Artificial plant cleaning methods

Silk flowers and plants are an excellent addition to homes and work spaces alike. They can brighten up any room without requiring significant care or replacement. Maintaining your artificial plant is easy if you set aside some time now and then to give them a good clean. There are three main methods from which you can choose.

Give it a shower

If your artificial plant fits in your shower, you can easily rinse away surface dirt and dust. All you need to do is grab a brush (like a paintbrush) and give your plant a good dusting before covering any sensitive areas (like moss) with a plastic bag. Now you are ready to spray your plant with water and get rid of more stubborn dirt. Remember to use cool water and, when you are done, set the pot outside in the shade or on a towel indoors to dry.

Take it leaf by leaf

This is a rather labour-intensive method which is why you may only want to use it if you have a small artificial plant or a lot of spare time. As the name suggests, you will clean each leaf one at a time. All you need is a damp cloth and some clean water. You might need to rinse your cloth a few times as you work on the plant. Work gently and wipe each leaf from stem to tip. Check the undersides of the leaves as well as the stem of the plant.

Use vinegar

If water is not doing the trick, you might need something a little stronger. Vinegar can help you get rid of that thicker film of dust if you have neglected your artificial plant. Create a mixture of half vinegar and half water in a spray bottle. Spray the plant from top to bottom and allow it to sit for about five minutes. Use a clean damp cloth to wipe away the vinegar mixture.

If you dust your artificial plant regularly, you will find that deep cleaning will only be required on occasion and you will spend far less time on it too. It’s also worth mentioning that dusting is best done outdoors. If you dust the leaves inside, the dust will go into the air and eventually settle back down on the plant and other surfaces. Dust outdoors so that you can really get rid of all those particles.