If you want to enjoy the cool air during a gentle rain, or let in a breeze on a sunny summer day, louvre windows are perfect.
But when those dozens of window slats start gathering dust, they feel decidedly less than perfect. You need to wipe one louvre, and then another, and another…
When it comes to cleaning louvre windows, routine maintenance involves wiping or brushing off loose dirt and dust. Meanwhile, deep cleaning means washing each louvre.
As for what to use, it’ll depend on the material. Wash aluminium or wood louvres with soap and water, then glass with vinegar or alcohol!
The views outside are best when the windows are clean and shiny. Let’s break down how to clean louvre windows — one pane at a time.
How Often to Clean | Before Cleaning | Routine Cleaning | Deep Cleaning | Window Frames and Screens
About Louvre Windows
Louvre windows are great for letting in a cool breeze or lots of natural light. And since the panes (also called slats or louvres) are adjustable, you can choose how much to open or close them!
They can even be integrated with smart home systems to automate opening and closing.
Louvres do have downsides, though — namely that they’re tricky to clean, and they attract a lot of dust. Moreover, you’ll need a screen on the outside, or you’ll be letting in a lot of bugs. (Ew.)
Types of louvres
Glass isn’t the only material used for the slats! You’ll normally get three types of louvre windows for homes.
- Aluminium louvres: Lightweight and weather-resistant, but more costly and heat-absorbent
- Glass louvres: Most common type; best for letting in natural light, but less privacy
- Wood louvres: More sustainable, but less weather resistant and may be prone to warping or mould
There are also plastic slats now, but they’re not as common in homes.
Louvre vs jalousie vs plantation shutters
Louvre and jalousie windows are the same! Both refer to windows with horizontal slats that can be opened or closed with a crank.
Plantation shutters also have louvres, but they’re a window treatment. They go in front of an existing window, and are used for light control and privacy.
How Often to Clean Louvre Windows
Louvres can collect dust and grime more easily than other windows, so they need more careful maintenance.
Dust or wipe louvre windows once every 1–2 months to minimise the dirt buildup. If you live in a dusty area or near a major road, you may need to dust more frequently!
Deep clean louvre windows every 4–6 months to keep them in good working condition.
If you spot any stains, tackle them immediately so they don’t set. The longer you leave them, the harder they are to remove.
Feeling daunted by the number of louvres you need to clean? Leave them to one of Maid2Match’s professional cleaners!
Before Cleaning Your Louvre Windows
Don’t start wiping those window panes just yet! Here are some tips from our expert cleaners that you should keep in mind.
What to use when cleaning louvres
Your preferred window cleaner will depend on the material of the louvres!
- Aluminium or wood: Mild detergent and water
- Glass: White vinegar or rubbing alcohol
You’ll also need microfibre cloths and an old toothbrush. To remove dust efficiently, you can use a soft duster or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment (if it fits between the slats).
Louvre window cleaning tips
Cleaning your windows is pretty straightforward, but there are some tips and tricks to make it easier!
Make sure you use the right tools. Microfibre cloths won’t scuff the panes or leave streaks, and they’re great for wiping off dust.
You can use a squeegee, but it may be difficult to manouevre in the narrow space between slats. Skip the newspapers or paper towels for wiping, since they can track lint.
Start with the uppermost panes and make your way downwards. This way, you won’t accidentally track dust or dirty water onto the slats underneath.
Check the manufacturer’s manual or website for any specific cleaning instructions. If you’re unsure, stick with mild cleaners and test on a tiny spot first.
Don’t forget to dry the slats for a streak-free finish!
Lastly, tackle the windows one section or room at a time. Louvre windows can be a bit tedious to clean, so don’t feel pressured to get all of them in one go.
What not to do when cleaning
Avoid cleaning windows when it’s sunny outside! The heat and sunshine will dry the cleaning solution too quickly, making it more likely to leave residue or streaks.
