Artificial flowers – how to keep them clean

When you first order a bouquet of artificial flowers, they will most likely look impeccable. High-quality silk blooms can look just like the real thing. The only thing that will let on that they are not fresh flowers is if you allow them to gather dust. While an artificial bouquet does not need water, you do still need to care for them. You can do so by carefully cleaning them on a regular basis. Here are some of the best cleaning methods you can try.

Simple techniques (not always effective)

  • One of the cheapest methods you can use is to clean your artificial flowers with a feather duster. The only downside is that this method forces dust into the air which will mean that it will land elsewhere eventually or can have a negative effect on those with allergies.

  • A hair dryer can be used on a cool and gentle setting to force dust off the silk petals. Again, this causes dust to move around the room rather than removing it completely.

  • You can use a vacuum cleaner on its lowest setting to suction dust away. Just make sure that you place a thin sock or stocking on the end of the vacuum tube so that it’s not too harsh on your flowers.

  • A damp cloth can be used to wipe away the dust but this is also quite time-consuming.

More expensive options

  • If you are willing to spend a bit of money, you can buy a special spray for cleaning artificial flowers. While this method can become expensive, it is also important to note that it is also not always 100% effective. You might want to test it out and see how well it works for you and if it will suit your budget.

  • Compressed air is another option but this method can be quite harsh and could even damage the flowers in the process. Great care must be taken when using this method.

Effective yet affordable methods

  • You can dry clean your artificial flowers by filling a bag with half a cup of cornmeal or salt. Add the flower, close the bag and shake for a few minutes. Check on your flower and repeat shaking if it is not yet free of dust.

  • Alternatively, you can mix equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle and apply to your silk flowers. Make sure that you test this mixture on one flower before you move on to the next. Depending on the quality of your blooms, this can cause colours to run.

  • Wet cleaning involves filling your sink with water and adding some dish washing liquid. You will need to submerge your flowers in this mixture and move them around under water. Next, gently rub any areas where there is a lot of dirt and, once clean, remove and rinse with clean water before you blot dry with a soft cloth. This is a somewhat time-consuming method but it is the most effective and thorough of all. You can hang your flowers upside down to allow them to dry completely before you put them on display again.

It is worth mentioning that artificial flowers also have a life span. They will last longer than fresh blooms but, after several years, you can expect them to deteriorate. You may notice some discolouration or even some dirt that cannot be removed. When this happens, it’s time to discard them and replace them with a new bouquet.