.
• DO NOT put your curtains through a washing machine.
• DO NOT dry clean your curtains. The face fabric and lining may react differently due to the differing composition of the fabrics.
• If your curtains are deep cleaned or dry cleaned, they may shorten or lengthen in places. They may also lose their shape and structure

Operation

• Always hold both cords when tilting blind as cord can jump off the turning wheel.
• Have the slats in open position when raising the blind up and down.
• With large blinds it may be required to support the weight of the bottom bar when raising the blind. We always recommend using both hands when raising the blind.
• When raising the blind we also recommend holding the cord consolidator to reduce the risk of this breaking away.

Maintenance

• To take the blind down remove pelmet from the top then open the box bracket in the corner of the recess to release the blind.
• If the child safety clip breaks on the raise cord – simply put the cords back into the clip and push back together.

Cleaning

• When it comes to maintaining Venetian blinds, remember to prioritise frequency over intensity. Cleaning your blinds regularly (e.g. monthly or even weekly) will often do more for them than cleaning them intensively once a year. Regular cleaning will also let you identify and address any maintenance issues with your blinds before they get worse.
• Start light. When cleaning, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Start with light cleaning techniques first (i.e. wiping and dusting) before progressing to more intensive techniques that use liquids and cleaning solutions. Also, if you’re trying a new cleaning product for the first time, try it out first on a small part of your blinds before applying it to everything else.
• Remove dust – Ideally using a feather duster or soft, clean cloth. You can also use the vacuum cleaner with the soft brush attachment to avoid scratching the blind.
• Removing stains – Use a small amount of water to remove any stains or stubborn marks on slats. Faux Wood Venetian blinds are waterproof so can resist moisture and most cleaning solutions. We still recommend starting lightly.

Operation

• All Perfect Fit and Intu blinds are provided with a tensioned bottom bar, simply raise or lower the blind using the bottom bar.
• It is important, especially with Intu blinds to keep the bottom bar in contact with the side channels. DO NOT pull the bar towards you when raising / lowering the blind, this will stretch the springs and reduce the blinds tension.
• With a Perfect fit Venetian blind, tilt the slats using the clear wand. With and Intu venetian blind, tilt the slats using the slide function on the headrail.

Maintenance

• Intu Blinds – If the bottom bar does not stay in position and slides down on its own, the cord at the bottom of the blind will need to be tensioned by tying a not further up the cord. This should be done equally on both sides. A small amount should suffice.
• Both system components are manufactured using aluminium and plastic. They do not present any corrosion problems in normal environments. The systems have been designed for a smooth operation, together with a rigidity to prolong the window blind’s working life. There are no user serviceable parts, and the system needs no lubrication.

Cleaning

• Remove dust – Ideally using a feather duster or soft, clean cloth. You can also use the vacuum cleaner with the soft brush attachment to avoid scratching the blind.
• Removing stains – Use a small amount of water to remove any stains or stubborn marks. Beware not to get the blind too wet as it may leave a watermark. Gently wipe with a soft, clean cloth and let it air-dry naturally. DO NOT use any cleaning products.

Operation

• Always hold both cords when tilting blind as cord can jump off the turning wheel.
• Have the slats in open position when raising the blind up and down.
• With large blinds it may be required to support the weight of the bottom bar when raising the blind. We always recommend using both hands when raising the blind.
• When raising the blind we also recommend holding the cord consolidator to reduce the risk of this breaking away.

Maintenance

• To take the blind down remove pelmet from the top then open the box bracket in the corner of the recess to release the blind.
• If the child safety clip breaks on the raise cord – simply put the cords back into the clip and push back together.

Cleaning

• When it comes to maintaining Venetian blinds, remember to prioritise frequency over intensity. Cleaning your blinds regularly (e.g. monthly or even weekly) will often do more for them than cleaning them intensively once a year. Regular cleaning will also let you identify and address any maintenance issues with your blinds before they get worse.
• Start light. When cleaning, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Start with light cleaning techniques first (i.e. wiping and dusting) before progressing to more intensive techniques that use liquids and cleaning solutions. Also, if you’re trying a new cleaning product for the first time, try it out first on a small part of your blinds before applying it to everything else.
• Remove dust – Ideally using a feather duster or soft, clean cloth. You can also use the vacuum cleaner with the soft brush attachment to avoid scratching the blind.
• Removing stains – Use a small amount of water to remove any stains or stubborn marks on slats. Metal Venetian blinds can resist moisture and most cleaning solutions. We still recommend starting lightly.

Operation

• Your products will operate using the remote control that has been provided. Your blinds will be set up by our installers, so you simply press up, down and stop. There is no need to press the reset button on the remote control.
• Most remotes have 3 options, Up / Down / Stop (My). All limits will be set by our installers so that you simply have to short press the required instruction and the blind will react.
• A multi-channel remote may be used to operate more than 1 blind. Ensure that the remote is on the correct channel for the blind that you want to operate.
• If a home hub is purchased, we will leave this with you to set up yourself. This is because a personal account is required, and it needs to be linked to your Wi-Fi. You then just need to follow the instructions on the mobile App. If you require any assistance to set this up, please contact us, we will be more than happy to assist.

