It’s the time of year when the air is fresh, the days are warm and gardens are coming to life again, it’s also the perfect time to bring out the scrubbing brushes and get your home ready for a fun-filled summer. While it’s easy to focus on sweeping, dusting and washing windows, walls and floors, it’s also important to spring clean your roller shutters and plantation shutters. Not only will a thorough clean keep them looking their best, it will also ensure they stay in proper working order for longer. Nu Style Shutters is one of the leading choices for high quality window shutters and outdoor blinds in Perth, and we are often asked about the best ways to clean and maintain both roller shutters and plantation shutters. So, here’s a few simple cleaning tips for you try this spring.
Roller Shutters – Cleaning the External Surface
- Ensure your roller shutters are pulled all the way down.
- Prepare a soapy water mix using dishwashing liquid and warm water.
- Use a clean sponge and wipe down the roller shutter, removing dirt and dust in a downward motion.
- Use a garden hose to rinse away the soapy water – do not use a high pressure washer as this can damage the shutters.
- Keep water away from the pelmet, as it could affect the electronics inside the motor.
- For a streak free finish, dry your roller shutters thoroughly with a clean cloth. Ensure the cloth is dry and use an up and down motion.
Cleaning the Inside of Roller Shutters
Once you have cleaned the external surface of the shutters and they are dry, roll them up halfway, this will allow you to clean the inside surface. Cleaning behind roller shutters can be awkward depending on the shape and size and your windows but it should be done to maximise longevity.
When the shutters are halfway down, you can reach up inside using a long-handled cloth to remove spider webs, dust and dirt and follow on with a sponge attached to a long stick with warm soapy water. This can be done from the outside of your home.
You can then roll the shutters down and finish off from inside your home. By cleaning from the outside first it allows you remove most of the dirt without it having a chance of entering your house.
Remember to use the same cleaning approach as you did outside – by cleaning in an up and downward direction and finish with a dry cloth.
Plantation Shutters
- Start by using a vacuum with a soft brush attachment, this removes any dust and debris making the following steps easier.
- Wipe down each slat with a dry cloth. This will help to remove any remaining particles missed by the vacuum. Pay close attention to the spaces between the shutters and areas that are prone to dust accumulation.
- Next, wipe your plantation shutters with a damp cloth. Avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals and don’t saturate with too much water, especially if you have timber shutters. Water can cause timber to warp and bend.
- Finally, dry your plantation shutters with a clean and dry soft cloth. This is important to ensure you are not left with spotting or water damage. If it is a nice spring day, leave the shutters open as the fresh air will help them to air dry.
Spring is the ideal time to undertake cleaning and maintenance of your plantation shutters and roller shutters. Following the above advice will make cleaning your shutters easy and ensure you can enjoy them for many years to come.
If you are looking for roller shutters, plantation shutters or outdoor blinds for your Perth home or business, get in touch with Nu Style Shutters today. With over 20 years’ experience supplying and installing custom window shade solutions, we can help determine the best shutters and blinds for your needs and budget. Contact us by calling 1300 798 776 or get a free quote online now.