Faded Vinyl Shutters and Siding What Is an Effective Vinyl Shutter Cleaner? I have vinyl exterior shutters that have faded severely. Is there any product that can be applied to these shutters to restore them to their original color? The color is solid throughout with just the surface having faded. I'd rather not go through the hassle of washing, sanding, priming and repainting the vinyl shutters, as that kind of defeats the purpose of having maintenance-free vinyl shutters. I tried a product called Nu Vinyl, but that lasted only one season. Any help would be most appreciated. Product Cleans Vinyl Shutters You are in luck. There is a product by the Flood Co. that is specifically made to renew shutters. It is a two step process, but it looks very easy and the results are supposed to last for years. Flood usually makes good products, so it would be worth it to take a look. Lowe's or Home Depot would probably have it, or look on the Flood Co. website. Gray Trailer Home with Shutters photo from Shutterstock

WD-40 As Vinyl Shutter Cleaner A friend of mine was told to use WD-40. She said it worked great. I would try it on a small spot first. Don't Use Shutter Cleaner, Check the Warranty Has your warranty expired? Some siding products have a lifetime warranty and this would include fading problems. If you know the name of the manufacturer, contact them. I know that my husband, a siding installer, has replaced whole houses where the siding has faded and the homeowner was not satisfied with the "new" color. The manufacturer refunded the homeowner for the labor and materials. Don't forget to use the ebates cash back site and receive cash back on all of your purchases. Apply the Proper Primer The problem is that paint does not want to stick to plastic. When I was restoring my son's Camaro recently, the plastic covered bumper needed painting. Regular primer doesn't work, so the body shop manager suggested that I go to a NAPA parts store and buy polyurethane primer ($6 a can) for the plastic surface of the bumper.

After priming, regular paint should stick to the shutters. Take the Next Step Clear your clutter the fast and easy way with Goodbye Clutter! Could spending 5 minutes reading a newsletter twice a week save you time and money every day? Dollar Stretcher Tips readers think so. Subscribe and find out how many ideas stretch your day and your dollar! Subscribers get a copy of our ebook Little Luxuries: 130 Ways to Live Better...For Less for FREE. More Money-Saving Tips for Your Home 6 cheap, effective home security solutions 5 frugal ways to expand your living space Top 10 DIY mistakes made by home 'handymen' Save on your mortgage How to maximize your space instead of moving to a bigger home Pest-proof your home against winter pestsThis week's Readers' Tips Should I use a HELOC for home remodeling and repairs? Find the best mortgage rates in your area 3 ways to use a mortgage calculator Mortgage calculator: Calculate your payment and more

Home equity calculator: HELOC vs. line of credit How much can additional payments save me on my mortgage? Who offers the most home insurance discounts?Skip to main content. Home Guides Home Home Improvement Home Painting How to Clean Vinyl Plantation Shutters So They Don't Spot Vinyl plantation shutters provide a unique look to your home. best canister vacuum cleaner under $200They cover the window completely, and the horizontal shutters tilt open to allow sunlight in. cleaning leather car seats volvoThe vinyl material used to make plantation shutters is easy to clean and maintain, but sometimes spots can be left behind from minerals in hard water or cleaning residue. dryer vent cleaning on roof

Distilled water doesn't contain minerals that can leave spots, so it's a good choice for cleaning and rinsing items that spot easily. Fill a bucket with 1/2 gallon of distilled water and add a few drops of mild dish detergent. Dip a soft cloth into the cleaning solution and wring it out. Clean both sides of the shutters starting at the top and working your way down. Rinse the cloth in the bucket as you go. Fill a clean bucket with 1/2 gallon of distilled water. Saturate a cloth with the water and wring it out. Wipe the the plantation shutters with the cloth to remove any detergent residue. Dry the shutters with a clean cloth. Things You Will Need Bucket Distilled water Mild dish detergent Soft cloths Tip Warning References Hunter Douglas: Designed For Easy Care and Cleaning Suggest a CorrectionShine BringsFaded VinylTire ShineVinyl ShuttersCleaning HelpersBring BackRestoringLusterProtectsForwardBring back luster to faded vinyl shutters by using using tire shine. Brings back color plus protects from sun!

Shutters look cleaner without a chalky residue. Vinyl siding and shutters are made with a pigmented coloring that may chalk, or form a powdery white coating, over time. If you're getting ready to put your house on the market or performing home maintenance, send the chalk packing. You can also take a proactive approach by washing your shutters yearly to prevent chalking. To protect California's environment, use biodegradable, phosphate-free products, such as a mild detergent, when cleaning your home's exterior. Squeeze 1/4 cup of biodegradable, eco-friendly detergent into the bottom of a bucket and fill it with warm or hot tap water. Bring the bucket outside and place it in an area that is easily accessible to the vinyl shutters. Put on a pair of safety glasses to prevent dirty water from splashing into your eyes. Attach a soft-bristled brush to an adjustable extension pole, which will allow you to maneuver the long pole around obstacles while cleaning within arm's reach of the shutters.