Indoor plantation shutters are beautiful, promote ventilation, and increase the value of your home. Window shutters are very durable and last a lifetime, but as with any other home items, they need to be cleaned to remain in pristine shape. It’s not a terribly large task to dust them once every two weeks and deep clean them when needed, maybe once a year.
Regular cleaning and maintenance will prolong the lifespan of your shutters and keep them looking new as well. However, the different materials of shutters do require different cleaning methods when learning how to clean plantation shutters. Here are some shutter cleaning tips to help you out.
How to Clean The Different Types of Shutters
Most all shutters can be cleaned in the same manner. However, there is an exception to this rule, depending on your type of window shutter.
Vinyl shutters are relatively easy to clean. You can use a mild detergent mixed with water and a soft cloth or sponge to wipe away dirt and grime. Rinse thoroughly with water and allow them to air dry.
Wooden shutters require gentle cleaning to prevent damage. Start by dusting the shutters with a soft brush or microfiber cloth. For deeper cleaning, use a mixture of mild soap and water. Avoid excessive moisture, and be sure to dry the shutters completely after cleaning.
Aluminum shutters are durable and low-maintenance. They can be cleaned with a mixture of mild soap and water. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe away dirt and rinse thoroughly with water. Dry the shutters to prevent water spots.
Tips for Maintaining Clean Window Shutters
Choose the Right Cleaning Products
You should be aware of what types of cleaning supplies are suitable for maintenance of window shutters, and the steps for cleaning shutters. All types of shutters, no matter what materials they are made from, can be dusted with a soft cloth or a micro fiber cloth for removing dust from shutters. But deep cleaning does vary. Faux wood, aluminum and vinyl shutters or faux wood shutters can be cleaned with a solution of water and a mild detergent. However, try not ever to get your wood shutters wet, although you can use a bit of furniture polish or lemon oil to brighten them up. Other tools needed for cleaning shutters includes a toothbrush and laundry dryer sheets.
Regularly Remove Dust
Your routine maintenance for all types of shutters includes closing the slats as tightly as possible and using a micro fiber cloth, other soft cloth or feather duster to remove dust from both sides of the shutter panels. Start at the top and work your way down in horizontal swipes. Otherwise, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to dust them. You can wipe all types of shutters with a dryer sheet to prevent future buildups of dust, debris, pollen and pet dander.
Maintain Brightness with a Damp Cloth
Keep your shutters bright when cleaning interior shutters by wiping them off about once a week with a damp cloth, unless you have wooden shutters. Use a damp toothbrush to clean the hinges and corners of the shutters. You can wipe exterior shutters about once a month with a damp cloth.
Clean Exterior Shutter Hinges Monthly
Clean exterior shutter hinges monthly to prevent them becoming squeaky or stiff. Brush away any debris first and then apply a drop of a household lubricant on the hinges. Open and close the panels to work the lubricant into the joints for smooth operation when cleaning exterior shutters.
Tackling Stubborn Stains
If your shutters get something splashed or spilled on them, wipe it off immediately, so it doesn’t cause stains. If there is a stain, you can dampen a cloth and wring it almost dry and dab at the stain to remove it on all types of shutter materials except for wood. If this doesn’t work, try using DIY shutter cleaning solutions of water and a few drops of mild dish soap or white vinegar. Then pat the area dry.
Handle Louvers with Care
When you are opening and closing your shutter slats, make certain you use the tilt rod to open, close and adjust the slats. If you have a hidden tilt rod or an invisible tilt rod, you should always grasp a louver in the center of it horizontally to adjust the slats and not from either end of a slat.
Avoid Excessive Force on Louvers
Sometimes shutters can be difficult to open and close with the slats on the panels. Don’t force them to move because this can cause them to break under excessive force repeatedly. You can adjust the screw on the upper end of the shutter panel with a screwdriver to loosen or tighten the tension, so you can operate them with ease. Turn the screw 1/4 turn to the right to tighten loose slats, or 1/4 turn to the left to loosen the slats. Check your adjustments and repeat if necessary to get the correct tension.
Consider Replacement for Practicality and Style
If your shutters came with your home, and they are several years old, you may want to replace them with new shutters made of modern materials and with the convenience of motorization to add to your Smart home. Choose from many different styles and colors to match your decor seamlessly.
Conclusion
Cleaning your shutters regularly will keep them in good working order, leave them looking like new and help them to last much longer. Using expert cleaning tips and best practices for shutter cleaning will allow you to clean them like a professional without causing harm to your beautiful investment. It takes very little time and effort to include shutter cleaning with your other tasks when cleaning your home.
Take the necessary steps to keep them clean and in optimal condition. For high-quality window shutters that combine style and functionality, be sure to check out shutters from Best Blinds and Sexy Shutters, where you can find a wide range of options to suit your preferences.
Maintain your window shutters with care, and enjoy the beauty and elegance they bring to your home for years to come.