Window shutters can make a lovely addition to all sorts of buildings; not only do they add some decorative interest to the exterior of a property, but they can also have some practical benefits in that they are useful if you are looking for an extra layer of protection for your windows. Plastic window shutters in particular are very popular because they can be very cost effective while still being good value and available in a wide range of options so you can choose something that is suitable for your needs.
One of the benefits of plastic window shutters is that they are generally considered to be very easy to look after and often require less work than wooden alternatives. However, your plastic exterior shutters will still benefit from a little bit of maintenance every now and then to make sure they stay in top condition. Here are a few tips to help you keep your plastic window shutters looking great for years to come.
Get the right tools for the job
Luckily, when it comes to window shutter maintenance, you shouldn’t need any complicated products to clean them with. Some warm water and some good soap that is known for its ability to cut through grease should be sufficient; if you do decide to use a solvent, make sure it is suitable for use with your plastic shutters as not all of them will be.
You will also need to use a couple of cleaning rags – and a small brush could be useful for getting the dirt out of hard to reach areas. If your window shutters are extremely dirty, a hose or pressure washer might also come in useful.
Little and often
It helps if you clean your window shutters regularly so that dirt and dust doesn’t get too much chance to build up. This will make the shutters easier to clean and will require less work overall.
Mix your chosen soap or detergent with the warm water and then soak a cleaning rag in the solution. You might need to use a bit of elbow grease to shift some of the dirt from the window shutters; if your shutters are higher up on your house you might need to use a ladder to reach them – just make sure you are careful and get someone to support the ladder if you decide to do this.
Hose away the grime
If the shutters are particularly dirty, however, you might want to start the cleaning process by using a hose or pressure washer on the shutters to remove any loose dirt and start the process of shifting the grime. This should make them easier to clean with the soapy water and rags afterwards. It’s a good idea to start at the top of the shutter and work your way down so you don’t accidentally smear dirt onto part of the shutter you have already cleaned.
Make sure your window shutters dry properly and don’t end up with soapy streaks on them by washing them down with the hose again afterwards. That’s all there is to it – although you want to double check your manufacturer’s instructions before you start just in case you are required to use any specific apparatus or take any special precautions.
This article was supplied by Simply Shutters Ltd., who are members of The Guild of Master Craftsmen and suppliers of high quality decorative exterior window shutters.