How to Clean Shutters: Roller & Plantation Shutter Care Guide
Shutters are designed to be durable and relatively easy to maintain, but regular cleaning can help keep them looking their best and operating smoothly for years to come.
The right cleaning method depends on the type of shutters you have. Indoor plantation shutters generally need regular dusting and an occasional gentle wipe, while external roller shutters are exposed to considerably more dust, dirt and weather and may require a more thorough clean.
This guide covers how to clean both plantation shutters and roller shutters, including what products to use, what to avoid and how to keep their moving parts working properly.
Looking for advice on fabric window furnishings instead? See our guide on how to clean roller blinds effectively.
What's the Best Way to Clean Shutters?
For most shutters, regular light cleaning is preferable to waiting until dirt and grime have built up.
Before you begin, check what material your shutters are made from. Plantation shutters may be timber, PVC or aluminium, while external roller shutters generally use aluminium slats.
As a general rule, start with the gentlest method possible. Remove loose dust first before introducing water or cleaning products, and avoid abrasive cleaners that could scratch or damage the shutter’s finish.
1. Close the Louvres
Start by closing the shutter louvres so they sit flat. This makes it easier to clean several louvres at once.
Use a clean microfibre cloth, soft duster or vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to remove loose dust.
Work from the top of the shutter towards the bottom so you’re not knocking dust onto areas you’ve already cleaned.
2. Reverse the Louvres
Once you’ve cleaned one side, tilt the louvres in the opposite direction and repeat the process.
Don’t forget the shutter frame and edges, where dust can also accumulate.
3. Wipe Away Marks
For PVC or aluminium plantation shutters, a clean cloth lightly dampened with water can be used to remove everyday marks.
If necessary, add a small amount of mild detergent to the water.
Wring the cloth out thoroughly before cleaning. The surface should be wiped rather than saturated.
4. Dry the Shutters
Use a clean, dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture and leave the shutters open until they’re completely dry.
This is particularly important around hinges, frames and other areas where moisture could otherwise collect.
Cleaning Timber Plantation Shutters
Timber plantation shutters require a little more care around moisture.
For routine maintenance, use a dry microfibre cloth, soft duster or suitable vacuum attachment to remove dust.
Avoid saturating timber shutters with water. Excessive moisture can potentially affect natural timber and its finish.
If you need to remove a mark, use a barely damp cloth and dry the area immediately afterwards.
Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaning products and excessive rubbing. If you’re unsure whether a particular product is suitable, check the manufacturer’s care instructions before applying it.
How to Clean Roller Shutters
External roller shutters face very different conditions from indoor plantation shutters. Dirt, dust, insects and other outdoor debris can collect on the aluminium slats and around the shutter tracks over time.
Regular cleaning helps maintain their appearance and gives you an opportunity to check that the shutter is moving freely.
1. Fully Lower the Roller Shutter
Lower the shutter completely before cleaning.
If the shutter is motorised, make sure it isn’t operated while you’re working on it.
2. Remove Loose Dirt
Use a soft brush or cloth to gently remove loose dirt, dust, cobwebs and debris from the shutter.
Pay attention to the spaces between the slats and around the side tracks where dirt can accumulate.
3. Wash the Shutter
Use a soft sponge or microfibre cloth with clean water and a small amount of mild detergent.
Gently wipe across the aluminium slats to loosen dirt and grime.
Avoid abrasive scourers or stiff brushes, which may scratch the shutter’s surface.
4. Rinse Away Detergent
Once the shutter is clean, remove any remaining detergent with clean water.
Avoid directing high-pressure water into the shutter housing, motor or electrical components.
5. Allow It to Dry
Allow the shutter to dry before operating it repeatedly.
Once dry, raise and lower the shutter to check that it continues to move smoothly.
Don't Forget the Tracks and Moving Parts
Cleaning the shutter itself is only part of regular maintenance.
Roller shutter tracks can collect leaves, dust, insects and other debris. Keeping these areas clear helps prevent buildup from interfering with normal operation.
Use a soft brush or cloth to remove visible debris from accessible areas.
Plantation shutter hinges and frames can also collect dust. Wipe these areas gently while cleaning the louvres.
Avoid applying oils, sprays or lubricants to moving components unless they’re recommended for your particular shutter system. Using the wrong product can attract more dirt or interfere with components.
UniBlinds also recommends regularly checking and maintaining moving parts as part of ongoing blind and shutter care.
What Should You Avoid When Cleaning Shutters?
Although shutters are designed to be durable, the wrong cleaning method can damage their surface or components.
When cleaning shutters:
- Avoid abrasive cleaners and scourers. These can scratch or dull the finish.
- Avoid harsh chemicals. Strong cleaning products may affect painted, powder-coated or timber surfaces.
- Don’t soak timber plantation shutters. Keep moisture to a minimum and dry them promptly.
- Don’t force stuck louvres or roller shutters. If something isn’t moving properly, investigate the cause rather than applying more force.
- Keep water away from electrical components. Take extra care when cleaning motorised roller shutters.
- Avoid pressure washing the shutter mechanism. High-pressure water can force moisture or debris into areas where it shouldn’t be.
UniBlinds’ own maintenance guidance recommends avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasive materials when caring for blinds and shutters.
How Often Should You Clean Your Shutters?
There’s no single cleaning schedule that suits every home.
Indoor plantation shutters can generally be dusted as part of your normal household cleaning routine, with marks wiped away as they appear.
External roller shutters may need more frequent attention because they’re exposed to outdoor conditions. Homes near busy roads, construction, trees or other sources of dirt and debris may require cleaning more often.
Rather than waiting for a set date, keep an eye on the amount of dust and grime accumulating and clean your shutters before buildup becomes difficult to remove.
How to Keep Shutters Looking Their Best
Regular light maintenance is generally easier on shutters than occasional aggressive cleaning.
To keep yours in good condition:
- Remove dust before it becomes heavily built up.
- Deal with marks and dirt promptly.
- Keep roller shutter tracks clear of debris.
- Use gentle, non-abrasive cleaning products.
- Keep excess water away from timber and electrical components.
- Check moving parts periodically.
- Address unusual noises or resistance rather than forcing the shutter to operate.
If your roller shutters become difficult to raise or lower, or a motorised shutter stops operating correctly, cleaning alone may not solve the problem. Contact a professional rather than attempting to dismantle the mechanism yourself.
Keep Your Shutters Clean and Well Maintained
A simple maintenance routine can help keep plantation and roller shutters looking clean while ensuring dirt and debris don’t unnecessarily interfere with their operation.
The most important thing is to match the cleaning method to the shutter. Plantation shutters generally require gentle dusting and wiping, while outdoor roller shutters can handle a more thorough wash while still requiring care around tracks, motors and other components.
If you’re also looking after other window furnishings around your home, explore our guides to cleaning roller blinds, cleaning blackout roller blinds and removing mould from roller blinds.
Considering new shutters for your home? Explore UniBlinds’ Plantation & Roller Shutters range, with custom-made options for Melbourne homes.
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