Maintenance

• Once the blinds are set up there is no maintenance needed other than charging the blinds.
• We will provide at least 1 charger per order, most motors only require charging once every 8 months or so. This will vary depending on size of blind and frequency of use.
• Most motorised blinds are simple to charge, simple run the charger to the blind and plug in. If there is a removeable battery pack, this can be unplugged from the blind and taken to the charger, or it can stay in place to be charged.
• If the battery is removed, this will not affect the use of the blind when reattached, the memory of the limits etc. are saved in the motor. When the battery is reattached, the blind will operate as it was before charging.
• If the remote runs out of battery, simply replace the battery with an identical battery. This should not be required for several years.

Cleaning

• Please refer to the relevant product page for cleaning advice.
• DO NOT use excessive water or cleaning products to clean the remote control or battery.

Operation

• As standard all Pleated blinds will be operated using a cord lock mechanism. Simply pull the cord straight down to raise the blind and slightly to the right to lock in place. To lower, unlock the mechanism by pulling the cord to the left and slowly lowering the blind to the desired level. The blind can be locked in any position.
• For Lite Rise, simply move the bottom bar to the desired level.
• For Smart Cord, pull the cord down and keep hold of the cord as it retracts back into the headrail. To lower the blind, unlock the mechanism by pulling the cord to the left, the blind will slowly lower. You can then lock the blind at any position by giving the cord a light tug.

Maintenance

• If the child safety clip breaks on the raise cord – simply put the cords back into the clip and push back together.
• If the blind appears uneven, ensure that all cords are secured into the child safety clip on the raise cord. If not, locate the loose cord and place back into the clip.

Cleaning

• Remove dust – Ideally using a feather duster or soft, clean cloth. You can also use the vacuum cleaner with the soft brush attachment to avoid scratching the blind.
• Removing stains – Use a small amount of water to remove any stains or stubborn marks. Beware not to get the blind too wet as it may leave a watermark. Gently wipe with a soft, clean cloth and let it air-dry naturally. DO NOT use any cleaning products.

Operation

• Gently pull on the looped chain until the blind is raised/lowered to the desired level. The blind will stay in place under its own friction and does not need any further fastening.
• For motorised blinds, use the relevant remote control and simply raise and lower using the up and down buttons.

Maintenance

• Most chains will have a breakaway clip (child safety feature) that can sometimes come away with normal operation. If this comes apart, it just needs clipping back together to make the chain useable again.
• To remove the blind from the brackets, the blind has spring pin end (opposite to control end) to release the blind. Ensure that you always support the weight of the blind.

Cleaning

• Each material will have a different cleaning instruction which are visible on the back of the original sample, however once the fabric is manufactured into a roller blind, Concorde Blinds do not recommend cleaning any of the fabrics.
• Regular light dusting should be sufficient. Do not use any cleaning solutions or heavy moisture to clean the blinds.

Operation

• Roman blinds are manually operated via looped plastic or metal ball chain controls. Pull on the back of the looped chain until the blind is lowered to the desired level. The fabric will simply stay in place under its own friction and do not need any further fastening.
• To raise the blind, gently pull on the front of the looped chain until the fabric is at the desired level.
• The chain mechanism will have a child safety feature as standard. This will either be a P-Clip to secure the chain to the wall, or a break away wheel inside the mechanism that will release under excessive force.

Maintenance

• The cords on the back the blind have a child safety break away clip that can sometimes release off the back. If the blind appears uneven at the bottom check all cords are attached on the reverse of the blind. If one has become detached this just needs to be clipped back onto the relevant clip to get the blind level again.
• To take down the blind remove the face cloth from the head rail (Velcro) then push the front of the rail back toward the window and twist the back out to release the blind.
• TOP TIP: Use a step or ladder to get eye level with the headrail, then use both hands to push the headrail towards the window with both thumbs on the Velcro.
• Our roman blind system components are manufactured using aluminium and plastic. They do not present any corrosion problems in normal environments. The system has been designed for a smooth operation, together with a rigidity to prolong the window blind’s working life. There are no user serviceable parts, and the system needs no lubrication.

Cleaning

• Each material will have a different cleaning instruction which is visible on the back of the original sample, however once the fabric is manufactured into a roman blind, we do not recommend cleaning or dry cleaning any product.
• Regular light dusting should be sufficient. Do not use any cleaning solutions or heavy moisture to clean the blinds.

Operation

• Never pull the shutter panels open using the tilt rod—this can pull out the staples and damage the shutter.
• To hinge the panels open, tilt the louvers open, grasp the panel by the stile and gently open.
• Tilt the slats either using the tilt rod, or with hidden/silent tilt you can use any of the slats to tilt open/closed.
• Tilting the slats upwards will provide the best room darkening effect.

