How to Clean a Window Shutter

Window shutters can be functional or just decorative.

Window shutters are exposed to the elements and can become dusty and dirty over time. Whether your shutters are vinyl or natural wood, periodic cleaning during warm weather will lengthen the shutters' life and keep your home's exterior looking put together. The method of cleaning your shutters depends on the material. Vinyl shutters can withstand soap and water, but wooden shutters will warp if you wash them in water.

Things You'll Need

• Vacuum
• Brush attachment
• Wax-free furniture polish
• Soft cloth
• Bucket
• Water
• Liquid dish soap
• Scrub brush

Instructions

Wood Shutters

1. Attach the brush attachment to your vacuum's hose.

2. Vacuum the entire surface of each shutter to remove dirt and dust. If your shutter slats move up and down, vacuum one side first and then flip the slats and vacuum the other.

3. Spay a clean, soft cloth with a wax-free furniture polish and lightly wipe down the surface of the shutters.

Vinyl Shutters

1. Fill a bucket with warm water and enough liquid dish soap to create suds.

2. Dip a nylon scrub brush into the soapy water and gently scrub the surface of the shutters.

3. Rinse the shutters with a garden hose, or rinse out the sponge and wipe the shutters down with it to remove the soapy residue.

References

• Ask the Builder: Painting Vinyl Shutters
• Blinds and Drapery: How to Clean Your Shutters
• Good Housekeeping: Cleaning and Dusting Painted Shutters