Wooden shutters instantly add warmth and rustic charm to any home interior or exterior. However, maintenance is essential to ensure your shutters continue to look attractive and function well throughout the years. Here are a handful of tips on how to care for your wooden shutters.

4 Wooden Shutter Maintenance Tips

1. Dust & Vacuum

Shutters collect dust fairly quickly, which diminishes their appearance and may also damage the wood. Once a week, use a microfiber cloth to clean the inner and outer slats. For a more thorough cleaning, use a vacuum with brush attachments. 

2. Remove Stains

Wooden shutters often develop stains over time due to spills, window condensation, and sun exposure. Dab wood cleaner onto a soft cloth to buff out any stains as soon as you notice them. Once clean, apply wood polish to deepen the color of your shutters and prevent cracking.

3. Oil the Hardware

Tend to the hinges of your shutters, which may stick and get rusty over time. Apply oil or lubricant to the hinge pins, and open and close the shutters a few times to allow the product to settle. 

4. Refinish

Even with the best care, you’ll likely still need to refinish your wooden shutters every few years. Before they begin to fade, bulge, or crack, treat them with a polyurethane finish that will restore their appearance and protect them from the effects of heat and humidity. 

If you’re looking for gorgeous window treatments, take a look at the wooden shutters available from Saiki's Window Designs, Inc. For over 23 years, this Mililani-based business has provided shutter installations and window repairs to clients throughout Oahu. Call (808) 384-5003 to place an order for window coverings and request an estimate on installation. Visit them online and on Facebook to learn more about their products.