If you go to all the expense of installing plantation shutters, it is important to try to keep them in good shape. First of all, if you do take proper care of them they will last for years and years, and will continue to look great. Also, if you ever consider selling your house, it is well worth the effort and time spent in upkeep as that will provide you with the best resale value.
One thing that is vitally important is to keep your shutters clean. This means regular dusting and wiping off with a damp or soft cloth every so often. Generally, plantation shutters don't really get that dirty although dust, left for long periods of time, really can damage the blinds or take off the sheen.
Strong sunlight can also be damaging for your shutters. You may want to think carefully about the material you have your shutters made from before you go ahead. Faux wood often yellows, due to the treatment on the outside of the slats if they are exposed to strong sunlight, so if you're in an area where there's a lot of strong, harsh sunlight, you may want to choose wooden shutters over faux-wood shutters. Another suggestion is to choose lighter colored wood over dark colored wood, as the lighter wood also seems to hold up better in strong sunlight.
Wood shutters don't do well in humidity though. So, if you live in an area that is damp, or where there's a lot of humidity or rain, faux wood shutters may end up keeping better in the long run.
Although plantation shutters are usually made to last, and are quite sturdy and long-lasting, they still do better with gentle use. Don't twist the rod to open the slates harshly or roughly, but twist it gently. If you are going to be opening the shutters all the way out to the side, make sure they are fastened and aren't free to bang against the wall as that will damage the framework. With hinged plantation shutters, you need to make sure that the hinges remain in good shape, so they don't freeze up, rust or become either too loose or too stiff.
None of these tips will take you long to do, but being faithful and regular in your care of your plantation shutters will go a long way in helping them remain in tip-top shape over the years.
Susan L. West, a professional interior decorator, offers advice on how to decorate on a budget. She offers updated advice on plantation shutters, and help in deciding which discount plantation shutters are best for you.
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