So, you have invested in some stylish plantation shutters and had them professionally installed. Great work, you will have added extra elegance and practicality to your home interior. But now the question is, how do you preserve this pristine look, whilst also ensuring they function efficiently and properly?
With shutters, the upkeep is refreshingly straightforward – no hidden surprises or additional care is required during the cleaning process, unlike blinds and curtains. In this blog post, we will explore the basics of maintaining and caring for your window shutters and coverings, so they not only continue to look fabulous but also stand the test of time.
Open and Close Shutters with Care
The first step in looking after your shutters is to make sure that you are lightly handling them and taking extra care when opening and closing. At Purely Shutters, all our shutters are manually operated, so it’s important to use the operating rod to ensure seamless opening and closing.
Stay on Top of Cleaning and Dusting
The second step in looking after your brand-new window dressings involves lightly dusting and cleaning your shutters every other week. Keeping up with regular dusting can prevent the build-up of dirt. This makes the cleaning process smoother and much more efficient, rather than having to dedicate a large chunk of your day to cleaning them. Depending on the material of your shutters, tailor your dusting approach to their material – for wooden and vinyl shutters, use a dry cloth or feather duster, for metal shutters, use a slightly damp, soft cloth with some mild detergent, and then wipe down with a dry cloth.
Check for Wear and Tear
Shutters are a very durable and long-lasting window dressing. However, it is important to inspect your shutters for any signs of wear and tear. Check for any loose components, damaged slats, or signs of discolouration or damage. If you have followed the first initial steps and ensured the upkeep of your shutters, then this stage will most likely not reveal any issues.
Address Stains or Marks
The fourth step of ensuring you are looking after your shutters properly is to address any stains immediately following inspection for wear and tear. We recommend using a mild cleaning solution and a soft, microfibre cloth to gently remove stains and ensure there’s no damage to the finish of your shutters.
Maintain Louvres
These simple yet effective steps ensure the enduring style and functionality of your recently installed shutters. From gentle handling to regular maintenance, following our advice guarantees the longevity of their pristine look and functionality. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll have the shutters you’ve always dreamed of for years to come.
You should also check if your shutters have adjustable louvers, and if so, check and adjust the tension to ensure that everything remains in place. We also advise, if necessary, to lubricate or replace any hinges in the case that the moving components of your shutters become stuck. Doing this step will ensure that your window dressings continue to function throughout their life in your home.
Not Yet Invested in Window Shutters?
If you have been reading this guide, but haven’t yet invested in plantation shutters – request an appointment today with our shutter specialists today!
