The Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Artificial Plants: Easy Maintenance Tips
Artificial plants are a perfect addition to any home or office. They add a dash of greenery and elegance but do not require the same care as live plants. Of course, even fake plants require some cleaning to look and feel fresh and realistic. These are the do’s and don’ts for taking good care of your artificial plants.
The Do’s on Cleaning Artificial Plants
1. Dust Often
Do: Make use of soft, dry microfiber or a feather duster, gently lifting the dust that has deposited on the leaves and the stems. Doing this daily will prevent piling and will keep them looking quite lively.
2. Washing with Mild Soap
Do: For a deeper clean, use a solution of lukewarm water and mild dish soap. Dip a soft cloth in the solution and gently wipe down the leaves. Be sure to rinse off any soap residue with clean water.
3. Air Dry Your Plants
Do: After washing, let your plants air dry completely in a shaded area. This helps avoid streaks or water spots and ensures your plant looks its best.
4. Apply Compressed Air to Tiniest Crevices
Do: For detailed patterns or compacted settings, compressed air in a can helps get rid of dust and dirt from tiny spaces.
5. UV Protectiveness
Do: For an added layer of protection, a UV protection spray can be applied to your artificial plants to prevent the loss of color due to the ultraviolet rays, particularly when placed in a well-lit area.
Don’ts of Artificial Plant Cleaning
1. Do Not Soak the Plant
Don’t: Do not submerge artificial plants entirely in water. This can break down the glue and wiring or even discoloration of certain materials.
2. Do Not Use Harsh Chemicals
Don’t: Bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners may harm the artificial plant’s finishes. Only mild soaps or special cleaning agents can be used.
3. Do Not Leave in Direct Sunlight When Cleaning
Don’t: After cleaning them, do not dry plants in direct sunlight as fading or warping could occur
4. Don’t Forget Base or Pot
Don’t: When cleaning the leaves, be sure to not forget about the base or pot because dust and dirt often settles there. Take a swab with damp cloth there too.
5. Avoid Overlooking Regular Maintenance
Don’t: Clean your plants when they appear limp or dirty. Try to clean them often so that they always look fresh and clean.
Bonus Tip: Deep Clean Artificial Plants
For those plants that have acquired so much dust or soil, you could:
Try using a gentle spray of water from a sink or hose (for water-safe materials only).
Vacuum lightly using a handheld vacuum with a soft brush attachment.
Follow these do’s and don’ts to keep artificial plants looking clean, fresh, and real for years to come. Maintenance will ensure they add a touch of greenery to your space with minimal effort.
For more tips on caring for artificial plants or to find the best faux greenery, visit Green Haven.
