Cleaning your outdoor plantation shutters will help you improve their appearance and extend their lifespan.
That’s good news, right?
Depending on the surrounding environment and climate, there are different elements that can deteriorate your shutters like dust, pollen mold, etc.
But with effective cleaning, you can keep your shutters attractive and functional for a long time.
And to do this right, it’s necessary to understand the right cleaning process for your particular shutters.
In this step-by-step guide, I’ll go through all the steps that you can follow to clean your outdoor shutters properly.
Steps to Clean Outdoor Plantation Shutters
Step1: Identify The Material Of Your Shutters
Before you start the cleaning process of your outdoor shutters, you have to figure out what material they are.
Outdoor shutters are made from materials like wood, aluminum, vinyl, etc.
Knowing which material you’re working with allows you to follow the correct cleaning method and prevent any damage to them.
Wooden shutters:
Wooden shutters are visually appealing but require extra care to prevent them from cracking, peeling and warping.
You can use a mild cleaning solution to clean them but don’t soak them with water as the wood can absorb and hold onto the moisture (which you don’t want!).
Aluminum shutters:
These shutters are lightweight and offer high resistance to corrosion.
However, they develop a layer of oxidation over time just being exposed to sunlight.
You can use a non-abrasive cleaner to prevent any scratches on them, especially if you have white shutters.
Vinyl shutters:
Vinyl shutters are known for their weather-resistant properties and high durability.
They are easier to clean and maintain than wooden shutters, while still looking great.
Composite shutters:
Composite shutters offer a wooden appearance but have higher resistance to weather elements than wooden shutters.
Also, they can handle a strong cleaning process without any potential damage.
Once you know the material you can use the right cleaning ingredients and process for effective cleaning without any damage to your shutters.
If you’re interested in new shutters, you can explore the wide collection of MYT shutters.
Step 2: Remove the Dust
Now, you have to remove any dust and any other debris from the surface of your shutters.
This will help you avoid scratching your shutters during the cleaning process. This step is necessary for all types of shutters, regardless of their material.
You can use a soft terry cloth or microfiber towel to clean the dust from the surface of the shutters.
If you have wooden shutters, avoid using any cloth with rough or abrasive material as it can scratch the surface.
If you live in a dusty environment, then you can vacuum the shutters to remove the dust layers quickly.
Also, you can even use a soft-bristle brush to clean the stubborn dust and debris from the surface.
Just avoid applying high pressure during cleaning with a brush as it can add scratches to the surface, especially if you are using it on wooden or painted surfaces.
Step 3: Wash the Shutters
After cleaning the dust and debris, it is time to deep clean your shutters properly.
Again, your the exact cleaning method will depend on the material of your shutters.
How to clean wooden shutters
- You can prepare a mild cleaning solution by using a small amount of wood cleaner in the water. Besides this, you can use a solution of mild dish soap and water.
- Take a soft cloth or sponge and dampen it with the cleaning solutions. Now, gently wipe the surface of the shutters. Don’t dip the cloth or sponge in water as a high amount of water can cause the wooden surface to swell or warp.
- You can use a soft-bristle brush with the cleaning solution to clean the tougher dirt from the surface.
- Now, use a soft dry cloth to wipe the shutters and remove any remaining moisture that can damage the wooden surface.
How to clean aluminum, composite, and vinyl shutters
- Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing mild detergent or dish soap with warm water. You can even use an equal amount of water and white vinegar to create a cleaning solution.
- Now, you can use a sponge or spray bottle to apply the solution to your shutters.
- Scrub the surface of the shutters to clean them and focus on the areas where you find some built-up grime.
- Now, use water to remove the cleaning solution. You can even use a garden hose to water them quickly. Just adjust the pressure to avoid any damage to the shutters.
- Dry the shutters with a dry cloth or microfiber towel to avoid any watermarks on them.
Remove mold and mildew
If you live in humid climates then mold and mildew can develop on your shutters. They can damage your shutters if you don’t clean them. Here are ways to clean them.
- You can create a cleaning solution by mixing one part white vinegar with one part water in a spray bottle. You can use bleach also but use it in the ratio of 1:10 with water. Just remember that bleach can lead to some discoloring of the surface of some material so use it cautiously.
- Spray the solution to the affected area and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Clean the surface with a sponge or scrub and dry the area properly to avoid any future growth.
Step 4: Lubricate Moving Parts
After cleaning and drying the shutters, use a small amount of lubricant and apply it over the joints and hinges of the shutters. This will help you operate the shutters smoothly as well as keep those parts clean.
Regular cleaning is the key to maintaining the proper appearance and functionality of your outdoor plantation shutters.
Depending on your location and the weather conditions, you may have to clean your shutters more frequently.
Regular dusting, gentle washing, and timely mold removal will help protect your shutters in the long run.