Windows are an excellent way to make your room airy, let in natural light also adding to the visual look of the room. Window coverings further add to the style, functionality, and privacy. The wide variety of options in window shutters makes it easy to find shutters for every corner of your home. Shutters last longer than other window treatments.
What are the Do’s and Don’ts?
Cleaning shutters on weekends is not what you wish for. Cleaning every slat is quite cumbersome. If you dust your shutters every weekend, they won’t require deep cleaning more than once or twice a year.
Cleaning plantation shutters
Interior window shutters gain dust like any other window treatment. That is why you need to clean them frequently. You can take a dry cloth or a microfiber cloth to wipe off the dust. Even a vacuum cleaner with a dry brush attachment can be used to clean each slat. Start from the top slat and keep cleaning until you reach the bottom.
Cleaning with a damp cloth and soap solution
If you still notice some stains or grime after dry cleaning, wipe them with a damp cloth. For deep cleaning, you can take equal amounts of water and white vinegar and add a little dishwashing liquid, no harsh chemicals. Stir the mixture and apply it gently on the surface and then wipe it with a clean damp cloth.
If you notice some dirt build-up in the corner or hinges of the window shutter, use an old toothbrush.
Cleaning shutters – aluminum, vinyl, faux wood
Regularly dusting the shutters reduces the chances of a thorough cleaning. Keep the shutters in a closed position and start cleaning from the top and then covering each slat to reach the bottom. Rotate the slat and repeat the process. There are various specialty tools available in the market like a dryer sheet, non-silicone anti-static spray that can be used to give finishing touches to your cleaning.
Cleaning real wood shutters
When you have real wood shutters, you should never use water. Instead, dust the wood shutters regularly – start from the top. You can make use of furniture polish or lemon oil to finish the cleaning. It will retain the natural look and feel of the wood shutters. Regular dusting and once or twice deep cleaning will keep your window shutters looking new.