Are you planning to install plantation shutters in Brunswick but worried they might not last long? The topsy-turvy weather in Melbourne and Brunswick makes installing and making shutters last challenging. Understanding the cleaning and maintenance requirements of window treatments, like plantation shutters, is smart. This article will help you make an informed decision on how to extend the life of plantation shutters and if they’re a good fit for your home.
Why Consider Climate When Installing Plantation Shutters in Brunswick?
Brunswick and most parts of Melbourne have a temperate oceanic climate. While its weather conditions vary throughout the year, the temperature differential is most intense during the spring and summer months because of the city’s geographical location. It is exposed to cold fronts that result in severe weather conditions, such as thunderstorms, hails, and heavy rains. It’s typical for residents to refer to Melbourne and Brunswick as experiencing “four seasons in a day” because of how rapidly the temperature and weather conditions can change.
Because of this, it’s crucial to consider the climate when choosing plantation shutters in the Brunswick area of Melbourne. Specifically, you should choose a shutter material wisely to ensure it can cope with the weather without causing damage to the material. For example, wooden shutters offer thermal insulation and reduce heat within your home more effectively than aluminium shutters. In the winter, you should consider other materials that can be more effective at locking in heat within your home. Consider whether the area where you live experiences more hot or cold temperatures.
Aside from improving the comfort of your home, understanding the link between plantation shutters and the climate is crucial in their care and maintenance. These window treatments offer significant savings in terms of energy efficiency, but it’s essential to care for them properly to extend their lifespan.
Here are additional tips to consider when installing plantation shutters and the weather conditions in Melbourne:
- Choose durable materials that can withstand extreme weather conditions. Aluminium is the best material because it can resist harsh elements.
- No matter what type of material you install for window shutters, you must clean them at least once a week. It helps to remove dust and other debris from the surface. Shutters in high-traffic areas may require more frequent dusting.
- You can add dryer sheets in between the louvres of the plantation shutters. This will help prevent dust from collecting on the surface, thus reducing the amount of dust build-up.
- Different spaces within the home will expose your shutters to varying amounts of dust and debris. Adjust the cleaning frequency according to the different cleaning needs of each window treatment, depending on where they are installed in your home.
- When all else fails, ask the manufacturer about the best practices for cleaning the shutters to make them last.
Caring for Plantation Shutters
Due to the extreme weather changes in Brunswick, plantation shutters can be vulnerable to damage if not correctly looked after. Knowing how to clean and take care of plantation shutters ensures you can keep this beautiful addition to your home for many years. It won’t require special tools or methods; you only need to follow this five-step guide.
Step 1: Clear off debris and dust.
Use a soft brush and vacuum attachment to clean any dust and debris collected on the surface. It is essential to eliminate dust before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Dry them with a cloth.
Use a clean cloth to wipe dust and debris off the plantation shutters after you’ve wiped them down. Wiping them down one last time ensures you can get rid of any remaining debris. Pay attention to the individual louvres or hard-to-reach areas, which can be prone to collecting dust.
When wiping or drying your shutters, gently grab them in the middle to reach the surface areas. Avoid using excessive force as it can damage the louvres. A crucial advantage in cleaning plantation shutters is their wide louvres, which make them easier to clean. It also saves cleaning time since you have fewer louvres to worry about.
Step 3: Wipe them down with water.
You can clean the shutters with water once you’ve removed the visible dirt. Another option is to mix warm water with a gentle detergent. Please avoid using harsh chemicals to clean as this can cause damage to the shutters, especially wooden shutters.
Ask the manufacturer about suitable cleaning materials to avoid damage when cleaning the plantation shutters. When wiping them down with water, make sure to use only the adequate amount. Too much moisture can contribute to long-term damage, such as bending and warping.
Step 4: Leave them to dry.
After cleaning, allow the shutters to dry properly. Using a dry cloth absorbs excess moisture that causes unsightly water streaks. This step prevents water damage, spotting, or dust from adhering to the surface areas. Therefore, give them enough time to dry to ensure that you can extend their lifespan.
If it’s a sunny day, open the shutters to allow fresh air to dry them naturally. But if it’s cloudy or rainy, you can use a fan to help dry them faster.
Step 5: Pay attention to the shutters!
Once you’ve done cleaning the shutters, inspect them regularly. If it’s been a few days since you’ve last cleaned them, check the surface for visible signs of dirt. A weekly cleaning will help in most instances, but it depends on where you live. If you live in areas with dusty or poor air quality, then you have to clean the plantation shutters more frequently, such as twice a week.
Regular upkeep and maintenance prevent the accumulation of dirt, dust, and grime that could take years off the lifespan of the shutters. Before you install them, be informed of the proper methods of taking care of the materials to ensure you can give them the best possible care. When choosing plantation shutters Brunswick installation, it’s essential to be informed on how to properly take care of them at home.
