6 Ways to Keep St. Petersburg Shutters Looking Fresh

Because St. Petersburg shutters are an investment and a permanent fixture in the home, you want them to last as long as possible. This is why proper cleaning and maintenance are so important. Here are a few tips you can use to improve the longevity of your shutters and keep them looking fresh.

1. Always Grab Louvers by the Middle to Operate

To prevent damage, proper operation is essential. This means using the visible tilt-rod to operate the shutters. Or, if your system has a hidden or invisible tilt-rod, be sure to grasp one of the louvers in the middle to operate all the other louvers. Do not try and open the louvers on the ends of the slats, because this can weaken the material and cause the shutters to break.

2. Avoid Using Excess Force to Move Louvers

You should not have to wrestle with your shutters to get them to tilt, open, or close. And a little gentleness when opening and closing the shutters will go a long way in keeping them in top shape. If shutters start to get too stiff or too loose there is an adjustment screw at the upper end of the shutter panel you can adjust for proper tension. This will make it easier to tilt and shift the shutters without all the brute force.

3. Regularly Wipe Away Dust with a Dry Cloth

Every couple of days you should wipe away the dust from your window shutters. This simple task will help keep the shutters fresh and in healthy working order. You can use a dry cloth, a duster, or even a vacuum with a dry brush attachment. Simply flatten the louvers, dust back and forth on one side, and then rotate the slats and repeat.

4. Wipe Shutters Down with a Damp Cloth Once a Week

Once a week you will want to use a damp cloth to help keep your shutters looking bright. There is no reason for any fancy detergents or chemicals. Simply wet a soft microfiber, cotton, or wool cloth and wipe as you would while dusting. This will help get rid of buildup, especially around all the moving parts.

5. Use Suitable Cleaning Products to Clean Shutter Stains

Once a month you will want to clean your shutters with a proper cleaning agent. Because shutter materials vary, you will want to be sure you have the right product for the job. Wood can warp and discolor if it gets too wet. So it is best to clean wood shutters with lemon oil or a wood furniture polish. For vinyl and faux wood shutters, you can use water and mild detergent to clean the shutters. Rinse with a damp cloth and then immediately dry. For tougher spots try using the cleaning agent and a soft bristle brush.

6. Don’t Forget to Clean the Hinges

On St. Petersburg shutters, the moving parts are often the first thing to wear out of break down. So while you are performing your cleaning and maintenance routine, do not forget to clean the hinges. You might even want to spray a silicone lubricant into a soft cloth and wipe down all of the moving parts to keep them in top working condition.