Made in the Shade Shutter Care & Use Guide – Made in the Shade Home Office

Custom shutters are designed to be durable, beautiful, and easy to maintain. Proper care helps preserve their finish, keep the louvers operating smoothly, and protect your product warranty.

This guide applies to most interior shutters, including wood shutters, composite shutters, vinyl shutters, hybrid shutters, faux wood shutters, poly shutters, and similar shutter products. Always follow the specific care instructions provided by your local Made in the Shade location or the applicable manufacturer.

New Shutter Break-In Period

It is normal for louvers to feel slightly stiff or snug when shutters are first installed. This typically eases with regular use as the components settle. If louvers feel unusually tight, stuck, or uneven after a few weeks of normal operation, contact Made in the Shade for guidance.

Basic Shutter Care

Routine Cleaning

Regular light cleaning is the best way to keep shutters looking new.

Dust regularly with a soft microfiber cloth, clean dry cloth, or approved duster.
- Norwex has a great line of microfiber cloths: https://www.norwex.com/
Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment for deeper dust removal.
Clean both the front and back sides of the louvers.
Tilt the louvers open and closed while cleaning so you can reach both edges.
- It is normal for louvers to close tighter in the upwards position compared to downward
Wipe the top, bottom, sides, frames, hinges, divider rails, and tilt rods when applicable.
Clean more often in high-dust, high-pollen, coastal, rural, pet-heavy, or high-traffic homes.

Do Not Use

Abrasive cleaners
Harsh chemical solvents
Bleach
Ammonia-based cleaners
Scouring pads
Magic erasers unless specifically approved
Steam cleaners
Ultrasonic cleaning
Excessive water
Pressure washers
Furniture polish unless approved for your specific shutter
Oil-based products on louvers, frames, hinges, or tilt systems

Cleaning by Shutter Material

Wood Shutters

Wood shutters should be cleaned with extra care because too much moisture can damage the finish, cause staining, or lead to warping.

Dust regularly with a dry microfiber cloth or vacuum brush attachment.
For small spots, use a soft cloth lightly dampened with lukewarm water.
Add a small amount of mild soap only if needed.
Wipe gently and dry the area immediately.
Do not soak the wood.
Do not spray cleaner directly onto the shutter.
Do not allow water to sit on louvers, frames, or joints.
Do not use steam or excessive humidity to clean wood shutters.

Composite / Hybrid / Faux Wood Shutters

Composite shutters are generally more moisture-resistant than natural wood, but they should still be cleaned gently.

Dust regularly with a microfiber cloth or vacuum brush attachment.
For smudges or light buildup, use a soft cloth dampened with water.
A mild soap and water solution may be used when needed.
Wipe clean with a damp cloth, then dry with a soft towel.
Do not soak the shutter or allow water to collect around joints, frames, staples, hinges, or hardware.
Do not use abrasive pads or harsh cleaners.

Vinyl / Poly / Polyresin Shutters

Vinyl and poly shutters are usually the most forgiving for routine cleaning, especially in bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens, and other higher-humidity areas.

Dust regularly with a microfiber cloth or vacuum brush attachment.
Use a soft cloth with mild soap and water for spots, fingerprints, or light grime.
Wipe away soap residue with a clean damp cloth.
Dry with a soft towel.
Avoid harsh cleaners, solvents, abrasive pads, or anything that could dull, scratch, or damage the surface.
Do not use excessive force on louvers, frames, or tilt mechanisms.

Pets and Shutters

Homes with pets require a little extra attention during routine cleaning.

Remove pet hair from louvers and frames using a microfiber cloth, vacuum brush attachment, or a lint roller.
For paw prints, slobber, or nose smudges, use a soft cloth lightly dampened with mild soap and water, then dry the area.
For scratches or claw marks on the finish, contact Made in the Shade, as minor surface damage can sometimes be touched up with matching paint, matching color sticks, or MITS can assist with ordering and replacing the louvers themselves.
Keep pets from chewing, scratching, swatting at, or pushing against louvers and frames, as repeated contact can loosen hardware or damage the finish over time.
- Closed louvers prevent pets from seeing outside and getting anxious when the homeowner leaves the house, or from visibility of outside animals and pets.

Odors

Shutters installed in kitchens, near fireplaces, or in homes with smokers can gradually absorb cooking odors, smoke, or other smells.

