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How to Clean Outdoor Shutters

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Emily Fazio | Last updated Aug 23, 2024 7:00 AM ET

It isn’t hard, but it’s undeniably one of those chores that I delay as long as possible. Cleaning your external shutters is important for maintaining their appearance and durability. Outdoor shutters are exposed to the elements and can accumulate dirt, grime, and mildew over time, especially pollen during the spring and summer. If you need to get it done, today's the day.

Tools and materials we use:

Soft cloths (microfiber cloths work great)
A soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush
Mild detergent or soap
A bucket of warm water
A garden hose
A ladder (for high or second-story shutters)
Safety gear (gloves and safety glasses)

How to Clean First-Story Outdoor Shutters

Whether you have real wood shutters, metal, or vinyl shutters, cleaning exterior shutters requires a bit more effort due to their exposure to the elements. The shutters on the first level of your home are more likely easier to reach for regular maintenance and cleaning, though you'll still want to consider using a stepstool or a ladder.

Rinse them down with water. Use a garden hose to rinse off loose dirt and debris. This initial rinse helps to loosen the dirt and make the scrubbing process easier.
Prepare a cleaning solution. Mix a small amount of mild detergent or soap with warm water in a bucket.
Scrub the shutters. Dip a soft-bristle brush or cloth in the soapy solution and gently scrub at the shutters. Pay special attention to corners and crevices, because that's where dirt can accumulate. Targeting the corners with a damp cloth and soapy water helps.
Hose it off again. After scrubbing, use the garden hose to thoroughly rinse off the soap and any remaining dirt.
Allow the shutters to air dry or wipe them down with a dry cloth to prevent water spots.

How to Safely Clean Second-Story Exterior Shutters

Cleaning second-story shutters requires extra caution to ensure safety.

Choose the Right Ladder: Use a sturdy ladder that extends above the shutters.
Secure the Ladder: Place the ladder on a stable surface and have someone hold it steady if possible.
Wear Safety Gear: Use gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from cleaning solutions and falling debris.

If you prefer not to use a ladder, you can clean second-story shutters from the ground using an extension pole.

Extend Your Reach: Attach a cleaning brush or cloth to an extension pole to clean high shutters from the ground.
Spray with Hose: Use a hose with an adjustable nozzle to rinse the shutters from the ground.

FAQ

How often should I clean my exterior outdoor shutters?

Try to get to it at least once a year. Twice a year if you're ambitious. It's a tough chore, but you can do it more frequently if they are exposed to heavy, stubborn dirt, pollution, or adverse weather conditions.

Can I use a pressure washer on my outdoor hardwood shutters?

While a power washer can be used on exterior vinyl shutters or metal types of shutters, it’s not recommended for wooden shutters because the high pressure can damage the wood and paint. You'll also have to be thoughtful about blasting water up into the siding, which can lead to water damage behind the siding that affects your home. If you feel like you have no other option and want to try it, choose the lowest angle setting and test a small area before you power wash the whole house.

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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