Are Plantation Shutters Easy To Clean?

Plantation shutters provide both a unique and stylish window covering option. Fabric curtains are surely a thing of the past in many modern homes. They may appear great during the first few months, but after a couple of washes they begin to fade and lose their appeal. In fact, it is for this very reason that people are opting to install plantation shutters instead of curtains over their windows and door openings. A common question asked when people are considering installing shutters is: “Are plantation shutters easy to clean?”

To answer this question, we first need to understand how plantation shutters are made. Plantation shutters can be made from synthetic materials, natural materials, or a mixture of both. These materials are used because they deliver a product that is both durable and attractive. MyShutters Online supply a number of products that take advantage of the strength, durability and aesthetic appeal of manufactured materials and natural timber: Woodlore, Woodbury, and Normandy.

Each of these is of the highest quality and are suited for use in specific situations. In any case, cleaning them is very easy and quick. As long as you have a soft piece of cloth, some water, and preferably some soap or cleaning detergent, you are good to go. Of course, care has to be taken as to which type of soap or detergent will clean your shutters best without damaging or discoloring them. For this reason, we recommend testing your cleaning product in a small inconspicuous area first.

The type of finish on your shutters will determine, among other things, the method of cleaning. Of the four examples of plantation shutters mentioned above, only Woodbury is exclusively made for damp or highly moist areas. Nonetheless, whether you have Woodbury shutters or another style, we recommend that you do not soak your shutters in water when cleaning them. Please take great caution with this, it is very important.

So, to begin with, you should make sure that the cloth you are using is very soft. We recommend cotton since it is soft and holds just the right amount of water after wringing. Woolen fabric will not completely dry off the water that you have applied, which can prove disastrous for your shutters, especially if exposed to sunlight.

The first step is to dust off the fine dust particles with a soft brush. Then – using the cotton cloth and starting from the top louvers – gently wipe off the sticky dirt using a horizontal motion. If you apply too much pressure you may damage your shutters. Remember to use strokes as opposed to rubbing, since you want to maintain that perfect finish.

Keep repeating this process on all the louvers until you achieve your desired result. It may be a tedious job to do alone so we recommend you ask someone to give you a hand! The idea here is to keep your shutters in mint condition so that they retain their appeal for many years to come.

This cleaning process can be done as often as you like, depending on the area in which you have installed the plantation shutters. Dust and water/moisture are the factors that determine how often you should clean your shutters.

If you would like more information on maintaining your shutters, or if you are considering installing shutters, please contact us for friendly and helpful advice.