Revealing the secrets behind keeping your aluminium shutters clean

Aluminium shutters have both functional and aesthetic value for a home and business. Aluminium shutters are durable, robust and promise long-term performance. For these reasons, they are consistently one of the most sought-after window furnishings on the market. However, in order for aluminium shutters to maintain its qualities, it needs to be properly taken care of and maintained – a point of pain for many homeowners.

Maintaining shutters, regardless of the material or type, can be laborious and time-consuming, causing most people to neglect their shutters. Neglecting any type of shutters is not just damaging to the furnishing, but also to you.

Here are a few reasons why you should keep your aluminium shutters clean:

• Avoid deterioration of its performance: If you don’t maintain your aluminium shutters by keeping them clean, they can wear and tear much faster than they should. While it’s fair to expect deterioration over the years by keeping your shutters clean, you are likely to prolong its lifetime and improve your investment if you maintain it well. Dust, grime, excessive moisture and other elements can cause the hardware of the aluminium shutters to slowly decline, eventually leading to a complete worsening of the furnishing.
  
  
• Maintain its aesthetic appeal: One of the main advantages of aluminium shutters is their sleek and contemporary beauty which has the ability to update almost any home. The impact of this can be disrupted if your shutters are not maintained. Dirty shutters can look unkempt and gradually deteriorate the finishing and hardware of the shutters, making them appear old and untidy. This can not just affect the look of your shutters, but the overall appearance of your building.
  
  
• Prevent health issues: Shutters are located in both the interior and exterior of your home. Without proper maintenance, dust, pollen and other pollutants can enter your home and cause allergies, respiratory illnesses and other negative impacts.

As you can see, the maintenance of your window shutters is not just key in keeping the appearance and comfort of your home at its best, but also for preventing health issues in you and residents in your home.

So what are the secrets to keeping aluminium shutters clean?

Before we get into our tips and tricks, we must admit that aluminium is one of the most low-maintenance materials. Aluminium is extremely durable, robust and resistant to an array of weather elements including extreme heat, moisture (from rain) and intense winds. This makes it much easier to take care of as not as much attention-to-detail or special treatment is needed to keep the furnishing in tip-top shape. However, care is still needed, so here are our trusted tips.

1. Use a microfiber cloth every few days
   
   Wiping down the slats and framing of your shutters every few days helps to prevent them from building up a significant amount of dust and grime. Microfiber cloths are great at picking up even the finest specks of dust and are quite effective for lighter cleaning.
   
   If you do need more rigorous cleaning, then we do not recommend using a microfiber cloth.
   
   
2. Dip a toothbrush in soap for a precise way of cleaning
   
   One of the trickiest places to clean in aluminium shutters is its hardware. Microfiber cloths and sponges aren’t precise enough to clean every nook and cranny around the hardware. We recommend purchasing a toothbrush solely for cleaning your shutters.
   
   Dip your toothbrush in a mild detergent and scrub around the edges of the slats and hardware. The brush’s fine bristles will easily clean the grime off of your shutters. Rinse the soap off the shutters and dry to ensure that moisture doesn’t deteriorate the hardware.
   
   
3. Avoid chemicals with bleaching agents
   
   Though aluminium is a resistant material, harsh detergents with bleaching agents can destroy any finish or powder coat on the shutter and dull its appearance. Aluminium shutters should be cleaned with a mild detergent to prevent any harm to their appearance.
   
   Any deterioration will not happen immediately, it will happen gradually, so ensure you check the ingredients of your detergents to ensure that it is suitable for cleaning your shutters.
   
   
4. Check the brackets or hinges
   
   Your aluminium shutters’ brackets and hinges enable the shutter to move easily. They play a huge role in the effortless functioning of the aluminium shutters and should be checked regularly to ensure that their performance is not being compromised by dirt, grime or dust. We also recommend that you lubricate them frequently so that they maintain smooth operation.
   
   
5. Don’t forget to clean more often during high-pollution seasons
   
   Your aluminium shutters will need more attention and maintenance during winter and bushfire season because they are more likely to face pollution and weather elements. While they are quite durable, ensuring that your shutters aren't overburdened with pollution and moisture will go a long way in making your future maintenance much easier.

Wondering where you can find high-quality aluminium shutters? Check out one of the many premium window furnishing suppliers in Sydney.