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Care

Shutter care and maintenance tips.

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Care 2 minute read Regency Custom Window Treatments

Plantation shutters offer a prime balance of both decoration and function to any home. Oftentimes, plantation shutters establish the character of a home, or merely add the finishing touch to bring both the theme and comfort of a home together. This is why it is important to ensure that they are kept in tip-top shape so you don’t lose or devalue the qualities that they add to your spaces.

Here are a couple of tips to properly care and maintain your plantation shutters:

1. Choose shutters that are better suited for certain spaces

The lifespan of high-quality shutters is prolonged when they are installed in spaces where they won’t be negatively affected by environmental elements.

For example, bathrooms are no problem for our solid core poly shutters which can give you years of use without being impacted by water residue. Kitchens are also fans of poly shutters because their durable paint finish can endure any accidental food stains or splatters.

Wooden shutters are more pristinely produced and can, therefore, be more vulnerable to certain elements. So, they maintain best in dry spaces such as home offices, living rooms, and bedrooms.

2. Cleaning your shutters can vary on their material

Most people generally just clean their shutters with soap and water. This method is mostly safe when cleaning poly shutters because of their endurance to such properties. However, soap and water should only be used for spot cleaning if necessary and it is recommended to use a damp cloth versus direct water impact.

On the other hand, wooden shutters don’t appreciate this cleaning method as much because it may cause discoloration along with other deteriorating factors. People sometimes have the mistaken impression that wooden shutters are difficult to clean and maintain. While it’s true that they demand cleaning just like any other window treatment, a weekly dusting with a soft cloth is usually sufficient.

3. Apply treatments to your shutters periodically

Wooden shutters, just like any other wooden article of home furnishings, need protection. An application of a polyurethane finish or a more natural tung oil finish protects the wood from the effects of heat, sunlight, and fluctuating humidity levels.

Poly shutters are not opposed to these periodic treatments either for prolonged sustenance. There are a few scented lemon product oil finishes that also give the room a pleasant smell.

If you notice your shutters have chipped paint or discoloration, damaged louvers, or panels not properly functioning, it might be time to check in with professionals.

If you would like a hand deciding, that is what the consultation is for. A designer comes out, looks at the actual room, and brings the fabrics that suit it. Book a free in-home consultation, or see the gallery.

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