by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: March 01, 2007   Last Updated: May 08, 2007

Silk flowers and artificial trees have become vastly popular in recent years. No watering, fertilizing, or pruning is required. They never wilt or fade, and you don't need a green thumb to keep them looking lovely and lush.

However, within a few months, they do tend to collect a layer of dust. How do you clean these without losing leaves or upsetting the beautiful arrangement?

No one has the time to wipe each individual leaf gently. But there is a much faster way!

A Simple Solution

Every week or two, you can lightly apply a think layer of clear disinfectant spray (such as Lysol) to the blossoms and leaves of your artificial plants. This will minimize dust collection.

Every few months, you will want to do a more thorough cleaning. Take the artificial plant outdoor to the driveway, sidewalk, or another paved surface. Test color-fastness by soaking one or two leaves with clear water. Let the sample leaves dry, then shake them lightly to see how clean and shiny they have become.

If this has proven to be successful, then it is time to tackle the entire plant. First, check inside the pot. Is the filler made of Styrofoam, cardboard, or paper? If the filler is water-soluble, you will need to remove the plant from it before proceeding. If the container itself is not waterproof, you will also want to remove it.

Next, dust the plant gently with a soft feather duster. Once most of the visible dust has shaken off, your plant will be ready for its shower.

Use your garden hose and a spray nozzle (set for LIGHT SHOWER or GENTLE MIST). Tip the plant slightly, so the water will shake off onto the ground, instead of the plant base. Spray the entire plant thoroughly. Then shake off as much water as possible. (Be gentle! You don't want to break the plant.)

Set the plant in a sunny spot, sheltered from the wind, to dry for a few hours. Once it is completely dry, you can re-pot it and put it back in its spot.

Avoid Costly Cleaning Products

Artificial plant cleaning products are available, but they are quite costly and quite unnecessary. Household cleaning chemicals may damage the color of the leaves as well. These simple steps will keep your plants looking fresh and healthy and perhaps even realistic!

Learn more about this author, Linda Ann Nickerson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.