How To Care For Your Plantation Shutters

Offering an unmatched blend of light control, style, and energy efficiency, plantation shutters are one of the most popular window treatments around. Homeowners also love them because they’re effortless to maintain! Learn how to care for your plantation shutters and explore why these durable products are the best choice for low-maintenance living.

Take Care Of Plantation Shutters In A Few Easy Steps

Constructed of solid components and attached permanently to your window’s frame, plantation shutters are a long-term investment. How you take care of them varies slightly depending on the material. Let’s take a look at both natural wood and wood substitute interior shutters.

How To Take Care Of Polywood Shutters

Wood composite Polywood shutters set the standard for window treatment durability. They are waterproof, and their long-lasting finish resists stains. All you need to clean them is a dusting cloth or feather duster and a lightly dampened rag.

Follow these simple steps:

• Open the louvers and dust from the center out
• Tilt the louvers up and dust again
• Tilt the louvers down and make a final pass
• If you have a sticky spot, use your lightly moistened rag to clean it
• Dry the louvers completely with a soft cloth to avoid catching more dust in the air
• Clean dust and debris out of corners around hinges with a soft toothbrush

How To Take Care of Natural Hardwood Shutters

Adding unmistakable appeal to any interior, hardwood shutters are both stunning and durable . Taking care of them is similar to that of composite products, but you should be extra careful about moisture. The only supplies you need are a clean microfiber cloth or duster and a soft, dry cloth. Follow these steps:

• Gently dust shutters with your microfiber cloth or duster
• Dust with the louvers pointed out, up, and down, for a complete cleaning
• Rub spots or smudges with your soft, dry cloth
• Remove dust and dirt from tight corners around hinges using a soft toothbrush
• Clean stubborn spots with a soft cloth that is just barely moistened and dry completely when done

Do’s and Don’ts When Taking Care of Plantation Shutters

Preserving the beauty of both hardwood and Polywood shutters is simple and takes only a few minutes. Here are some basic do’s and don’ts to keep you on the right track.

Do’s 

• Use microfiber and other soft cloths
• Maintain a regular cleaning schedule to keep shutters looking beautiful
• Use a lightly dampened cloth to clean stubborn spots on Polywood shutters
• Gently wipe down louvers, moving from top to bottom

Don’ts

• Don’t use harsh chemical cleaners, bleach, or ammonia
• Don’t use water with hardwood shutters, as it can warp and discolor wood
• Don’t pull on the ends or edges of louvers
• Don’t use putty knives or other tools to scrape debris off shutters

Homeowner Tips For Interior Shutters

Solid, durable, and built to last, plantation shutters are easy to clean and require minimal maintenance. Chances are, you’ll enjoy them without needing to do a thing. Just in case, here are a few additional tips to ensure your experience is worry-free:

• If louvers turn too loosely or tightly, you can adjust the tension by turning the tensioner screw found on the vertical side of the shutter
• In the rare event that a louver breaks, professional installers like Sunburst Shutters can replace it for you quickly
• Avoid keeping panels open for extended periods, as it can strain the hinges

Looking for Low-Maintenance Window Treatments? Choose Plantation Shutters From Sunburst

Discover the ultimate in low-maintenance living at Sunburst Shutters & Window Fashions. Our Polywood and natural wood shutters look stunning and last for years with very little upkeep. Call 877-786-2877 or fill out the form below to schedule a free in-home consultation. Our skilled team can customize interior shutters for windows of any shape and size.