Dos and Don'ts for Cleaning Shutters

Shutters are one of the excellent way to add beauty, style, privacy and functionality to your home. Plus, the big choice of options available at Australian Plantation Shutters makes it easy to look out shutters that complement your home's style, and also we are ready to customize existing shutters.

To maintain its beauty and ensure the gloss of the finish, it is essential to clean the shutters regularly. To help you select the ideal cleaning regimen for your shutters, we've put together a guide to cleaning different types of shutters. This will answer any questions about what cleaning products to use and what to avoid to keep your blinds safe.

Dos and Don'ts for Cleaning Shutters

Let's be honest. Cleaning the shutters isn't the best way to spend the weekend. Having to clean each slat is a boring and often postponed task. If only the shutters could clean themselves or just wash in the rain! Okay enough illusions, let's start with the most effective ways to clean your shutters efficiently so you'll be able to get back to your weekend.

If you dust your shutters repeatedly, they should not require deep cleaning for more than once or twice a year. But of course this also depends on the dust and dirt they are exposed to.

Plantation shutters

Dust regularly

Plantation exterior shutters can get especially dirty, counting on the weather. Interior shutters also collect dust, so it is essential to clean them regularly. Dust each interior shutter slat with a dry or microfiber cloth. You can also vacuum with a dry brush attachment on an occasional setting to clean each slat. Since the dust from the upper slats will settle on the lower slats, start at the top and work your way through each slat to the bottom. Make sure to clean the windowsill, as the dust will settle there as you clean its way down. Turn the slats and repeat the process. Likewise, dust your exterior shutters regularly as well.

Clean with a wet cloth

If dusting does not leave a clean surface on the shutters, wipe the interior shutters with a damp cloth to remove stubborn dirt. Use a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar with a touch of mild dish soap and wring the fabric almost dry. Pay particular attention to removing dirt build-up on the hinges and corners of the racks. An old toothbrush is good for getting into crevices and crevices.

Similarly, you can clean your exterior shutters at least once a month to prevent dirt build-up. However, in bad weather locations, cleaning more frequently is highly recommended to help maintain materials such as vinyl and painted finishes.

Shutters: aluminum, vinyl, painted wood and synthetic wood

Dust the shutters regularly so deep cleaning is just an occasional event. Close the shutters as flat as possible and dust with a shutter cleaner such as a feather duster or soft cloth. Start at the top and work your way through each slat. Work all the way down, then turn the slats over and repeat the process, remembering to dust the windowsill as well.

For an enhanced dust-resistant finish, "one more time" with a dryer sheet or duster lightly sprayed with a silicone-free antistatic spray. For quick and easy cleaning of the louvers, you can buy special tools that clean both sides of several slats at the same time.

Another easy cleaning alternative is to vacuum the slats with a brush attachment on a low intensity setting, starting with the top slat and working your way down. Turn the slats and repeat the process, finishing with the dryer sheet treatment.

Real wood shutters

When cleaning real wood shutters, it is important that they never get wet. It is recommended to regularly dust wooden shutters to maintain their shine. One way to remove the dust from your shutters, is to clean the sides, bottom and top of each slat with dry or microfiber cloth to achieve clean, and shiny appearance. Once a month, you can clean each slat (top, bottom, and side) with a soft cloth lightly sprayed with furniture polish or lemon oil. These ingredients help preserve the natural fantastic thing about the wood.

Deep Cleaning Real Wood Blinds

Very dirty wooden shutters can be cleaned with a clean cotton cloth and a mild detergent in warm water, wrung out almost dry. After cleaning, rinse the area with clean water and dry it with a cotton cloth immediately to protect the wood from moisture.

Exterior shutters: aluminum, vinyl and composite material

To clean exterior shutters in a two-story home, you may need to use a ladder, extension rods, and a helper for added security. For a quick clean, start by brushing all loose dirt off the shutters. Hose down your shutter first, then clean them with water with soap and a mop. Rinse immediately so the soapy water does not dry out. Keep drying them with a clean microfiber mop. An alternative cleaning method is to remove loose dirt and then pressure wash with a pressure washer, rinse and dry as just described.

Inexpensive blinds for all your window covering needs

With regular dusting and regular deep cleaning, you can keep your shutters looking new. However, if the shutters are beyond cleaning stage, consider installing new ones from Australian Plantation Shutters. We have a wide range of shutters to meet both your aesthetic and functional needs.

If you have specific requirements or want help deciding the perfect window shades for your home, schedule a free in-home consultation. Our experts are trained to assess your requirements, take precise measurements, and outfit your home with window treatments that are perfectly tailored to your needs.