Indoor plantation shutters are window treatments that can give your home a variety of stylish looks. The wood shutters come in a variety of louver, or slat, sizes, ranging from thin to wide, with the most common size averaging 2–3 inches. The treatments are also available in several color options, so you can pick the ones that best complement your home-decor style. For instance, white plantation shutters have a fresh Cape Cod look, while dark-wood versions appear more natural and rustic.
Not only do the shutters look good, but they effectively let in or keep out sunlight with a simple sliding mechanism. As another plus, the wood treatments look just as good from the outside of the house as they do on the inside.
Here are some tips for keeping your wood plantation shutters working properly and looking their best.
Daily Maintenance
Keep your shutters dust and lint free by wiping them down every day with a clean, dry microfiber cloth, which will attract the particles. You can also use a long-handled feathered duster to reach any high places. It's especially important to clean the shutters daily if you have pets that shed, a high pollen count, or have shutters in a high-traffic area, such as the living room.
Add extra cleaning power by spraying a bit of an all-purpose cleaner on the cloth before wiping the shutters down. Open the shutters to reach both sides of the slats.
Weekly Maintenance
Once a week or every other week, depending on your environmental conditions, clean the shutters with your vacuum's small brush attachment to prevent dust and debris from building up. Run the soft brush over the window treatments gently, being careful not to damage the slats.
You can use an old soft-bristled toothbrush to clean any hard-to-reach areas. To keep the shutters looking their best, spray a small amount of a wood polish onto a clean cloth and rub it over the slats, adding more as needed.
Deep Cleaning
At least a few times a year, such during as spring or fall cleaning, wash the blinds down with a solution of warm water and a gentle dishwashing soap. Moisten a soft cloth or sponge with the mixture and rub it against the wood slats in one direction rather than in a bath-and-forth motion. Don't over-saturate the shutters with water, as that can cause warping.
Thoroughly dry the blinds with another cloth and apply the wood polish again if desired.
For more maintenance tips, consult a professional such as AAA Blind & Shutter Factory.