Wipe louvers and frames with a soft cloth lightly dampened with a mild soap and water solution.
A diluted white vinegar solution (mixed with water) can help neutralize odors on composite, vinyl, or poly shutters. Test in a small inconspicuous area first.
Do not use this method on wood shutters, as vinegar can damage the finish.
Do not use scented sprays, fabric refreshers, or air fresheners directly on shutters.
Increase the frequency of routine cleaning in high-odor environments.

Environment and Placement Considerations

Where shutters are installed can affect how they perform and how long they last. A few things to be aware of:

Humidity and Climate

In naturally humid climates or high-moisture rooms such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens, choose shutters rated for those environments. Vinyl, poly, and composite shutters generally perform better in these spaces than wood.
Wood shutters can swell, warp, or develop finish changes in high humidity. If you notice louvers becoming difficult to operate or frames shifting, contact Made in the Shade.
In very dry climates, wood shutters may contract slightly over time. This is normal, but significant warping or cracking should be reported.

Window Condensation

Condensation from windows can drip onto shutter frames and louvers, especially in colder months. Wipe away moisture promptly and do not allow water to sit on wood shutters.
If condensation is a recurring issue, contact Made in the Shade to discuss product or placement options.

Heating and Cooling Vents

Shutters installed directly in front of HVAC vents, radiators, baseboard heaters, or other heat sources may experience accelerated drying, warping, or finish changes over time.
If possible, redirect airflow away from shutters or discuss placement options with your Made in the Shade consultant before installation.

Refinishing and Repainting

Wood shutters are factory-finished and not typically intended for refinishing or repainting by the homeowner. Doing so without guidance may affect the appearance, operation, and warranty of the product.

If you are interested in refreshing the finish on your shutters, contact your local Made in the Shade location before proceeding. They can advise whether touch-up options are available or whether a product replacement may be more appropriate.

Louver and Tilt Operation

Manual Tilt Shutters

Tilt louvers gently using the tilt rod or louver, depending on the product design. In most cases, the tilt rod is for simultaneous function and operation is best by gently grabbing the louvers to adjust.
Do not force louvers past their normal operating range.
If the louvers feel unusually tight, loose, crooked, or uneven, contact Made in the Shade for guidance.
Do not allow children or pets to pull, hang, climb, or lean on shutters.

Hidden Tilt / Gear Tilt Shutters

Operate louvers evenly and gently.
Avoid grabbing only one louver with excessive force.
If louvers stop moving together or feel disconnected, stop using the shutter and contact Made in the Shade.
Do not attempt to repair internal gear systems unless instructed by your local Made in the Shade professional.

Motorized Shutters

If your shutters are motorized:

Keep remotes, wall switches, chargers, and controls dry.
Replace remote batteries when response becomes inconsistent.
Make sure nothing is blocking the louver path before operation.
Do not manually force motorized louvers unless the product is specifically designed for manual operation.
If the shutter does not respond, check batteries, power, app connection, and selected channel before requesting service.
Contact Made in the Shade if the shutter moves unevenly, stops unexpectedly, makes unusual noise, or does not respond after basic troubleshooting.

Hardware, Frames, and Hinges

Lightly dust hinges, magnets, frames, and panel edges during routine cleaning.
Check that panels open and close smoothly.
Keep paint buildup, dust, pet hair, and debris away from hinges and catches.
Do not hang decorations, towels, clothing, plants, or other items from shutters.
Do not slam shutter panels.
Do not force panels open if furniture, window locks, handles, or décor are blocking movement.
Contact Made in the Shade if a panel feels loose, a magnet does not hold, a hinge shifts, or the frame appears out of alignment.

Specialty Shapes and French Door Shutters

Specialty Shapes

Shutters on arches, angles, circles, sunbursts, and specialty windows may have fixed louvers or limited operation.

Clean gently with a microfiber cloth or vacuum brush attachment.
Do not force fixed louvers. Do not force louvers past the point of tension. Arch shutters often only open to the open position and not downward.
Do not push on specialty frames or delicate sections.
Contact Made in the Shade if a specialty shutter becomes loose or misaligned.

French Door Shutters

French door shutters may be installed around handles, locks, or door hardware.

