Plantation shutters are a great choice for anyone looking for a stylish, beautiful and practical window covering for their home. But plantation shutters aren’t just good-looking — they’re also incredibly low maintenance and take very little effort to keep clean.
But what’s the best way to clean plantation shutters?
We’ve got you covered. In this blog, we’ll show you how to clean plantation shutters made with timber, aluminium or sophisticated Fusion Plus materials — so you can leave your new shutters looking good-as-new for years to come. Read on!
What’s the best way to clean plantation shutters?
While cleaning your shutters is a quick and easy job, we recommend cleaning your shutters on a regular basis. This will prevent dust and dirt from building up on the surface of your shutters, reducing your overall shutters’ maintenance. We suggest giving your shutters a light dusting at least once per week and wiping them with a soft cloth every other week to remove any stubborn dust particles or marks.
Here’s how to clean your plantation shutters in three easy steps.
Step #1: Vacuum your shutters
Remove the dust and debris from the surface of your shutters with a soft brush vacuum attachment. This is a great way to clear the dust from the top of your shutters without needing to use a ladder to reach the higher louvres. When done correctly, vacuuming should remove most of the dust from your louvres, making the next few steps quicker to complete.
Step #2: Wipe your shutters
Wipe down the surface of each louvre with a clean, dry cloth. This will get rid of most of the remaining dust and dirt, and can also remove any light marks and stains. We recommend paying particular attention to the corners and crevices at the ends of each shutter while wiping.
Step #3: Remove stains and marks with a wet cloth
Using a damp cloth, gently wipe your shutters to remove any remaining stains or marks. You likely won’t need to complete this step if your plantation shutters are clean after steps one and two. The amount of water used depends on the type of material your plantation shutters are made from. We recommend using as little water as possible when cleaning, and wiping your shutters afterwards to remove any remaining liquid.
While plantation shutters are easier to clean than most types of shutters and blinds, we recommend choosing shutters made from Fusion Plus materials for the easiest cleaning experience.
Fusion Plus is an advanced carbon and glass fibre composite that combines the classic look of timber with the durability of aluminium. Fusion Plus plantation shutters are made with an aluminium strip through each louvre that prevents chipping, warping and splitting, giving you better long-term performance — without sacrificing style. Plus, Fusion Plus is moisture resistant, making it suitable for wet areas and for fast cleaning with a damp cloth.
How to clean plantation shutters made from timber
Not all shutters are built the same. While Fusion Plus is our shutter material of choice, many shutters are made with classic timber hardwood.
Timber is a durable, stylish option, but this type of shutter has slightly different cleaning requirements compared to Fusion Plus and aluminium. Because of this, it’s important to clean each type of material properly to avoid accidentally staining or damaging your shutters
If you’re wondering how to clean plantation shutters made from timber, the process isn’t too different from cleaning any other type of plantation shutter. Give your shutters a light dust once per week and wipe them down with a soft, clean cloth to remove any dirt, marks or light stains.
The main difference between timber shutters and Fusion Plus shutters is their level of moisture resistance. It’s important to avoid getting timber shutters wet, as this can damage the shutters and affect their longevity.
Moisture can be used sparingly for persistent marks or stains, but always use caution when cleaning your shutters with water. Use a clean cloth with a solution of lukewarm water and detergent. Make sure the cloth is almost completely dry before cleaning each louvre. We also recommend wiping your timber shutters again with a clean, dry cloth afterwards to remove any lingering moisture.
How to clean plantation shutters made from aluminium
Because of their placement outdoors, aluminium shutters are designed to be sturdier and more durable than other materials. However, this means aluminium shutters will collect a large amount of dust, grime, sand, debris and other dirt, so we recommend cleaning your aluminium shutters more frequently than timber or Fusion Plus.
We recommend giving your shutters a dry clean and a wet clean to get the best results. First, use a brush to dislodge any dirt or debris from the surface of your shutters. Unlike timber, aluminium shutters are moisture resistant, which means you can hose them down to remove any remaining debris and grime from the surface of the louvres.
After this, scrub your shutters with a sponge and warm, soapy water. Make sure to rinse your shutters again to wash away the remaining soap. If left to settle, the soap can leave spots and small marks that will leave your shutters looking dirty.
We recommend drying your shutters by wiping them with a clean, dry cloth. However, you can also leave your shutters to air dry in hot, windy or sunny conditions.
How to avoid common problems with plantation shutters when cleaning
Despite their excellent durability, there are several problems with plantation shutters that can occur if they’re not cleaned properly. If you want to know how to clean plantation shutters without damaging, warping or bending them, we recommend following these safety tips when cleaning your shutters:
Avoid chemicals and other harsh solutions. Chemicals and other cleaning agents can damage or warp the surface of your shutters.
Clean your shutters in the open position. Cleaning your shutters in the open position gives you more access to the full surface of the shutter. This prevents dust from getting lodged in the corners and any crevices of your shutter.
Avoid putting pressure on the louvres while cleaning. While plantation shutters are known for their durability, it’s important not to put too much weight or pressure on each louvre during the cleaning process. Wipe your louvres delicately without pressing down too hard to avoid damaging them.
How long do plantation shutters last?
So, how long do plantation shutters last? Depending on the type of material used and the quality of your installation, a set of plantation shutters can last for years before needing to be replaced.
Factors including harsh sunlight, exposure to moisture and handling your shutters too roughly can reduce their lifespan. However, shutters made from durable materials like Fusion Plus are better equipped to handle the elements and can last for over a decade with proper maintenance and upkeep.
Install a new set of stylish, functional and long-lasting plantation shutters in your home with Blinds-N-Shutters
When it comes to installing a new set of plantation shutters in your home, don’t settle for second best.
At Blinds-N-Shutters, we go the extra mile to ensure your new shutters are installed with the utmost care and attention to detail. We’ve been providing expert installations of Fusion Plus, timber and aluminium shutters for years, with exceptional results. Whether you’re redecorating your space, getting your home ready to sell or looking for a no-fuss window covering, we’ve got the right shutters for your needs.
Book a consultation with our expert installers today, or visit our Thornton showroom to explore our full range!
