Plantation shutters offer more than functionality. They also provide aesthetic appeal and customisability, making them essential window treatments for modern homes in Australia.
The best part? They are also easy to clean and maintain. Of course, they still require a bit of care to provide consistent insulation and beauty to your home.
In this blog, we’ll share the essential steps and best practices for cleaning plantation shutters, keeping them functional and aesthetically pleasing for years to come.
With the right knowledge and some expert tips for hassle-free maintenance, cleaning window shutters can become a straightforward process. Follow these steps and keep in mind the best practices we discuss below:
Using a feather duster or dry cloth, remove dust and debris from your window shutters. Make sure you run it over each slat from top to bottom to dislodge dust that may have built up over time.
Pro Tip: You can vacuum your window shutters to clean it more efficiently. All you need to do is pop on the upholstery attachment and run it over the shutters.
Be sure to get every nook and cranny. This applies to bi-fold plantation shutters and all other variations of this window treatment.
Develop a weekly schedule for dusting the window shutters to reduce hard-to-remove dirt and reduce the use of liquid cleaners.
Remember to vacuum the floor around your shutters to get the debris that may have fallen while cleaning your plantation shutters.
Wipe your shutters using a dryer sheet to prevent dust from sticking to the individual slats and reduce your cleaning time. Pay close attention to the space between the shutters and other dust-prone spots.
Next, gently wipe the shutters with a damp cloth. Stick to water and gentle cleaners. Avoid harsh chemicals as much as possible; only use them sparingly when tackling stubborn stains.
Replace the wipes whenever it becomes very dirty. This way, you’re not just spreading the dust and dirt around the shutters.
Repeat this process several times until your damp wipe shows no sign of dirt. At this stage, the shutters should also look much cleaner.
Pro Tip: For easy cleaning, use cotton gloves or an old but clean sock. You can also use white vinegar to get rid of dust marks and stains. Just don’t forget to wring out any excess liquid, ensuring that the sock or glove is barely damp.
Never spray water or any liquid cleaner directly onto the window shutters. Be careful not to drench the cloth too much, as excessive moisture can bend, warp or discolour the shutters, especially those made of wood.
Ensure proper drying after using a damp cloth or wipe to prevent water damage and spotting.
If it’s sunny, leaving the shutters open should be enough to dry them naturally. But if the weather is unfavourable, you can direct a fan towards the windows to help with the drying process.
Plantation shutters can be made of a variety of materials, including:
Some are also manufactured with insulite. This foam-like polymer is made of recycled material and resembles wood.
Most materials used for plantation shutters are easy to clean, though a few require extra care. Here, we discuss the best ways to clean plantation shutters based on their material:
If you have PVC shutters, you can follow the basic steps for cleaning plantation shutters discussed above. If you keep the washcloth damp but not totally wet, you can also use a mild detergent to wipe the slats down.
Traditional plantation shutters made of wood must be cleaned without too much water. Stick to dry wiping as much as possible.
If it can’t be helped, wet only a tiny part of a brush and use it to scrub any stains gently. If that doesn’t work, you may opt for a gentle cleaning material, provided you dry off the area immediately and thoroughly.
Shutters made from synthetic materials are much more damage-resistant, even when cleaned using less-than-mild chemicals. However, they will still need to be dried off thoroughly.
Again, regular dusting can reduce the chances of hard-to-remove dirt accumulating on the shutters’ surfaces. But if it cannot be avoided, stick to the manufacturer-recommended cleaning products.
Extending the life of your plantation shutters requires regular cleaning and maintenance. With the steps and tips you learned from this guide, you can enjoy those gorgeous bifold, sliding, and hinged plantation shutters for as long as you want.
Are you having trouble deciding what window covering to use for your home? Talk to us. Our experts are here to help you find the best addition to your modern home.
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