How to Clean and Maintain Your Shutters

One of the biggest advantages of shutters over fabric-based window treatments is how little maintenance they require. There is no dry cleaning, no machine washing, no specialist treatment needed. A well-made shutter, properly installed, will look as good in ten years as it did on day one with nothing more than occasional light cleaning.

For everyday maintenance, a quick dust with a soft dry cloth, microfibre duster or feather duster is all that is needed. Run the duster along each louvre, working from top to bottom. Close the louvres one way, dust, then close them the other way and dust again. This takes less than a minute per panel and keeps the shutters looking fresh between deeper cleans.

For a slightly deeper clean every few weeks or when the shutters look like they need it, use a barely damp microfibre cloth. Wring the cloth out thoroughly so it is damp rather than wet. Wipe each louvre individually, following the grain of the material. For the frame and stile, wipe down with the same damp cloth. Dry immediately with a separate soft cloth. Do not leave moisture sitting on the surface, especially on hardwood shutters.

For marks and stains that do not come off with a damp cloth, use a mild soapy solution — a small drop of washing-up liquid in warm water. Apply with a soft cloth, wipe gently, then wipe again with clean water and dry. Do not use abrasive cleaners, bleach, furniture polish or any solvent-based product. These can damage the paint finish, strip the coating or discolour the surface.

Different materials need slightly different care. Hardwood shutters are painted or stained, and the finish is durable but not impervious. Avoid excessive water and never soak a hardwood shutter. Composite shutters are more forgiving — the polypropylene coating is resistant to moisture, so a damp cloth clean is perfectly safe. PVC shutters are the most robust — they can handle more moisture, making them ideal for bathrooms and kitchens where steam and splashes are common.

The louvre mechanism is the one moving part on a shutter and is worth a brief check once or twice a year. Open and close the louvres through their full range. They should move smoothly without stiffness or resistance. If a louvre feels tight, a tiny drop of silicone-based lubricant on the pivot pin will free it up. Do not use oil-based lubricants as these can attract dust and cause staining.

A few things to avoid: do not hang anything on the louvres or frame — wet towels, coat hangers or similar items will put stress on the mechanism and may cause louvres to misalign over time. Do not slam shutters closed — close them gently and let the magnetic catch or stay hold them in position. Do not attempt to remove or rehang shutter panels yourself — they are precisely fitted and rehinging incorrectly can damage the frame or the panel.

If a louvre becomes misaligned, a hinge feels loose, or the paint finish develops a chip or crack, contact us. These are minor issues that are easily resolved by an experienced fitter, but attempting a DIY fix can sometimes make the problem worse.