Timber shutters are a beautiful furnishing to install in any home. They add charm, rustic elegance and an antique aesthetic that many homeowners love. Timber shutters can also be transformed into a contemporary furnishing that accentuates even the most modern of homes. They can be painted in any colour that you like and cleverly designed to enhance your building’s aesthetic. The functionality of timber shutters is also quite impressive, with many products being made with basswood – a high-performance material with excellent insulation value. So while the choice for installing may be easy for the majority of homeowners considering timber shutters, how is its care and maintenance?
Is the configuration of shutters low-maintenance?
Before we dive into our tips for caring for your timber shutters, let’s first assess whether or not shutters are low-maintenance. While the material of the shutter largely impacts whether or not the shutter is easy to care for, the configuration has an effect as well.
Unlike other configurations such as sliding glass windows or awning windows, shutters have multiple vertical or horizontal slats. These slats each have grooves and hardware that can collect dust and grime. While it’s easy to clean this with a simple wipe down, it is not easier than wiping a flat class screen. Comparatively, we’d say that shutters are not as low-maintenance as other options.
Is timber low-maintenance? The answer is yes and no. We say this because the level of care required for a timber product is dependent on the manufacturer and the quality of the craftsmanship of the product. A manufacturer is responsible for preserving and treating the timber. These processes ensure the product’s durability and ultimately, impact its longevity.
The painting or staining process also impacts the level of care required. Proper application of a finish should allow the timber to swell when necessary and protect it to some degree while also being able to withstand weather elements. If not applied correctly, the maintenance of timber shutters can become exhausting.
As you can see, there are many factors that can affect the maintenance of timber shutters and that impact the level of care it requires. While not all products are the same, you should pay close attention to the manufacturer’s requirements for care. Also note that products that aren’t properly taken care of, will ultimately need more maintenance.
4 of our most effective tips for taking care of your timber shutters
- Utilise your care sets
Most suppliers provide care sets with their timber shutters. These care sets are given to people who purchase timber shutters with paint coats or additional finishes. The sets revive dulled paint, restore the water repellent properties of the finish and reapply UV protection to the finish.
These care sets should be used during routine maintenance some annually or bi-annually; it is dependent on your supplier or manufacturer’s recommendations. These sets are fey in not just maintaining your windows’ appearance but its functional value as well.
- Be careful with ‘maintenance-free’ products
If there’s anything you should take away from this article, it’s that all timber shutters will need maintenance. Be wary of any timber product labelled as maintenance-free. As you can see from our previous explanations, it’s almost impossible to not maintain your timber shutters and have a functional and pristine product. If you do find a product labelled as maintenance-free, make sure that you read any fine print on its website or product description, or specifically ask a sales representative about care information.
- Use a vacuum
Though most people use microfibre cloths (these are also very effective), a quick and easy way to clean your timber shutters is by using a vacuum. As dust will settle on lower slats, start vacuuming each slat from the top, then move all the way across and down to the last slat. The advantage of a vacuum cleaner is that you’re able to reach dust in the little nooks and crannies of the slat hardware very easily and quickly (compared to simply wiping with a cloth).
- Use lemon oil or furniture polish for deep cleans
Sometimes, vacuuming isn’t enough. This is usually the case with very dirty timber shutters that have not been cleaned for a long time. Dust or stains may remain on the timber shutters because it is either too heavy or not able to be sucked up by the vacuum. In this case, you will have to use a microfiber cloth that’s been sprayed with lemon oil or furniture polish but never water. Water is the enemy of timber shutters and can permanently damage the material. Lemon oil or furniture polish will not just remove stains and heavy dust, but it will also leave your shutters with a gentle sheen.
We hope that these tips help you to keep your timber shutters in excellent condition. Always remember to refer to your manufacturer/supplier’s care instructions. If you’re interested in installing timber shutters, then we recommend perusing one of the top destinations for high-quality window furnishings in Sydney.
