Cleaning Plantation Shutters – Best Practice

Plantation shutters are one of the most appealing design choices for residential homes. With lots to love including plenty of natural light, a wide range of material/colour options and an upmarket style that is on trend, you simply can’t go wrong. One question many owners of plantation shutters have is: How easy are they to clean? It’s a good question, given that dust will naturally build up on the shutters. You will be pleased to know that plantation shutters are much easier to keep clean than curtains, but there are a few key things to be aware of. In this blog post, Sunteca will be sharing some cleaning tips to help you get the most out of your plantation shutters and keep them looking great all year round.  

Plantation Shutters Material Types

How you clean your plantation shutters will depend upon the type of material they are made from. There are a wide range of natural and synthetic materials from which plantation shutters can be made, and in some cases a mix of both is used. The end goal of the manufacturer is to supply a high quality product that will stand the test of time whilst also being appealing to the eye. Sunteca are proud to supply plantation shutters which are made from the highest quality materials and backed by a 20 year warranty, so you can rest assured that they will look great for many years to come. 

Some of the most common materials used for plantation shutters include:

• Natural Timber

• Basswood

• Poplar

• Plastic (PVC)

• MDF with vinyl wrap
• Insulite (a premium dense polymer which is similar in appearance to timber)

Cleaning Plantation Shutters at Home

All of the above materials are easy to clean, simply requiring a wipe down with a soft cloth followed by a damp cloth (with or without a mild cleaning agent). If using soap/cleaning agent to remove grease or other sticky substances, you should be careful to choose one which is not coloured as this may cause damage and discolouration to your shutters. Whilst wood is a porous material, most plantation shutters have a protective coating applied to seal the wood and allow for easy cleaning. Plantation shutters should never be submerged in water, and any excess water should be removed using a paper towel as soon as possible. 

The type of cloth is also important. Cotton is recommended due to its soft, non-damaging composition. Before use, your cloth should be wrung out until it is slightly damp. Woollen cloths should be avoided, as they tend to leave behind more water. Any water left behind on your shutters may cause damage, particularly if it is exposed to direct sunlight. 

The typical cleaning process for plantation shutters is as follows:

1. Remove fine dust particles using a soft brush, soft brush vacuum attachment or feather duster.
2. Use a dry cotton cloth to remove any dry/loose debris. 
3. Use a damp cotton cloth to eliminate any stuck dirt/debris. Start with the top louvers, working your way down. We recommend a gentle horizontal cleaning motion, which will ensure any stuck dirt/dust is removed with ease. Rubbing should be avoided, as this could damage the finish of your shutters.
4. Any remaining water should be removed as quickly as possible, otherwise you may see spotting and water damage. Allow your shutters to dry by leaving them open in the sun or pointing a fan at the shutters.
5. Sit back and admire your handywork

Keeping your plantation shutters clean and in tip top condition is very straightforward. Frequency of cleaning will depend upon the location in which they are installed, with rooms with high exposure to dust and moisture requiring more frequent cleaning.

Looking for plantation shutters? Contact Sunteca Today

Sunteca provide a wide range of interior styling solutions. Contact us today on 1300 853 518 to obtain a quote. We look forward to speaking with you.