Exterior roller shutters keep out heat, noise and prying eyes, and in bad weather they also shield windows from hail and wind. Yet every day they face dust, pollen, acid rain, snow and frost, and in winter they also pick up road grime and de-icing salt.
All of this settles in the guide rails and on the lifting mechanism, so the shutter starts to stick, squeak or drop in jerks. Here is how to wash the shutters and lubricate the mechanism properly so they last for years without breakdowns.
What you will need
Important: Always isolate electrically operated shutters before cleaning. Do not service shutters in freezing weather: water freezes in the rails, and slats and seals become brittle.
Step 1
Pick the right day and get everything ready
Do not start on a whim: it is easy to give up halfway or damage the slats. The best time is a warm, dry day in late spring or summer. Gather the products and cloths in advance so you are not running between windows.
Step 2
Disconnect the power
If the shutters are motorised, switch off the circuit breaker or disconnect the supply before cleaning. This matters for your safety: an accidental press of the remote while you work can injure your hands. Check the shutter does not respond to the switch before carrying on.
Step 3
Rinse off surface dirt
Before a thorough wash, remove dust, sand and larger debris. A garden hose works well, or a pressure washer on its gentlest setting so the slats are not dented. The water also softens stubborn dirt so it comes away later without scratching.
Step 4
Wash the slats, rails and straps
Dampen a microfibre cloth in lukewarm water with a little mild detergent and wash the slats one by one, getting into every corner. Do not skip the guide rails, box cover, straps and cords. Rinse off the residue with clean water and dry the shutters with a clean cloth.
Pay extra attention to the guide rails: sand, leaves and cobwebs collect there and are the usual cause of sticking.
Step 5
Lubricate the lifting mechanism
The lifting and lowering mechanism is the heart of the shutter: neglect it and the shutter will jam and run unevenly. Apply WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease to the lifting, lowering and tilting mechanism, as well as hinges and rails. The precision nozzle puts the grease exactly where it is needed.
Then raise and lower the shutter several times to spread the grease through the whole mechanism. External metal fixings and screws can be given extra moisture protection with WD-40 Multi-Use.
Step 6
Look after the seals
The rubber seals in the rails dry out and crack over time, especially after a hot summer and a frosty winter. Treat them with WD-40 Specialist Silicone: it keeps rubber supple, extends its life and reduces friction on the slats.
Tip: In autumn, before the first frosts, give the seals and rails another coat of silicone: an iced-up shutter treated with silicone is less likely to freeze in place and moves off more easily.
What next
Wash and lubricate exterior roller shutters at least once a year, and twice, in spring and autumn, near busy roads. Patio louvre blinds are serviced the same way.
These uses come from the experience of WD-40 users in many countries. Always follow the instructions and warnings on the product label.
More guides in «How to use».