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Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Wood Window Coverings

Posted by: Window Shutters
Category: Window Covering

Not only are interior wood shutters classy and sleek, but they also hold up well if you take good care of them. That said, cleaning wood window coverings can be time consuming and a little frustrating. Louvers are especially difficult. Think of all those horizontal slats collecting dust. But don’t worry, all is not lost. To make the job a little easier, follow these window cleaning tips from the professionals.

Tools for Cleaning and Maintenance

  • Dusting gloves
  • Feather duster, or vacuum cleaner with soft brush attachment
  • Clean, dry cloth
  • Furniture polish or lemon oil
  • Mild detergent and water for tougher dirt

Cleaning Schedule

Factors like weather in Saratoga, CA, local allergens, sticky fingers, and smokers will impact how often interior shutters get dirty. Ultimately, you are the one to decide the best cleaning schedule for your household. Here is a basic recommendation.

  • Quickly dust window coverings every time you clean that room.
  • Fully dust window coverings once a month.
  • Thoroughly clean window coverings once a season (winter, spring, summer, and fall).
  • Deep clean window coverings twice a year (during the spring and just before holiday festivities).

How to Dust, Clean, and Protect Wood Window Coverings

There are two common methods for dusting: dusting by hand, or using the vacuum. To dust louvers, tilt the shutters as flat as possible. Then, starting at the top, work your way across. Clean each slat, working your way down to the bottom. Now, rotate the slats until they are closed the other direction and start at the top again. There are specialty tools you can use to clean multiple slats at once, but even just putting a sock on your hand and moving it back and forth can do the trick. As for vacuuming, tilt the blinds in the same manner and quickly dust with the soft brush attachment in place.

To clean away more stubborn dirt, you might need to use a mild detergent mixed with tepid water. Never soak the wood. Instead, simply try to clean it with a wet cloth, then rinse it with a damp cloth and dry it off immediately.

Now that your shutters are clean and tidy, use lemon oil or furniture polish to condition the wood and protect it. Spray the polish on a soft cloth and wipe each slat or panel. Again start at the top, working from side to side, and move down. Another thing you can do to repel dust is wipe the shutters with a dryer sheet. Or spray your duster or dust cloth with anti-static spray. Be sure it is a non-silicone brand. This will leave the surface more dust resistant.

Warnings

Do not wash your wood window covering with powerful chemical solvents or ultrasonic cleaners. These can damage and warp your wood shutters. Also, do not wash with water too often, even if the wood has been sealed. Water can still cause warping, bowing, bubbling, or discoloration if left on the wood too long.

Want to know more about maintaining your interior wood shutters in Saratoga, CA? San Francisco Shutters has the answers. Call today at (855) 538-8637 or visit our showroom on 1676 Gilbreth Road, Burlingame, CA 94010.