Shutters can provide warmth and security to your home. They can also provide you with the versatility you need when choosing window treatments for your home. That's because they can come in both interior and exterior styles. However, your shutters will need special care and handling, especially if you want to ensure long-lasting beauty. Now that you're installing shutters on your home, read the information provided below. You can use these tips to provide care for your new shutters. 

Clean 

If you've decided to invest in shutters for your home, you'll want to keep them clean, and dust-free. Dirt, grease and dust can build up on your shutters. Unfortunately, if the buildup gets too thick, it can cause a couple of problems. First, the buildup is harder to remove from the surface of shutters. Second, the buildup can damage your shutters. 

To avoid the problems, clean your shutters about once a week. First, use a microfiber duster to remove the dust. Next, wipe your shutters off with a clean, damp cloth. Be sure to clean both sides of the shutters. If you have exterior shutters, you should also take care to remove the hard water spots on a regular basis. If possible, direct your automatic sprinklers to avoid your shutters. That way, you can minimise the hard water spots. 

Inspect

If you want to extend the life of your new shutters, you need to monitor potential problems. The best way to do that is to inspect your shutters at least once a month. The constant wear and tear can cause serious damage to your shutters. Luckily, a monthly inspection will help you identify the issues that need to be addressed. During your inspection, check for damaged or missing hardware and loose or damaged slats. 

Repair

If your monthly shutter inspection identifies issues, you need to take care of the repairs as quickly as possible. In most cases, you can take care of minor repairs on your own. However, if you identify bigger issues, such as broken slats, you'll need to call for professional repairs as soon as possible. 

Protect

Finally, if you've invested in exterior shutters for your home, it's important that you protect your investment against weather damage. Extreme temperatures, moisture exposure, and even windstorms can harm the surface of your shutters. To ensure maximum protection for your shutters, you should apply a fresh coat of paint regularly.

For more information on how to care for your shutters, contact a home contractor near you.