How to Clean Shutters

Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from your shutters, and then wipe them with a damp microfiber cloth. If you have wooden shutters, you can apply furniture polish to give them a shine. 

Shutters can enhance the appearance of your home. However, they start to lose their appeal when they get dirty. Window shutters are easy to clean, so make sure to clean them periodically to keep them looking good all year round. Here’s a detailed guide on how to clean shutters.

Table of Contents: 

• Cleaning Wood Shutters
• Cleaning Aluminum, Vinyl, Composite, and Faux Wood Shutters
• FAQs
• The Final Word

Cleaning Wood Shutters

Wood shutters offer a timeless look. However, they require more maintenance compared to other types. Here’s how to clean them: 

Dust

• Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust from your shutters. Start at the top and work your way down.
• Be sure to clean the windowsill. 
• Vacuuming removes most of the dust, but not all of it. Use a duster to clean tight corners and any dust clinging to the shutters.
• Exterior shutters are exposed to the elements, so you should put in a bit more effort to remove dirt from them. 

Clean With a Damp Cloth (Wring the Cloth Almost Dry) 

• Cleaning your shutters with a damp microfiber cloth helps remove stubborn dirt. However, make sure to wring the cloth almost dry because too much water can damage the wood. Prepare a solution by mixing a cup of white vinegar with a liter of water. Add a dash of mild soap solution to it. 
• If you have traditional solid wood shutters, you can simply wipe them down on both sides to remove dirt.
• However, if you have louvered shutters, start by cleaning the frame. Then, open the louvers and clean them row by row. Once you finish cleaning one side, open the shutter to clean the other side. Be sure to wipe the corners. 
• Follow the same steps to clean exterior shutters, but be careful when working on the ladder. 

Apply Polish (Optional)

• If you want your wooden shutters to shine, apply a furniture polish. Give the shutters 10 minutes to dry. 
• Apply furniture polish to a microfiber cloth and wipe it on the shutters the same way you cleaned them. Applying a small amount of polish does the job. 
• If there’s a chance of rain, save some energy and wait to polish your exterior shutters until the next time you clean them. Water will wash the polish away. 

Cleaning Aluminum, Vinyl, Composite, and Faux Wood Shutters

These shutters are easier to maintain compared to wood. Follow these steps to clean them:

Dust

• Remove dust from the shutters using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. 
• Start at the top and work your way down. Be sure to clean the windowsill. 
• Use a duster to clean the corners and get rid of any dust clinging to the shutters. 
• Repeat the same steps to clean exterior shutters. 

Clean With a Damp Cloth

• Dusting your shutters removes most of the dirt. However, if there are stubborn spots, you can remove them with a damp microfiber cloth. Prepare a 50/50 solution by mixing a cup of white vinegar with a liter of water, then add a dash of mild soap solution. 
• Wipe the frame of the shutters first and then move to the louvers. Open the louvers and clean them row by row. After cleaning one side, open the shutter to clean the other side. Make sure to wipe the corners. 
• Repeat the same steps to clean exterior shutters.

FAQs

The Final Word

Cleaning shutters is a simple DIY job. However, if your shutters in San Diego are beyond the cleaning stage and need replacement, contact Family Interiors. We offer a range of shutters and customize them to fit your windows perfectly. We also offer free in-house estimates.