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How to clean shutters

Yvonne kneel product designer holding roman blindAuthor Yvonne KealProduct Management SpecialistWritten 26/01/2021Updated 05/01/2026

Find out the easiest ways to keep your window shutters clean

Shutters bring many benefits to a home, but perhaps one of the best lifestyle benefits they bring is how little maintenance they need.

Light cleaning with a feather duster or clean, dry cloth is all you need to remove most every day dust and debris. For more thorough TLC, our handy guide talks you through easy ways to make sure your shutters stay in tip-top condition at your window.

 

Here we cover:

- How to keep your shutters dust free

- How to thoroughly clean each individual slat

- How to use a vacuum cleaner to keep dust at bay

- How to tackle stubborn marks or stains

Watch our step-by-step guide

Our easy to follow guide gives you plenty of simple cleaning tips and techniques to keep your shutters looking great for longer.

1. Simple cleaning with a feather duster

It’s really easy to keep your shutters free from dust and maintain their quality.

Simply adjust the louvres to the closed position and run a feather duster across the surface of the shutters to remove any dust build up.

You could also use a clean microfibre cloth, wiping the louvres in a downwards motion.

woman cleaning shutters with toothbrush

2. Clean each individual slat

For a more thorough clean, tilt the louvres to the open position and dust each slat from the centre to the outer edge. Don’t forget to then wipe the outer edge from top to bottom.

  • "Use a soft toothbrush to clean around hinges and tilt rods, then wipe away with a dry cloth. This is where dust tends to collect and build up and removing any dust and dirt keeps the mechanisms working smoothly."

    Hillarys top tip

A person is using a VAX cordless vacuum cleaner to clean white window blinds. They're wearing a black and white striped shirt in a bright indoor setting.

3. Use a vacuum cleaner

Alternatively, you can vacuum clean your shutters with an upholstery brush attachment so you don’t damage the slats.

This is a small, flathead brush with a row of short bristles.

Work in a downwards motion from top to bottom, paying particular attention to the bottom and side edges, where dust may gather.

You can also use the attachment to lightly clean the surrounding frame, to remove any more unwanted dust.

A hand uses a green sponge to clean white horizontal blinds, focusing on a section of the blinds in a brightly lit room.

4. Removing stains from your shutters

For heavier stains, give the affected area a gentle wipe with a slightly damp cloth or sponge.

If you have waterproof shutters (our Henley range) you can use a diluted mix of mild detergent such as mild dish soap and warm water.

If you have shutters made of natural wood (our Craftwood, Marlow, Windsor or Richmond range), do not use any chemical cleaning products as this may lead to warping or damage to the colour.

Once the stain has lifted, wipe away any excess moisture with a dry cleaning cloth.

Common stains and solutions

  • Grease or oil: blot with a dry cloth → mild dish soap solution → dry completely
  • Mould or mildew: mix one part vinegar with three parts water → wipe affected area → allow to dry in sunlight
  • Ink or marker: dab with rubbing alcohol on a white cotton pad → wipe with damp cloth
  • Why: each method targets the stain type without damaging the finish

Cleaning different shutter materials

If you need a quick and handy guide, we’ve got your covered, whether you’ve got wood, composite, waterproof or vinyl shutters.

Wooden shutters

Dust regularly with a soft cloth or feather duster. Avoid excess moisture, use a barely damp cloth for marks. Why? Because water can damage wood grain and finish, causing warping or discoloration.

Waterproof, Vinyl, or Composite Shutters

Wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap for everyday cleaning. Rinse and dry thoroughly to prevent residue buildup. Why? Because these materials resist moisture but can stain if not cleaned promptly.

Discover more practical advice