Open and close the door carefully to avoid hitting the shutter frame.
Keep door handles and locks from rubbing against the shutter.
Do not use the shutter frame as a handle to open or close the door.
Check that pets, children, bags, and furniture do not hit the shutter when passing through the door.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

If Louvers Are Dusty

Dust with a microfiber cloth.
Vacuum with a soft brush attachment.
Tilt louvers both directions to clean the front, back, and edges.

If There Are Fingerprints or Smudges

Use a soft cloth lightly dampened with water.
For tougher spots, use mild soap and water.
Dry the area after cleaning.
Use extra caution on wood shutters.

If Louvers Feel Loose

Do not force them.
Some shutters may have tension adjustment options using a screwdriver on the side of the panel, adjusting a quarter turn at a time.
Contact Made in the Shade if louvers will not stay in position or feel disconnected.

If Louvers Feel Tight

Do not force them open or closed.
If operating the tension adjustment, operate counter-clockwise a quarter turn at a time before checking operation.
Check for paint, debris, obstruction, or anything pressing against the shutter.
Contact Made in the Shade if the issue continues.

If a Panel Will Not Stay Closed

Check for furniture, window locks, décor, or other obstructions.
Make sure the panel is seated properly in the frame.
Check whether magnets or catches are aligned.
If operating the tension adjustment, operate clockwise a quarter turn at a time before checking operation.
Contact Made in the Shade if the panel, frame, or magnet appears loose.

If a Shutter Panel Rubs the Frame

Stop forcing the panel.
Check whether the window, wall, or door has shifted.
Contact Made in the Shade for service if rubbing continues.

Before Contacting Made in the Shade Taking a photo or short video of the issue before you call or message can help the service process go faster. A clear image of the affected louver, panel, frame, or hardware helps your local team understand the problem and come prepared.

Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

Monthly or As Needed

Dust louvers, frames, and panel edges.
Vacuum with a soft brush attachment.
Check that panels open and close smoothly.
Confirm louvers tilt properly.
In hot climates, sunbathe the louvers by turning them both directions throughout the course of the month.
Look for fingerprints, spills, pet hair, or buildup.

Every 3–6 Months

Clean more thoroughly around frames, hinges, magnets, and divider rails.
Check for loose hardware.
Confirm louvers hold their position.
Inspect for signs of rubbing, misalignment, warping, discoloration, or damage.
Replace remote batteries for motorized shutters if needed.

After Painting, Remodeling, or Heavy Dust

Clean shutters gently as soon as possible after the project.
Do not allow paint, drywall dust, construction dust, adhesive, or caulk to remain on shutters.
Do not scrape shutters with sharp tools.
Contact Made in the Shade if shutters need to be removed before painting, remodeling, window replacement, or major construction.

Do's and Don'ts

Dust regularly.
Use a soft cloth or vacuum brush attachment.
Use moisture sparingly, especially on wood shutters.
Dry shutters after spot cleaning.
Operate louvers and panels gently.
Keep furniture, décor, pets, and children from pushing against shutters.
Contact Made in the Shade if something feels loose, stuck, crooked, or unusual.

Don't

Do not soak shutters.
Do not pressure wash.
Do not steam clean.
Do not use harsh chemicals, bleach, solvents, or abrasive pads.
Do not force louvers or panels.
Do not hang items from shutters.
Do not use shutters as a shelf, gate, pet barrier, or child barrier.
Do not attempt major repairs or adjustments without guidance.

Safety Notes

Shutters are designed for light control, privacy, and interior design. They are not designed to hold weight, support people, secure a room, or contain children or pets.

Do not allow children to climb, hang, or pull on shutters.
Keep pets from chewing, scratching, or pushing against louvers or frames.
Make sure panels are not blocked before opening or closing.
Stop operation if something is caught in the shutter.
For motorized shutters, keep controls away from water and do not force operation.

Warranty / Service Reminder

Proper use and routine maintenance help protect your investment and may be required to keep your product warranty in good standing. Damage caused by misuse, excessive moisture, improper cleaning products, pets, pests, forced operation, unauthorized repairs, or lack of maintenance may not be covered by warranty.

Please contact your local Made in the Shade location for details regarding product and labor warranty coverage. Each Made in the Shade location is independently owned and operated, and labor or service warranties may vary by location. Manufacturer warranties are provided by the applicable vendor and may differ by product, brand, or manufacturer.

If your shutters are not operating correctly, stop using them and contact Made in the Shade before the issue becomes worse.