How to clean artificial flowers and plants step by step

If you suffer from allergies, you may have bought fake plants or silk flowers to ease your symptoms. But without knowing the proper steps for cleaning artificial flowers, they can cause these same allergies. The good news is that I have found some very easy ways to clean silk flowers, artificial greenery and fake plants to keep them looking new.

So read on for how to get rid of dirt, grime and even stubborn stains on your artificial green. Then follow routine care steps to keep your home decor pristine and true to life.

Steps for cleaning artificial plants and fake flowers

What will you need?

• Microfiber cloth
• Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment (or feather duster)
• Dryer (optional)
• Brush with soft bristles

Steps

1. Go outside: Take your plants outdoors to avoid spreading dust inside your home.
2. Give them a move: Use your finger to tap the stems and leaves to watch the dust fly.
3. Air Blast: Back inside, use hair dryer on a cool setting to blow dirt from hard-to-reach cracks.
4. Brush: Use a soft-bristled brush or clean, dry brush to wipe away any stubborn residue in crevices and on individual petals.

Routine care

After cleaning your fake plants, regular dusting with a clean cloth or duster once a week will prevent them from forming layers of dirt.

Cleaning artificial plants permanently fixed in a container

If you cannot remove the plant from its pot, you must protect the base from moisture.

1. Seal the base: Secure a garbage bag around the bottom of the stems.
2. Secure it: Use a rubber band or masking tape to keep the bag tight.
3. Add a towel: Wrap a towel around the bag for extra security.
4. Rinse: Keep the sheets in the sink or shower and rinse with cold water. (Heat can damage their delicate materials.)
5. Dry: Gently shake the plant and dry the leaves with a clean towel.

Cleaning artificial flower arrangements that can be removed from the container

If the plant comes out of the pot, cleaning them is much simpler.

1. Prepare the sink: Fill your sink with cold water and add a teaspoon of mild liquid dish soap.
2. Washing: Gently drop the leaves and stems into the soapy water.
3. Rinse: Hold the plant under a running tap of cold water to remove all the soap.
4. Dry: Shake the plant lightly and allow it to air dry on a clean towel out of direct sunlight.

Cleaning Silk Plants

Silk is a delicate fabric and can stain or fade if it gets too wet. Instead of soaking, I whip up a batch of homemade plant cleaning spray. It’s a good idea to use it every three months or so to get rid of dust build-up.

DIY artificial plant cleaning spray

• Mixture a 50/50 mixture of cold water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle.
• Protect the pot: Wrap a towel around the base to catch any drips.
• Fog: Spray the leaves well. The alcohol will help the dirt slide right off.
• Blow drying: Use a hair dryer on a cold setting to dry the plant quickly so the colors don’t bleed.

How to clean individual artificial flowers

When you have individual artificial flowers, you can use a classic “shake” trick to clean them without water. This method is suitable for plastic, fabric or paper flowers as it does not involve liquids that could damage the delicate petals.

1. Take a pillow case or a large plastic bag.
2. Add a cup of table salt or cornmeal. These act as a gentle abrasive to help remove dust.
3. Put the flowers upside down, keep the bag closed and shake gently for a minute or two. The salt acts like a tiny exfoliating brush to remove dust.
4. Remove the stalks and gently pound them to remove all the salt.

How to clean stains on artificial flowers and plants

Sometimes dust isn’t the only problem. If your plants have seen better days, try these specific deep cleaning methods:

• Sticky residue: For hairspray or perfume build-up, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Rub the spot gently, but always test a small, inconspicuous area first to check for color fading.
• Musty odors: If your plants smell like a basement, spray them with a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Kills odors and dries without fragrance.
• Food splatters: For kitchen messes like smoothie splatters, mix some laundry detergent with water. Rub the spot gently and rinse with a damp cloth.
• Mold or Mildew: Use a solution of one part vinegar to three parts water. Wipe the leaves and let them dry in a well-ventilated area.
• General Dirt: For very dirty plastic stems, baby wipes are soft enough to wipe away the dirt without damage.

Remember to avoid saturating the plant, as too much water or humidity can damage fake flowers.

Store fake plants and flowers properly

If you rotate your decor, how you store your artificial plants in the off-season matters.

1. Final cleaning: Always dust your plants well before taking them out.
2. Wrap for safety: Wrap the silk flowers in paper to prevent them from crumbling or dusting.
3. The right container: Use a sturdy plastic container with a lid. Make sure the box is long enough so you don’t have to bend the stems.
4. Choose a cool place: Store the bin in a cool, dry place like a closet. Avoid hot attics or damp garages, as heat and humidity can cause plants to warp or grow mold.

By following these simple steps, your “eternal” blooms really can last a lifetime.