How To Properly Clean Roller Shutters Inside And Out Step by Step
Once you have roller shutters installed on your home, you immediately get peace of mind, knowing you will be much better protected from nasty weather as well as criminals who may be looking for an easy target. Yet, just like other parts of your home, roll-down shutters need to be maintained properly, which means giving them an occasional cleaning or lubricating them.
Suppose you’re wondering how to clean roller shutters inside and out. In that case, our Rollac team has outlined everything you need, from the right roller shutter cleaning kit to detailed cleaning steps for both the interior and exterior.
What You Need to Clean Roller Shutters
If you think it will be hard to clean your roll-down shutters, put your mind at ease. Actually, learning how to clean roller shutters is simple with just a few basic tools and cleaning supplies you likely already have on hand, such as:
- Soft-bristled brush
- Soft cloth, such as microfiber
- Clean water
- Mild detergent, such as dishwashing liquid
- Garden hose (gentle spray setting)
- Silicone spray for tracks
Pro Tip: To keep your shutters operating smoothly, apply a light coat of silicone spray to the side tracks after cleaning. This prevents dirt buildup, reduces friction, and ensures effortless rolling, especially in humid coastal areas. Avoid oil-based lubricants, as they can attract dust and compromise long-term performance.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Roller Shutters (exterior and interior)
Step 1: Remove Loose Debris
Using the soft-bristled brush, remove any loose dirt, dust, or cobwebs from the slats and door guides. This prevents debris from scratching the surface or getting trapped in the tracks.
Step 2: Wipe Slats with Soapy Water (Top to Bottom)
Mix a small amount of mild detergent with clean water. Using your soft cloth or sponge, gently wipe the shutter slats in a vertical motion, moving from top to bottom. This helps the soapy water spread evenly and prevents slats from becoming misaligned, which could cause operational issues.
Step 3: Clean Between the Slats
Open the shutters partially to access the spaces between the slats. Use the soft-bristled brush and soapy cloth to remove any accumulated dirt or debris from these areas, as well as the door guide.
Step 4: Clean the Inside Surfaces
Gently wipe down the inside of the shutters using your soapy cloth and the same vertical motion. Continue to use the soft brush where needed to loosen debris in corners and edges.
Step 5: Clean the Roller Shutter Guides
Completely open the shutters, then sweep out any debris from the inner guides with your brush. Wipe the guides with your damp cloth to remove remaining residue.
Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly
Once all surfaces are clean, rinse them with fresh water to remove any soap residue.
- For the outside: Pull the shutters completely down and use a gentle garden hose spray to rinse. Avoid using a pressure washer, as this could damage the slats or finishes.
- For the inside: Wipe down with a clean, damp cloth instead of spraying.
Step 7: Dry the Shutters
After rinsing, use a soft microfiber cloth to dry the slats thoroughly, moving in an up-and-down motion to prevent watermarks. Make sure the guides are completely dry before closing the shutters.
Step 8: Allow to Dry Completely Before Operation
Let all components air-dry thoroughly before raising or lowering the shutters again. This helps protect the finish and internal mechanisms.
Step 9: Maintain the Tracks with Silicone Spray
To keep your shutters operating smoothly, apply a light coat of silicone spray to the side tracks after cleaning. This prevents dirt buildup, reduces friction, and ensures effortless rolling—especially in humid or coastal conditions. Avoid oil-based lubricants, as they can attract dust and cause the mechanism to become clogged over time.
How to Clean the Inside of Roller Shutters without Removing Them
If you’re wondering how to clean the inside of the roller shutters without removing them? It’ actually easier than it looks. Simply use the partial-opening method to reach interior surfaces safely.
Start by raising your shutters halfway, allowing you to access both sides of the slats and the interior of the guides.
With the shutters in this position, use a soft-bristled brush to loosen any dirt or debris that’s collected between the slats and along the track edges.
Next, dip a soft cloth or sponge into a mild soapy water solution and gently wipe the inside surfaces in a vertical motion, moving from top to bottom. This helps distribute soap evenly and prevents slats from shifting out of alignment. Avoid applying heavy pressure; roller shutters are durable but can be damaged through the use of metal tools or forceful scrubbing.
As you begin to clean the shutters, pay particular attention to the guides and tracks; these areas often trap dust and moisture. Carefully wipe them down, ensuring you don’t disturb the shutter’s alignment or edges. Once finished, rinse with a damp cloth to remove any soap residue, then allow the shutters to dry completely before closing or operating them.
Using this gentle, step-by-step method keeps your shutters clean and operating smoothly, making it the best way to handle roller shutter maintenance without disassembly.
The Importance of Cleaning the Tracks and Guides for Smooth Operation
Your shutter’s tracks and guides play a crucial role in ensuring smooth and quiet movement. After cleaning the slats, fully open the shutters and sweep out debris from the tracks using a soft brush. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove grime.
Once dry, apply a light silicone spray to the side guides. In doing so, you reduce friction, prevent sticking, and minimize wear on motorized components. A well-lubricated track also improves energy efficiency, as shutters seal tighter, maintain insulation, and help regulate indoor temperatures throughout the year.
Regular attention to this part of the roller shutter maintenance extends the lifespan of your system and prevents premature wear.
Stubborn Stains and Regular Maintenance Tips
For hard-to-remove stains, use a slightly stronger soap-to-water ratio and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid using abrasive pads, steel wool, or harsh chemicals, as they can damage paint and finishes.
For best results:
Weekly: Light dusting and spot cleaning
Monthly: Full wipe-down and track inspection
Every 3-6 months: Deep clean and silicone lubrication.
By incorporating these habits, your roller shutter cleaning kit will deliver lasting results, keeping your shutters clean, smooth, and visually appealing year-round.
Cleaning Automated Roller Shutters Safely
Safety is crucial when cleaning motorized or automated shutters.
- Power off the system at the main switch before you begin
- Avoid getting water near the motor, sensors, or electrical connections.
- Use a garden hose on a gentle setting or a damp cloth. Never use a pressure washer.
Follow the same cleaning steps as for manual shutters, but be aware of the location of electrical components. Taking a careful approach will keep your shutters safe from damage and ensure continued reliability.
Post-Storm and Hurricane Maintenance Checklist
After a major storm or hurricane, take a moment to quickly inspect your shutters to ensure they’ve not been damaged.
- Inspect for debris, salt, sand, or dents caused by high winds or rain
- Rinse shutters with fresh water to remove salt buildup, which helps prevent corrosion.
- Clean and dry all surfaces before retracting the shutters to protect finishes.
- Check side tracks and casing for obstructions, cracks, or misalignment.
Integrating this roller shutter maintenance routine after storms helps prevent corrosion and ensures continued protection.
How often should you clean your roller shutters?
Light cleaning once a month is ideal, particularly in dusty or coastal environments. A deep clean every 3-6 months keeps mechanisms clear and their surfaces bright. In the event of severe weather, including high winds, take a moment after the storm to perform a quick rinse and inspection to prevent salt corrosion and debris damage.
Consistent maintenance ensures your shutters look great, move smoothly, and continue to provide reliable protection and insulation throughout the year.
Contact Rollac for Expert Advice
If you have questions about how to clean roller shutters or want help choosing the right roller shutter cleaning kit, our experts are here to assist. Contact Rollac today to learn more about cleaning, upkeep, and hurricane-rated models that protect your home while maintaining top energy efficiency.