How to Clean Plantation Shutters

Everything you need to clean plantation shutters from quick to deep cleanings

Co-authored by David Liu

Last Updated: May 23, 2022

Plantation shutters are easy to clean and do not require heavy maintenance. On a regular basis, remove dirt and dust with a vacuum. If your shutters are extra dirty, wipe them down with white vinegar to keep them clean. Make sure to avoid using too much of any liquid cleaners on plantation shutters, especially wooden shutters. Liquid cleaners can cause damage over time.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Removing Dust

1
Use a duster to remove dust.^{[1]
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Expert Source

David Liu
Residential Cleaning Expert
Expert Interview. 3 November 2021.} A simple feather duster can be used to dust any obvious dirt off the shutters. Run the duster in between each blind, hitting the tops and bottoms, to dislodge any built up dust.^{[2]
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- If you don't have a feather duster on hand, use a clean, dry cloth on your shutters.
2
Vacuum off lingering dust.^{[3]
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Expert Source

David Liu
Residential Cleaning Expert
Expert Interview. 3 November 2021.} To more thoroughly remove dust, use your vacuum. Pop the upholstery attachment onto your vacuum cleaner. Run the attachment over the shutters to remove any stuck on dirt.^{[4]
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- It's also a good idea to vacuum the floor around your shutters, as some dust may fall on your carpet or floor during the cleaning process.
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3
Swipe a dryer sheet over your shutters. Dryer sheets actually help prevent dust from sticking to surfaces. After dusting your shutters, take a dryer sheet. Run it over each blind. This should lead to less dust build up in the future, cutting back on cleaning time.^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Removing Dirt and Grime

1
Fill a bowl with white vinegar. White vinegar can be used to wipe any stains off of plantation shutters.^{[6]
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Expert Source

David Liu
Residential Cleaning Expert
Expert Interview. 3 November 2021.} Fill a small bowl with white vinegar only. The precise amount you need depends on the size of your shutters and how much cleaning they need.^{[7]
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2
Wet a sock or cotton glove. For easiest cleaning, you will wipe down your shutters with a sock or cotton gloves. Find a clean, fresh sock or glove and dip it in the white vinegar. Wring the sock or glove out until it's just barely damp.^{[8]
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3
Wipe down the shutters. Place your sock or glove over your hand. Run the sock or glove over each blind slowly. The white vinegar should remove dirt, debris, and any stains. For very dirty shutters, have another sock or glove on hand if the one you use gets dirty.^{[9]
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4
Keep wiping until your socks or gloves run clean. Wipe down each blind as many times as you need for the sock or glove to run clean. The final time you wipe, there should be no new dirt or debris on your sock or glove. The shutters should be looking much cleaner when you're done.^{[10]
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- Remember to switch which sock or glove you're using if your sock or glove becomes very dirty. It's important not to simply rub dirt around on the shutters.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Avoiding Common Mistakes

1
Refrain from using water. As plantation shutters are usually made of wood, cleaning with water is not recommended. A regular dusting is usually all that is necessary to maintain plantation shutters. Water can cause the wood to warp or become discolored, so never use water as a cleaner on your shutters.^{[11]
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2
Limit your use of liquid cleaners. In general, stick to simple dusting to clean your shutters. You should only use liquid cleaners, such as vinegar, when shutters become very dirty. The less exposure to liquids plantation shutters have, the better.^{[12]
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- Even when using a liquid cleaner, make sure you only use a small amount. Socks and rags soaked in liquid cleaners should be just barely damp before you apply them to plantation shutters.
3
Dust your shutters regularly.^{[13]
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Expert Source

David Liu
Residential Cleaning Expert
Expert Interview. 3 November 2021.} Make a habit of dusting your shutters each week. If you remove unwanted dust regularly, this cuts down on the need to use liquid-based cleaners. Plantation shutters should have minimal exposure to any kind of moisture, not just water.^{[14]
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Expert Q&A

Question

Are plantation shutters hard to keep clean?

David Liu
Residential Cleaning Expert
David Liu is a Residential Cleaning Expert at Anita’s Housekeeping Referral Agency. Since 1994, Anita's has been connecting homeowners, renters, and property managers with experienced cleaning professionals who offer deep cleaning, green cleaning, general housekeeping, maid services, post-construction cleaning, and window cleaning. David holds a BS from Carnegie Mellon and an MBA from INSEAD.

David Liu

Residential Cleaning Expert

Expert Answer

Not at all! Plantation shutters just need a regular dusting to stay clean. If something's really stuck to the shutters, use a microfiber cloth or some water and vinegar to clean it off.
Question

How can I clean my plantation shutters with vinegar, and how much should I use?

Community Answer

Put one inch of white vinegar in a clean spray bottle, and fill the rest with water. Then spray the solution lightly on a clean cloth and wipe the shutters. Be sure to turn the cloth as needed so that you're always using a clean part of the cloth.