Shutters are a beautiful addition to any home. Whether you choose French, bay or plantation, they come with a huge range of benefits. One of the most important aspects of preserving your shutters beauty is the correct cleaning and shutter maintenance. Without this, your shutters will lose their lustre and need repairs earlier. Let’s explore the appropriate techniques and processes you can carry out to preserve your blinds for years to come.
The Difference Between Shutter Materials
The material which your shutters are made from will dictate the maintenance and cleaning processes you carry out. For example, moisture is not recommended on any timber shutters as it can cause warping.
Aluminium shutters can resist small amounts of water, but should be kept away from excessive amounts if possible. Plastic, however, is moisture resistant. That’s why it’s often used in kitchens and bathrooms.
We’re going to split our cleaning and maintenance techniques into material categories. There will be some crossover, but it’s important to know which techniques will work for each material.
Timber & Aluminium Shutters
Moisture should be avoided when cleaning both timber and aluminium shutters. A dry microfibre cloth is the perfect tool for this job. Simply open your shutters to a horizontal angle and wipe the tops and bottoms to remove any build up of dust or debris.
The only time you would use a damp cloth is to remove very stubborn stains. Less is more when it comes to using water. You don’t want a warped timber shutter or a rusty aluminium blind.
Once you’re done, take a small brush, like a paintbrush or toothbrush, and gently clean the corners where your cloth may have missed.
Plastic Blinds
The cleaning process for plastic blinds is similar to timber and aluminium maintenance. However, using a damp cloth is absolutely fine for plastic. It’s often advised to use a damp cloth because it’s convenient and effective. Build ups of grime or grease will be removed a lot easier with a damp cloth than a dry one.
Shutter Maintenance
Cleaning is an important role in shutter maintenance. Arguably, it’s the most important thing to do! However, there are a few other techniques and preventative measures one can take to preserve the life and aesthetics of their blinds.
Cleaning and oiling your hinges is a helpful way to prolong your shutters. Often the moving parts are the first to break. If they seize or snap due to negligence, it can be a costly repair. Gentle use of your shutters will go a long way in preventing damage. Make sure you don’t force any stiffness or lift from the middle. Treat your shutters with care and they’ll look great for years to come.
Contact The Shutter Co for Your Blinds and Shutters
If you’re looking for a huge range of products with plenty of versatility to suit your home, get in touch with The Shutter Co. We can arrange a free design consultation for you with one of our expert team members.