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Get a Free Estimate from American Hurricane Shutters

Ready to protect your home with certified rolldown hurricane shutters? American Hurricane Shutters serves all of Southeastern NC and Northeastern SC — from Wilmington and the Cape Fear coast to Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand. Call us 24/7 at +19102561288, email owner Matthew Burns at [email protected], or use our free Hurricane Shutter Cost Calculator to get an instant estimate. Family-owned, fully insured, and OSHA-30 certified since 2007.

How to Clean Hurricane Shutters — The Complete NC & SC Coastal Guide

Knowing how to clean hurricane shutters properly is essential for coastal homeowners in NC and SC. Salt air, sea spray, and high humidity accelerate corrosion and gum up tracks faster than in inland areas. This guide covers the right cleaning method for every type of hurricane shutter — roll-down, accordion, Bahama, and storm panels — using materials you already have at home.

How Often Should You Clean Hurricane Shutters?

Clean your hurricane shutters at minimum twice per year — ideally before and after hurricane season (May and November). If you live within a mile of the coast or your shutters are exposed to direct ocean spray, increase to monthly cleanings. After any major storm, rinse all shutters immediately with fresh water to remove salt deposits before they can cause corrosion.

Step 1 — Fresh Water Salt Rinse (Do This After Every Storm)

Salt residue is the #1 enemy of hurricane shutters in coastal NC and SC. After any significant storm event or extended exposure to wind-driven salt spray, rinse every shutter with a garden hose using a gentle setting — not a pressure washer, which can force water into housing boxes and damage seals. This alone, done consistently, extends shutter life by years.

Step 2 — Mild Soap Wash

Mix warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap (about 1/4 cup per gallon). Use a soft cloth, sponge, or soft-bristle brush to gently scrub shutter panels, housing boxes, and visible track sections. Avoid steel wool, abrasive sponges, or harsh chemical cleaners — these strip the powder-coat finish and accelerate corrosion. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after washing.

Step 3 — Mold & Mildew Treatment

The humid NC and SC coastal climate makes mold and mildew a common problem on hurricane shutters, particularly on fabric screens and in shaded areas. Mix one part white vinegar to three parts water and wipe affected areas with a soft cloth. Allow to sit for 5 minutes, then rinse. For stubborn mildew on aluminum surfaces, a diluted bleach solution (1:10 ratio) can be used sparingly — rinse immediately and thoroughly.

Step 4 — Lubricate Tracks & Moving Parts

After cleaning, apply a silicone-based spray lubricant (not WD-40, which attracts dirt) to all tracks, rollers, hinges, and locking mechanisms. Open and close each shutter several times to distribute the lubricant evenly. This step is critical for roll-down and accordion shutters — dry, dirty tracks cause binding and motor strain that leads to expensive repairs.

Cleaning by Shutter Type

How to Clean Roll-Down Hurricane Shutters

Lower roll-down shutters fully before cleaning. Wash slats from top to bottom with mild soap and a soft cloth, paying attention to the spaces between slats where salt and debris accumulate. Clean the tracks with a small brush to remove sand and grit, then rinse and lubricate. For electric shutters, never spray water directly into the motor housing or control panel.

How to Clean Accordion Hurricane Shutters

Extend accordion shutters fully to access all panel faces. Vacuum the top and bottom tracks with a soft-bristle attachment to remove sand and debris before washing — grit left in tracks damages the sliders over time. Wash panels with mild soap and rinse well. Lubricate the top and bottom tracks and all pivot points with silicone spray.

How to Clean Bahama Shutters

Bahama shutters collect salt and organic debris in the louvered blades. Use a soft brush to clean between each louver, working from top to bottom. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely before adjusting blade angle. Lubricate the arm and arm collar pivot points twice per year with a light spray lubricant.

How to Clean Storm Panels (Aluminum & Polycarbonate)

Remove panels from their tracks before washing when possible. Wash aluminum panels with mild soap and rinse. For clear polycarbonate panels, use only soft microfiber cloths — never abrasive materials that scratch the surface and reduce visibility. Store panels in a dry location after cleaning to prevent corrosion at contact points.

When to Call a Professional for Hurricane Shutter Cleaning

If your shutters have significant rust buildup, binding tracks, damaged slats, or motors that hesitate, cleaning alone is not enough. AHS offers professional maintenance service across NC and SC — our technicians inspect, clean, lubricate, and test every shutter system and identify problems before they become costly repairs. Learn about our annual maintenance program →