Maintenance

• If the slats start to appear loose, there is a screw either side of the door that can be turned only half a turn to tighten the slats. DO NOT overturn these screws, a little bit will affect the tightness a lot.
• If you need to remove the entire door panel, simply remove the pins from the hinge to take the doors out of frame.

Cleaning

• Remove dust – Ideally using a feather duster or soft, clean cloth. You can also use the vacuum cleaner with the soft brush attachment to avoid scratching the blind.
• Removing stains – Use a small amount of water to remove any stains or stubborn marks on slats. Beware not to get the slats too wet as the wood may absorb moisture. Wipe each slat with a soft, clean cloth and let it air-dry naturally. DO NOT use any cleaning products.

Operation

• Wand control – tilting the operating wand will rotate the slats. Moving the wand to the side will draw the blind open and closed.
• Cord and Chain – The chain will rotate the slats. The cord will draw the blind open and closed.
• IMPORTANT: Always make sure the slats are tilted to the open position before drawing the slats side to side.

Maintenance

• To take the blind down, firstly remove all the slats (with them tilted to the open position). Behind the headrail will be metal brackets that you need to push up to the top of the recess, this will release the headrail from the brackets. The rail will then twist out from the back of the bracket.

Cleaning

• Each material will have a different cleaning instruction which are visible on the back of the original sample, however once the fabric is manufactured into a Vertical blind, Concorde Blinds do not recommend cleaning any of the fabrics.
• Regular light dusting should be sufficient. Do not use any cleaning solutions or heavy moisture to clean the blinds.
• We DO NOT recommend removing the slats to deep clean in the bath or washing machine.

Blinds

• Concorde Blinds are covered for a period of 12 months from the date of installation. More information can be seen within our Terms and Conditions.
• A fault or defect will only be considered if clearly visible when stood 1 metre away. If it is necessary to inspect closer than this and magnify the area, we have the right to inspect ourselves and reject the issue raised.

Curtains

• Concorde Curtains are covered for a period of 12 months from the date of installation. More information can be seen within our Terms and Conditions.
• A fault or defect will only be considered if clearly visible when stood 1 metre away. If it is necessary to inspect closer than this and magnify the area, we have the right to inspect ourselves and reject the issue raised.

Shutters

• Colour fastness will remain true for a period of 3 years, and the Shutters will be free from defects in workmanship for a period of 3 years from delivery and the Hardware (hinges, magnets etc.) will be free from defects for a period of 1 year from delivery and any Stainless-steel hardware will be free from defects for a period of 3 years from delivery.
• More information can be seen within our Terms and Conditions.
• A fault or defect will only be considered if clearly visible when stood 1 metre away. If it is necessary to inspect closer than this and magnify the area, we have the right to inspect ourselves and reject the issue raised.

Motorisation

• Somfy offers end product suppliers a 5-year warranty on all motors and controls. For the product warranty please refer to the relevant product detail.
• Louvolite One Touch offer a 2 year warranty on all motors and controls. For the product warranty please refer to the relevant product detail.

Awnings

• Our patio awnings come with 5-year parts only guarantee, covering the hardware (metalwork inc. folding arms), fabric (excluding valance) and mechanism (motors, controls & sensors).
• Accessories, including lighting, heating & special brackets come with a 12-month parts guarantee.
• Valances and gearboxes including gear eyes and winding handles are not covered under the guarantee.
• The guarantee does not cover fair wear and tear, misuse of the goods, incorrect installation/adjustment, accidental damage, or adverse environmental conditions.
• The guarantee is limited to the supply only of parts and does not cover labour costs.

Operation

• Always hold both cords when tilting blind as cord can jump off the turning wheel.
• Have the slats in open position when raising the blind up and down.
• With large blinds it may be required to support the weight of the bottom bar when raising the blind. We always recommend using both hands when raising the blind.
• When raising the blind we also recommend holding the cord consolidator to reduce the risk of this breaking away.

Maintenance

• To take the blind down remove pelmet from the top then open the box bracket in the corner of the recess to release the blind.
• If the child safety clip breaks on the raise cord – simply put the cords back into the clip and push back together.

Cleaning

• When it comes to maintaining Venetian blinds, remember to prioritise frequency over intensity. Cleaning your blinds regularly (e.g. monthly or even weekly) will often do more for them than cleaning them intensively once a year. Regular cleaning will also let you identify and address any maintenance issues with your blinds before they get worse.
• Start light. When cleaning, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Start with light cleaning techniques first (i.e. wiping and dusting) before progressing to more intensive techniques that use liquids and cleaning solutions. Also, if you’re trying a new cleaning product for the first time, try it out first on a small part of your blinds before applying it to everything else.
• Remove dust – Ideally using a feather duster or soft, clean cloth. You can also use the vacuum cleaner with the soft brush attachment to avoid scratching the blind.
• Removing stains – Use a small amount of water to remove any stains or stubborn marks on slats. Beware not to get the slats too wet as the wood may absorb moisture. Wipe each slat with a soft, clean cloth and let it air-dry naturally.