How To Clean Faux Plants

July 2023 · Ian

One of the many benefits of decorating with artificial plants is that they don't require regular watering or pruning to look good. However, even faux greenery accumulates dust over time. Knowing how to properly clean artificial plants is key to keeping them looking fresh.

Follow this step-by-step guide to cleaning faux plants of all kinds. We’ll go over recommended supplies, techniques for different materials, quick cleaning hacks, and maintenance tips to restore vibrancy.

Gather Your Supplies

Before getting started, assemble these useful supplies for cleaning fake plants:

  • Microfiber cloths or soft brush: Remove surface dust gently.
  • Tweezers: Grab and pull out debris stuck between leaves.
  • Toothbrush or pipe cleaners: Scrub in crevices.
  • Compressed air: Blow away dust in hard to reach areas.
  • Vacuum hose attachment: Suck up clinging dirt and dust.
  • Mild soap like dish soap or Castile soap: Mix with water for wiping leaves.
  • Spray bottle of water: Mist plants while dusting.
  • Vegetable oil, olive oil or lemon oil: Shine and condition plastic leaves.
  • Paper towels, soft rags or old toothbrush: Apply oil polish.

Tackle Surface Dust

The most common cleaning artificial plants need is getting rid of dull surface dust and dirt. Here are some easy ways to dust faux botanicals:

  • Gently brush soft-bristled brushes over leaves and branches to whisk away debris.
  • Wipe plant leaves, stems and vases with a slightly damp microfiber cloth to grab dust.
  • Use a vacuum hose attachment to suck up loose dirt. Hold it 6-12 inches away to avoid damaging leaves.
  • Spritz plants lightly with water and wipe with a paper towel. The mist helps lift up clinging dust.
  • Blow away dust between leaves and in hard to reach spots with short bursts of compressed air.

Remove Stuck-On Debris

Sometimes dust and dirt can get lodged in the nooks and crannies of artificial foliage. Use these techniques to remove stuck-on gunk:

  • Roll a piece of masking tape or lint roller over leaves to pick up debris.
  • Grab small stones, fuzz, pet hair, etc. stuck between leaves with tweezers.
  • Use old toothbrushes, pipe cleaners or cotton swabs to scrub out crevices on textured leaves.
  • Mix a few drops of mild soap with water. Dip corner of a cloth into solution and gently wipe grimy areas.
  • For stubborn dirt, lightly scrub leaves with baking soda made into a paste with water. Rinse with clean damp cloth.

Clean Different Faux Plant Materials

Certain cleaning methods work best for various artificial plant materials:

Silk Plants: Dust frequently with a soft brush or cloth. Spot clean leaves with mild soapy water.

Plastic Plants: Wipe leaves with damp cloth and lightly brush with soap solution as needed. Use oil to restore shine.

Dried Botanicals: Shake off dust and use a vacuum hose on low suction to remove debris lodged in dried leaves or flowers.

Preserved Plants: Carefully clean dust and dirt from preserved leaves with soft brush and plain water to avoid damaging the foliage.

Quick Cleaning Hacks

When you need to quickly spruce up dusty artificial plants, these shortcuts get the job done fast:

  • Run pantyhose over leaves to lift dust and lint. The stretchy material grabs onto debris.
  • Apply double-sided tape or a reusable lint roller to leaves to easily pick up dirt and pet hair.
  • For small desktop plants, use a makeup brush to gently whisk away dust.
  • Wipe plant leaves and stems with disinfecting wipes to clean and shine in one easy step.
  • Blow air through the opening of a camera lens cleaning bulb to dislodge dust from hard to reach spots.

Restore Shine and Prevent Fading

To keep faux plants looking their best, add these maintenance steps to your cleaning routine:

  • Mist plastic foliage lightly with non-stick cooking spray to restore glossy shine after cleaning. Wipe away excess.
  • Rub real wax leaves with wax paper to refresh the waxy coating and protect colors from fading in sunlight.
  • Apply a thin coat of lemon oil, olive oil or vegetable oil to clean silk or plastic leaves using a paper towel or old toothbrush. Buff gently to revive color and sheen.
  • Position plants away from direct hot sunlight, heating vents, and fireplaces which can cause deterioration and fading over time.
  • Rotate dusty artificial plants outdoors to clean them naturally with rainfall and fresh air. Just avoid leaving them in harsh direct sun.

With the right techniques and care, your faux plants will continue looking like new for many years. Don't let dust dull down those artificial botanicals. Follow these tips to keep them clean, shiny, and vibrant no matter where they are displayed.