Household

How to Clean Artificial Flowers

A clean artificial flowers makes a bigger difference than you'd think. Here's the most effective method, plus the mistakes most people make.

What You'll Need

  • Hair dryer (cool setting)
  • Soft brush
  • Salt
  • Plastic bag
  • Soft cloths

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Use a hair dryer on cool setting

    Set a hair dryer to cool and blow dust off the artificial flowers from various angles.

  2. 2

    Brush gently

    Use a soft brush to remove stubborn dust from petals and leaves.

  3. 3

    Salt method for tough dust

    Place flowers in a plastic bag with 1/4 cup of salt. Shake gently for 30 seconds. The salt scrubs off dust without damaging delicate parts.

  4. 4

    Wipe individual leaves

    For larger leaves, wipe each one individually with a slightly damp cloth.

  5. 5

    Air out

    Let flowers air out for an hour before returning to display.

Pro Tips

  • TIPDust artificial flowers monthly to keep them looking fresh.
  • TIPThe salt-in-bag method is the easiest for delicate silk flowers with intricate parts.
  • TIPAvoid water on most artificial flowers -- it can stain or damage the colors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • XSoaking artificial flowers in water, which can stain colors and warp shapes.
  • XUsing harsh chemicals that can fade or damage the materials.
  • XSkipping cleaning, which makes flowers look dull and dusty quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hair dryer on cool, soft brush, or the salt-shake method in a plastic bag.