how to clean plantation shutters

Plantation shutters are stylish and durable. But like any part of your home’s décor, shutters will need regular upkeep to maintain their appearance and make them last as long as possible. Here’s what you need to know about how to clean plantation shutters.

Start by Removing Dust

The first step is to give your shutters a once-over and get rid of as much dust as possible. The more dust you remove now, the less work you’ll have to do later. You can use your vacuum cleaner’s brush attachment or wipe each slat with a microfiber cloth.

Start at the top and work your way down so you don’t get dust on slats that you have already cleaned. Go over the slats one at a time and clean around the edges and in the spaces between them. After you have worked your way from top to bottom, angle the slats the other way so you can remove dust from the other side.

Clean the Shutters

Getting rid of dust will dramatically improve the appearance of your shutters, but that alone won’t be enough. Your shutters will probably have some stuck-on dirt and grime. Make sure you know how to clean plantation shutters the right way.

• Use a product that’s appropriate for your type of shutters. You might be tempted to use a cleaning product that contains harsh chemicals or scrub aggressively with a brush, but doing either of those things can damage your shutters.
• You can remove stubborn stains with a mix of water and mild detergent. Dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and wring out the cloth before you begin to clean the shutters. The cloth should be damp, not wet. If you have plantation shutters made with real wood, you’ll have to be particularly careful when using water. Excessive moisture can warp wood and cause permanent damage.
• Wipe the edges of the slats and clean the hardware. If there are any nooks and crannies that you can’t clean with the cloth, you can use a toothbrush. Just be sure that it has soft bristles.
• If you use water to clean your shutters, wipe them dry with a cloth. That will help you prevent water spots and prevent wood shutters from warping.
• You can also use furniture polish to keep your wood shutters looking like new. Before you use a product, read the label to make sure that it’s compatible with your type of shutters. Again, just be sure to follow the directions carefully.

Learn More about Plantation Shutters

Now that you know how to clean plantation shutters, you’re ready to keep them in pristine condition for years to come. If you don’t yet have shutters, but you’re interested in installing them, contact Knox Blinds at (865) 544-8339 to schedule an in-home consultation and see our high-quality options for yourself!