How to Clean and Care for Your Artificial Plants and Flower Arrangements
Artificial flowers are a fantastic addition to any home, adding vibrancy and color without the need for constant maintenance. While they don’t wilt like organic flowers, they are still subject to wear and tear over time. That’s why it’s essential to clean and care for your artificial flowers to ensure their longevity and keep them looking their best. In this blog post, we’ve compiled some tips and tricks for cleaning and maintaining your artificial flowers, starting from the simplest methods and working towards more complicated techniques.
Regular Dusting: The easiest and most basic way to keep your artificial flowers clean is by regular dusting. Dust can accumulate on the leaves and blooms over time, dulling their appearance. Use a soft cloth or a feather duster to gently remove the dust, making sure to reach all the nooks and crannies. A quick swipe or tap can help to keep your artificial flowers looking fresh and well-maintained.
Hairdryer on a Cool Setting: If your artificial flowers have accumulated dust in hard-to-reach areas or delicate crevices, a hairdryer on a cool setting can come in handy. Hold the hairdryer at a safe distance and use the cool air to gently blow away the dust from the flowers. This method is particularly useful for flowers with intricate designs or hard-to-clean areas. Be sure to use the lowest setting to avoid damaging the flowers with hot air.
Soap and Water:
For artificial flowers that are not hand-wrapped and come with sturdy details, you can use a solution of soap and water to clean them. Here’s how:
- Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add a few drops of mild hand wash soap or baby shampoo.
- If your stems are loose, gently dunk the flowers in the soapy water and swish them around to remove dirt and grime. If your flowers are set in a vase with resin, hold the vase upside down by the glass rim and swish the flowers in the water, being careful not to get any water in the vase to avoid streaks.
- Avoid using warm water as it can damage the integrity of the flowers.
- Rinse the flowers with clean water and lay them in the vase on its side so that water doesn’t get into the vase.
- Pat excess water off with a towel and allow the flowers to air dry with the vase on its side.
- Once the flowers are no longer dripping water, you can turn the vase back upright.
This method is particularly effective for flowers that have accumulated dirt or stains over time. But again, be very careful when cleaning flowers that are set in a glass vase. A knock against the sink can mean a smashed vase and a possible cut finger.
Dry Cloth or Craft Brush: If your artificial flowers are made of silk or other delicate materials, a dry cloth or a soft craft brush can be used to remove dust. Simply wipe the leaves and blooms with a dry cloth or gently brush them with a soft craft brush to remove dust and keep them looking clean and fresh. Be gentle to avoid damaging the delicate materials of the flowers.
Fragrance-Free Baby Wipes: “Real touch” artificial flowers made from latex or foam require special care. You can use fragrance-free baby wipes to clean them gently. Wipe the flowers with a baby wipe, being careful not to wet them too much as moisture can damage these types of artificial flowers. Fragrance-free baby wipes are gentle and effective in removing stains or slight discoloration from the flowers.
It’s important to always check the manufacturer’s instructions or any specific care guidelines that come with your artificial flowers, as some may have unique cleaning requirements. Additionally, be cautious and avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that can damage the flowers.
In addition to regular cleaning, proper storage is also essential to keep your artificial flowers in good condition. Here are some additional tips for storing your artificial flowers:
Store them in a cool and dry place: Avoid storing your artificial flowers in a damp or humid environment as it can cause mould or mildew to develop on the flowers.
Keep them away from direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the colors of your artificial flowers to fade over time. Store them in a shaded area or use UV protective spray to prevent fading.
Use storage containers: To protect your artificial flowers from dust and damage, store them in storage containers or boxes.
