Cleaning artificial flowers: how to keep them beautiful for years
Artificial flowers and plants need no water or light, but they aren't completely care-free either. Like any other object in your home, they collect dust. With a few minutes of care a month, they will look like new for years. In this article you will read how to clean artificial flowers, how to dust artificial plants and what you'd better avoid.
Why cleaning artificial flowers matters
Dust is the biggest enemy of artificial flowers. Even a thin layer makes colours duller and leaves look less natural. Especially with high-quality artificial flowers, with fine veins and natural colour gradients, you immediately see the difference between a clean and a dusty bouquet. Regular dusting also helps your artificial flowers last longer. Read more about lifespan in our blog on how long artificial flowers last.
How often should you clean artificial flowers?
As a rule of thumb: lightly dust your bouquet or plant every two to four weeks and give it a more thorough clean twice a year. In a kitchen, near a fireplace or in a spot with lots of traffic, you will need to do it a little more often. A bedroom or quiet corner needs less.
Cleaning artificial flowers in 5 steps
1. Dust with a soft feather duster or brush
Always start dry. Use a soft feather duster, a make-up brush or a clean, dry paintbrush. Work from top to bottom and follow the direction of the petals. This removes the dust without damaging the shape.
2. Hairdryer on the cold setting
For bouquets with lots of small flowers, grasses or plumes, a hairdryer on the cold and lowest setting works very well. Hold it about 30 centimetres away and gently blow the dust off. Never use hot air: heat can deform materials.
3. A slightly damp cloth for leaves
Wipe large leaves of artificial plants, such as those of a strelitzia, ficus or alocasia, with a soft, slightly damp microfibre cloth. Support the leaf with your other hand and wipe from the stem to the tip. Then let the plant air-dry.
4. Tackle stubborn dirt carefully
If there is a spot on a leaf, use a cloth with lukewarm water and a tiny drop of mild soap. Test this on an inconspicuous spot first. Don't use harsh cleaning products, alcohol or bleach, as they can affect the colours.
5. Don't forget the vase or pot
A clean bouquet in a dusty vase is still disappointing. Wipe the vase or pot with a damp cloth. If needed, briefly take the bouquet out so you can clean the rim and inside too.
What you'd better avoid
- Don't submerge in water: artificial flowers in vases are often fixed in place, and water can damage glue or stems.
- No hot air or steam: heat can deform leaves and flowers.
- Not in the dishwasher or washing machine: tempting as it may be, this damages the fine details.
- No scouring pads: they scratch the surface and dull the colours.
Dusting artificial plants: tips for large plants
Large artificial plants and trees have more leaves, so more surface for dust. With a tall plant, work from top to bottom and leaf by leaf. For plants with many small leaves, such as a eucalyptus or fern, a feather duster or cold hairdryer is quickest. For large, smooth leaves, the damp cloth is ideal. Take a look at our large artificial plants and trees if you are looking for an eye-catcher that needs little attention.
How to keep your artificial flowers beautiful for longer
- Avoid bright, direct sunlight: don't place your bouquet in full sun behind glass all day. UV light can fade colours over time.
- Keep away from heat sources: a spot right next to a stove, radiator or fireplace is less suitable.
- Rearrange now and then: after dusting, gently bend leaves and flowers back into shape. That keeps the bouquet full and natural.
- Store seasonal bouquets properly: if you swap by season, keep the bouquet loosely in a box, free from dust.
Care stays minimal
Compared with fresh flowers or real plants, caring for artificial flowers is next to nothing. No watering, no repotting and no wilted flowers. A few minutes of dusting a month is enough to enjoy them for years. Curious about the full comparison? Read artificial vs fresh flowers.
Looking for new greenery or a new bouquet? Browse our artificial bouquets with vase and artificial plants with pot: always delivered complete and shipped free from €99.