Shutters are as durable as they are beautiful, and with proper shutter care they’ll last a lifetime. None of it is complicated. These seven habits take a few minutes a month and keep your louvers moving smoothly.

1. Dust the louvers regularly

Use a soft cloth, a feather duster or a vacuum with a soft brush upholstery attachment. Tilt the louvers one way, dust, then tilt them the other way and go again so you reach both faces.

2. Treat stubborn marks gently

For anything dusting won’t lift, use a damp cloth with a little mild detergent. Wipe off the excess and dry the surface afterwards. Never use abrasive or chemical-based cleaners.

3. Don’t force the louvers

If your shutters have a visible tilt rod, use it, and apply even pressure in the middle of the rod. Clearview and gear-operated shutters have no rod at the front, so open and close them by holding one louver in the middle.

4. Open your shutters regularly

Shutters that stay closed all the time don’t let air circulate. Humidity and moisture can build up behind the panels and damage both your windows and your shutters. Opening them regularly is the whole fix.

5. Keep weight and furniture off the panels

Don’t lean against your shutters, and leave some room between the panels and nearby furniture. Too much pressure will break a louver.

6. Leave repairs to a specialist

If something does break, please don’t try to glue the parts back together yourself. Repairs are quite simple when they’re done properly. Just call a specialist.

7. Our #1 shutter care hack: a dryer sheet

Dust your shutters with a dryer sheet. The anti-static properties actually repel dust, so the louvers stay clean longer between dustings.

Thinking about new shutters?

Aldo’s Shutters & Blinds has been fitting custom shutters in Hamilton and across Southern Ontario for over 30 years. Have a look at our wood shutters and our vinyl and Polysatin shutters, or book a free in-home consultation and see samples at your own windows.