How to Clean Artificial Flowers: 5 Easy Methods

Cleaning artificial plants and flowers does not have to be difficult or time-intensive. With regular dusting and cleaning, they will stay looking fresh.

How to Clean Dust Off Artificial Flowers

The easiest way to keep your artificial flowers and plants clean is to dust them regularly. Dust builds up to more difficult to remove grime, so you want to be sure to dust your plants at least once a week.

Supplies

• Can of spray air
• Dust brush
• Small soft-bristle paintbrush

How to Dust

1. Sturdy greenery and plants can be blown with a can of spray air. Make sure to hold it back 6 to 8 inches so you do not damage any flower petals.
2. Use a dust brush to gently dust the entire plant and get the majority of dust off.
3. Finish by using a soft-bristle paintbrush to clean small nooks and crannies in the blooms.

How to Clean Artificial Flowers With Detergent

Gentle laundry detergent cleans most plastic and vinyl flowers and plants easily. However, do not use this method with your silk flowers because the dyes can bleed.

Supplies

• Sink of hot or warm water
• Gentle detergent
• Microfiber washcloth
• Clothesline and clips
• Trash bag

Method

1. Mix a tablespoon of detergent into the water, swirling to mix.
2. Plants that are not potted should be immersed in the water.
3. Allow them to sit for a minute, then gently swirl them in the water.
4. Pottted plants need to be covered with the trash bag. Tie it tightly around the base so nothing falls out. Then dunk the plant upside down into the water and gently swirl to remove dirt and grime.
5. Carefully wipe any remaining dirt off the plants using the washcloth.
6. Hang plants by the stems upside down from a clothesline using clips; allow potted plants to dry with the trash bag in place to protect the potting materials from dripping water.

Cleaning Artificial Silk Flowers With Salt

Salt is abrasive without being damaging. Use it to remove dirt and grime from your artificial silk flowers.

Supplies

• 1/2 cup of salt
• Plastic trash bag, pillowcase, or large resealable bag

Method

1. Put the salt into the trash bag.
2. Place the silk flowers in the trash bag.
3. Close the bag tightly.
4. Gently shake the flowers and salt for up to five minutes.
5. Open bag and remove flowers.

Rubbing Alcohol for Cleaning Artificial Plants

Rubbing alcohol is an easy solution for cleaning artificial plants with large leaves and vinery. If using on cloth flowers, test a small, inconspicuous area to make sure the color doesn't bleed first.

Supplies

• 1 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of rubbing alcohol
• 2 soft cloths
• Spray bottle

Method

1. Mix the water and rubbing alcohol together in a spray bottle.
2. Spray leaves and vinery.
3. Use the soft cloth to wipe down the leaves and vinery.
4. You may need to use a second cloth to remove any remaining residue left if the leaves were especially dirty.

White Vinegar and Lemon Juice to Clean Plants

Combining lemon juice and vinegar into a homemade cleaner is a quick and easy way to care for your artificial plants. Again, if using on cloth florals, test a small area to make sure the color doesn't bleed before doing all the blooms.

Supplies

• 1 cup of vinegar
• 2 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• Spray bottle
• 2 soft microfiber cloths

Method

1. Mix the vinegar, water, and lemon juice together in a spray bottle.
2. Spray your green plants and wipe down leaves and greenery using the cloth.
3. If needed, use the second cloth to finish wiping and drying the leaves.

Keep Your Fake Plants Looking Fresh

Dust and dirt on an otherwise attractive plant are immediate giveaways that the plant is faux. Keeping it clean makes it look as healthy and fresh as a live one!