Instead, work early in the morning or on a cloudy day, and use tepid water so it won’t evaporate too fast.
Skip any abrasive cleaners (which could scratch the surface) or harsh chemicals (which may damage the material).
Don’t use too much cleaner, especially for wood slats. This could leave a residue on the material or lead to warping or water damage for wood.
When cleaning glass panes, don’t spray the cleaner on — instead, apply it with a soft cloth. You don’t want to get any vinegar on the aluminium frame, which could cause oxidation.
Routine Cleaning for Louvre Windows
Light, regular cleaning lessens the buildup of dust and dirt on the louvres!
Start by tilting the windows open so you can access both sides. Run a duster over the top and bottom of each slat to remove loose dirt.
You can also use a vacuum with a brush attachment if it fits between the slats.
Use a soft cloth to wipe the frame, sill, and any hardware like the crank. Make sure everything works smoothly, too!
For more stubborn dirt, opt for an old toothbrush dipped in a little soapy water, then wipe off the residue with a damp cloth. Dry the surfaces afterwards.
How to Deep Clean Louvre Windows Without Removing Them
Your louvre windows will need more thorough cleaning every few months to keep them looking good and working well!
Before anything else, lay some old towels to catch any dirty water or grime while you’re cleaning.
Start by dusting the slats so you’re not pushing dirt around. Go over all the surfaces with a duster or dry cloth.
Prep your window cleaner so it’s ready to go. Mix one of the following solutions in a bucket or small bowl:
- Aluminium or wood: A few drops of mild detergent in warm water
- Glass: Equal parts water and white vinegar or rubbing alcohol
When cleaning wood louvres, minimise the moisture used! Too much water could lead to warping, swelling, or even mould.
Tilt the louvres halfway so you can access the top and bottom sides of each pane.
Dip a microfibre cloth into the cleaning solution and wring it out so it’s just damp. Starting from the top of the window, wipe each louvre on both sides and work your way downwards.
Replace the cleaning solution if it starts getting murky.
Spot-clean any stains with a little rubbing alcohol or, for glass, some vinegar. Gently scrub off the stain with a soft sponge.
Follow with a damp cloth to remove any residue from the window cleaner. Then wipe away excess moisture ASAP with a dry cloth for a streak-free finish!
PRO TIP: To clean nooks and crannies, wrap a paper towel around a wooden stick or a dull knife. The thin tool will help get into tiny spaces.
Cleaning Louvre Window Frames and Screens
The window slats aren’t the only thing you need to clean! The frames and other hardware need proper maintenance as well.
Hardware
Wipe the window crank, hinges, and other hardware with a soft cloth that’s just damp. Focus on any particularly grimy spots, especially around moving parts.
Check for signs of rust — if yes, scrub the rust off with a paste of baking soda and water. Alternatively, use a little lemon juice and salt.
If any parts are creaking or seizing, scrub off as much dirt as you can with an old toothbrush. Then apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to loosen things up!
Window sill and frame
Most louvre windows have aluminium frames, which are fairly easy to clean. Just wipe them with a microfibre cloth dampened with warm, soapy water.
Rinse off the residue with a damp rag, then immediately dry the surfaces to prevent water spots.
Window screen
Don’t forget to clean the fly screens on your windows, too! A dirty screen can make even newly-washed windows look dingy.
If you can take down the screens, gently remove them and wash them with warm, soapy water and a soft sponge.
Otherwise, lay some old towels on the sill to catch the excess water. Then gently scrub the fixed screens with a sponge dipped in water and mild detergent.
Tips for Maintaining Louvre Windows
It takes time and effort to clean louvre windows, but the whole room will look better for it.
Remember that it doesn’t need to be a cleaning marathon — work one section or room at a time, and wash all the louvres on one window before moving to the next.
Rinse and dry the window panes afterwards to prevent water spots.
Washing each individual louvre can be a bit of a pane — or rather, pain. Still, it’s so satisfying to open those dirt-free windows and let in the sunshine!
