If you’ve invested in beautiful window coverings, you certainly want to keep them in pristine condition, right? But like everything else in your home, window treatments get dusty and dirty too.
That’s why we’ve dedicated a series of articles to cleaning window treatments. There are actually tips and tricks for all different types of window coverings that will help you keep them looking their best.
how to clean shutters
Ah, the beauty of plantation shutters! It’s hard to beat the gorgeous lines and functionality of newly installed plantation shutters. Believe it or not, its’ actually pretty easy to keep plantation shutters looking like new even if they’ve been there for years. The secret is to clean them frequently, but we’ll explain that and more in the tips below.
weekly vacuuming
You know all of those neat attachments that came with your vacuum cleaner? Well, the small one with a soft brush at the end is perfect for cleaning your shutters. Every time you clean your home, vacuum the shutters too. This will decrease dirt/dust build-up. Make sure you vacuum them gently as to avoid scratching the surface of your shutters.
dusting works too
Let’s say you “deep clean” your home every two weeks and you don’t really want to drag out your vacuum cleaner weekly. No worries! You can use a dust cloth, a feather duster or a Swiffer to brush off dirt and stave off caked on grime. Consider this a maintenance step! When you dust shutters, make sure to wipe off both sides of the louvers. Don’t forget the framing and the cornice.
how to clean shutters that are tall
If you have plantation shutters up high in your home, like on second story windows, it’s a good idea to invest in a blind duster. These dusters typically have a pole attachment, so you can reach up high without getting a ladder. Many are made with a microfiber fabric that traps the dust particles. After you wipe across one shutter, you may want to step outside and shake off the duster before you tackle the next one.
tips for spot cleaning
Accidents happen, so if you discover dirt or spots on your shutters that need extra care, have no fear! There are ways to tackle tougher messes. For wood or faux wood plantations shutters, you can spot clean with a damp cloth. If you have hard water, use distilled water because it won’t leave spots. Don’t over-saturate your shutters with water, just use enough to cut through the grime.
how to clean shutters with grease on them
If you have plantation shutters in your kitchen, you may encounter grease splatters, which are much tougher to remove from shutters. The best approach is to use a small amount of laundry detergent and water to gently cut through the grease and remove it. Don’t use harsh cleaning chemicals or abrasive cleaners like Comet, because they could harm the finish. You can use a sponge or a soft brush to clean off the louvers and then dry off the spot you cleaned with a soft dry cloth.
Want to know more DIY tricks for cleaning window treatments? Check out this article from ABC Blind & Drapery!
