Pleated Shades

[Bill and Margo]

Any ideas on getting the pleats back in shape? Like them so don't want to replace them if possible. Will be putting up curtains this winter but will still use them.

Sorry for the rotation.

[JayArras]

I'd be interested in hearing ideas about this also.

[Bill and Margo]

I'm getting the impression that nobody has a solution. Oh well.

[CampingGator]

Our pleats were originally messed up by an RV repair person who pushed our recliners too close to the shade. I have to reshape them with my fingers when we open them. It takes a minute or two, but that is the best way I know. I think once they fold funny, you can’t do anything to permanently fix them.

[JayArras]

Remove and iron with a warm iron?

[Bill and Margo]

Hubby's recliner rests against ours and was hoping someone had some solution. Jay's idea with an iron got me thinking of a hair straightner or a hand held steamer? Maybe use some spray-on starch also?? That might work.

[myxkp]

Our shades do this from time to time when they have been down for long periods. We carefully fold the pleats into place as we raise it to fully open and leave it for a day or two. This always works best with 2 people folding and raising the shade together.
We use reflectec to cover the windows while in storage so the shades are raised most of the time. Reduces buckling and sun damage. liveworkdream.com has a good video for complete shade disassembly and repair if you need to do more than carefully fold it up.

[gbaldwin]

Best thing you can do for pleted shades is leave them up when not in use so they stay folded tight keeping their creases. Up when driving....always

Course theres some tradeoff there and many will say "Why have em if your gonna leave em up".... I understand that too.

When in storage (covered for me) shades are always UP.

Was in the blind business at one time and keeping them UP...Tight.... for periods of time is recommended to help with keeping their shape.

Otherwise just replace a bit more often.

[Jeff6146]

OMG yes, it’s a pain in the *ss right? Yes I like him too. And yes mine are always messing up. I typically try and grab them on each side parallel and just work my way up folding them back each time I set up. I’m having trouble with my two sliding doors that seal off the living room so it especially turns into another bedroom like the master. They are ripping the dang latches out of the wall in movement.

[Jeff6146]

BTW anyone know why my blower doesn’t work in my fireplace in the living room. I just remembered I need to pull that out and get it fixed. I’m hoping I’m able to diagnose the issue.

[JayArras]

Originally Posted by Jeff6146

BTW anyone know why my blower doesn’t work in my fireplace in the living room. I just remembered I need to pull that out and get it fixed. I’m hoping I’m able to diagnose the issue.

[Bill and Margo]

Originally Posted by Jeff6146

BTW anyone know why my blower doesn’t work in my fireplace in the living room. I just remembered I need to pull that out and get it fixed. I’m hoping I’m able to diagnose the issue.

I think you need to post this in a more popular thread.

[cboss]

I've replaced all of ours with these.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/allen-roth-...-in/1000846144

No strings to break, they look good, and travel just fine. They came in many sizes.

[JayArras]

Originally Posted by cboss

I've replaced all of ours with these.

No strings to break, they look good, and travel just fine. They came in many sizes.

What says those are not going to wrinkle like the others if something presses up against them?

[cboss]

Originally Posted by JayArras

What says those are not going to wrinkle like the others if something presses up against them?

2+ years and 18,000 miles so far. Some miles during winter, some in the southwest during the summer. most in moderate weather. So far no problems. These are "home" quality shades. Do homeowners have problems with wrinkling?

[JayArras]

Originally Posted by cboss

2+ years and 18,000 miles so far. Some miles during winter, some in the southwest during the summer. most in moderate weather. So far no problems. These are "home" quality shades. Do homeowners have problems with wrinkling?

Sounds like you found a winner. Homeowner shades typically don't suffer the abuse that RV shades do.

[cboss]

We have been really happy with them.
Started in our old camper trying to repair broken strings. Got tired of that.
When we got the new camper we ordered day/night shades. It was even harder to replace those strings as they broke from wear.
These are a big improvement.
It takes a little modifying to install, but worth it.