fbpx
Call WhatsApp
Home › Ideas & Advice › Shutter Care
Care & Maintenance

How to Care for Your Composite Shutters

Five practical ways to keep your composite plantation shutters clean, operating smoothly and looking their best for years to come.

Updated September 2026 Approx. 10 minute read Village Blinds & Shutters
White composite plantation shutters fitted by Village Blinds and Shutters in Northern Ireland
Composite plantation shutters are designed to be easy to live with, but a little regular care helps keep them looking their best.
The quick answer

How should you clean composite shutters?

For routine care, dust your shutters regularly with a soft microfibre cloth. Small marks can often be removed gently with a clean white eraser. For more stubborn dirt, use a lightly damp cloth and, if needed, a small amount of mild soap diluted in water. Dry the shutters thoroughly afterwards.

Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners and excessive water. Hinges can be cleaned and lubricated sparingly with silicone spray if they become stiff or squeaky.

Before you start

What you’ll need

✓ Soft microfibre cloths
✓ Clean white eraser
✓ Clean water
✓ Mild soap if required
✓ Silicone spray for hinges
Watch

Caring for your shutters

Prefer to watch? This short guide walks through the basics before you move on to the detailed steps below.

Step-by-step

5 ways to care for composite shutters

Regular light maintenance is usually all that’s required. Work gently and avoid aggressive cleaning products.

Soft cloth being used to dust white composite plantation shutter louvres
Tip 01

Dust your shutters regularly

Dust naturally settles on shutter louvres, frames and other horizontal surfaces. A quick regular clean prevents this build-up becoming more difficult to remove later.

Use a soft, dry microfibre cloth, feather duster or a vacuum cleaner fitted with a soft brush attachment. Work across each louvre gently, then tilt the louvres to reach the opposite surface.

Village tip A light clean once a week is easier than allowing dust to build up and needing a deeper clean later.
White eraser being used gently to remove a small mark from a composite shutter
Tip 02

Use a white eraser for small marks

Small dark marks can occasionally appear on white shutters, particularly around areas that are touched regularly when adjusting the louvres.

A clean, good-quality white eraser can often lift these marks. Rub very gently, then wipe the area with a clean, dry microfibre cloth.

Be gentle Don’t scrub aggressively. Start with minimal pressure and only work on the marked area.
Composite plantation shutter being cleaned carefully with a lightly damp cloth
Tip 03

Wipe stubborn dirt with a damp cloth

If dry dusting isn’t enough, use a clean cloth or soft sponge that’s only lightly damp. Wipe the louvres and frame gently rather than saturating the surface.

For more stubborn dirt, a small amount of mild soap diluted in water can be used. Avoid strong chemicals or abrasive cleaning products that could damage the surface finish.

White composite plantation shutters being dried with a soft clean cloth after cleaning
Tip 04

Dry the shutters thoroughly

Once you’ve used a damp cloth, remove any remaining moisture with a clean, soft cloth or paper towel.

Open the louvres and allow air to circulate around the shutter. This helps ensure moisture isn’t left sitting around hinges, frames or other joints.

Silicone lubricant being applied sparingly to a plantation shutter hinge
Tip 05

Look after the shutter hinges

Hinges may occasionally become stiff or squeaky as dust and everyday use build up over time.

Remove any visible surface debris first. If lubrication is needed, use silicone spray sparingly and wipe away any excess. You can also check hinge screws and gently tighten any that have loosened.

Less is more You only need a very small amount of lubricant. Excess spray should always be removed.
Keep it simple

Your shutter care checklist

01 Dust little and often 02 Treat marks gently 03 Use only a lightly damp cloth 04 Dry after damp cleaning 05 Lubricate hinges only when necessary
Explore shutters

Composite shutter styles

Looking at plantation shutters for your own home? Explore three of the most popular configurations.

Made-to-measure plantation shutters from Village Blinds and Shutters
Peace of mind

Covered by our 5-year guarantee.

Our made-to-measure shutters are professionally fitted and supported by our 5-year guarantee package.

If you’re unsure about a fault, damage or how to maintain part of your shutters, contact our team before attempting a repair.

Considering plantation shutters?

See the options in your own home.

Book a free home appointment. One of our design consultants can discuss your windows, show you suitable shutter options, professionally measure and provide a quotation.

✓ Free home appointments ✓ Made to measure ✓ Professionally fitted ✓ 5-year guarantee ✓ Across Northern Ireland