Updated January 2024
Shutters, also known as plantation shutters, are a sophisticated window covering in many homes. How do you keep them looking timeless?
Before you start to clean shutters, it’s important to know what type of material your window treatment is made out of. It could be made from real hard wood or faux wood. The material will affect how you clean them.
If you’re not sure, a quick method to verify is by feeling the material – genuine hardwood will have the texture of real wood, whereas faux wood, despite having embossed irregularities and grain, will feel more like vinyl or plastic. Be sure to examine both the frame and the louvers. Now, let’s talk about how to clean shutters!
How to Clean Real Wood Shutters
1. Furniture Polish
Real wood shutters provide unparalleled beauty and should be cleaned much in the same way as you would clean your wood furniture. If you have real wood shutters, with real wood frames and louvers, then you can use the furniture polish on the entire window treatment. If it is not the case, then you need to use the furniture polish on only the real wood.
2. Dust Them
Sometimes cleaning shutters is as simple as dusting them. You can use a traditional feather duster or a clean dry cloth.
3. Dryer Sheet
Running a dryer sheet over the louvers can help prevent dust from sticking in the future.
How to Clean Faux Wood Shutters
1. Damp Cloth
Use a warm, damp cloth to clean your faux wood plantations. Water is enough to keep them looking new.
2. Vacuum Attachment
To get rid of any excess dust, use your vacuum’s brush attachment and gently slide it along the louvers.
3. Mild Detergent
If you need to spot clean your window treatments, use a mild detergent and a slightly damp cloth. Make sure to wipe off the detergent when you’re finished.
