Making Your Plantation Shutters Last Through Proper Care

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Plantation shutters from a place like AAA Blind & Shutter Factory not only add style and sophistication to your windows, they will help your home sell more quickly because they remain in the home. Some people prefer to add them to only a few rooms such as in the main living area; others go all out and use them throughout the entire home to create a rich, cohesive look.

No matter where you choose to hang your shutters, they will need some care now and then to keep them looking as wonderful as the day they were first installed. Shutters in bathrooms and kitchens especially need to be cleaned regularly. Depending on the material you chose for your shutters, whether natural wood or synthetic materials, here's what you need to know about keeping them looking clean and new.

Poly Shutters                             

Poly shutters, also called polywood or faux wood, are constructed of a solid engineered wood substitute that holds its color for a very long time. Usually poly shutters come in white or variations of white, but a few wood colors are becoming available.

Because it is a synthetic material, poly is very easy to keep clean. In fact, it's the best material choice for kitchens and bathrooms because it resists moisture and humidity. You only need to dust the louvres occasionally with a static electric cloth. If your shutters have accumulated excessive dust, simply use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner and give them a gentle swipe. If there are spots or other marks, try wiping the louvres with a damp cloth. Use distilled water to prevent water spots.

Vinyl Shutters

Vinyl shutters are not a solid composite such as poly shutters; rather they are a vinyl-coated shutter. The interior may be hollow or have a vinyl skeleton. Some vinyl shutters contain an aluminum, hardwood or PVC core. No matter the filler material, the vinyl coating is simple to care for and clean.

Regular dusting will keep them looking polished and new, and like their cousin the poly shutters, a vacuum cleaner will work for cleaning too. For removing dirt or stains, wipe with a damp cloth and distilled water.

Wood Shutters

Wood shutters are constructed from a variety of natural woods, including:

  • Basswood is the most lightweight, with a fine texture and grain for staining
  • Poplar is also a light softwood, and is best painted rather than stained
  • Maple, walnut, mahogany, cherry and alder are heavier but resist scratching better

Shutters made from natural wood, whether stained painted, should not become wet. Prolonged wetness causes the louvers and fittings to warp and cracks the finish. Keep wood shutters dusted regularly to avoid the necessity of cleaning them with water. Just use a static electric or microfiber cloth once a week, making sure each louver gets attention.

If they do get wet, dry the shutters completely as quickly as possible with a dry cloth to prevent damage.  Do not use Windex or other harsh cleaners on your wood shutters. If you have to clean a spot, try using a green cleaner without chemicals. Dilute the cleaner with a little water and wipe any spots or marks clean, followed by a wipe with a damp cloth.

If you want, you can make your shutters glow by using furniture polish once they are clean. Spray the polish on a cloth rather than directly on the shutters. Then, wipe that beautiful wood with your cloth until they shine.

Plantation shutters will last a lifetime if properly cared for.  It doesn't matter if you have vinyl, polywood or natural wood; you can keep your shutters looking beautiful and brand new by taking the time to dust and clean them on a regular basis.

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16 June 2017

The Perfect Windows For Your House

When was the last time you really looked at your home windows and thought about their condition? Although they can be easy to ignore, older windows or versions that have insulation troubles won't protect your home from steep temperature changes, pest infestations, or harsh UV sunlight. I decided to upgrade my own windows a few years ago, which is why I made this blog. Here, I have collected loads of information about window types, features, and styles, so that you don't have to guess when it comes to your brand new window installation. By using this information, your home can look better than ever.