Faux florals bring the charm of natural blooms to your home in any season. These never wilt or dry, making them a practical alternative to real flowers. To keep them fresh and bright, it’s important to care for them properly. Enjoy their beauty for years with this guide on how to clean and store artificial flowers.
Watch our video for practical tips on maintaining artificial flowers. With the right care, display, and storage, you can create a picture-perfect spring or summer scene at home year after year.
How To Care For Artificial Flowers
Enjoy your artificial flower arrangements for years to come with the right upkeep. Some tips:
- Fluff flowers upon unboxing - When you receive your artificial flowers, you’ll notice that they’re compressed for shipping. Carefully fluff the petals and leaves to create a fuller look. For tips on how to shape your artificial foliage, visit our guide here.
- Check if they’re safe for outdoors - Some faux flowers are only for indoor or covered outdoor use. Before displaying them outside, check if they’re marked “Outdoor Safe.” It means these florals are specially crafted with UV protection to prevent sun damage and fading.
- Protect them from the elements - Avoid exposing your artificial blooms to direct sunlight and extreme weather conditions. To minimize dust and fading, display them under a form of shade such as a canopy, archway, or pergola. We recommend outdoor display for up to three months per year to keep their colors vibrant and prevent white flowers from turning yellow. Learn everything you need to know when buying artificial flowers through our detailed guide here.
How To Clean Artificial Flowers
Regular maintenance keeps your flowers looking fresh and new. Follow this guide.
- Follow a consistent cleaning schedule - The frequency of cleaning artificial flowers varies based on your location and weather conditions. We recommend that you dust them weekly or biweekly to keep dirt from building up.
- Use a soft, dry cloth or fabric duster - The best way to clean and freshen up artificial florals is by gently wiping them with a microfiber cloth. You may also use a fabric duster as an alternative. Avoid chemical cleaning sprays or soapy water as these may void your product’s warranty.
- Use a soft-bristled brush for topiaries – Clean topiaries outdoors to avoid spreading dust. Start brushing surfaces from the top to remove any dirt. If your plants are pre-lit, take care not to tug on or remove the light strings.
- Avoid water or commercial cleaning sprays – Do not wash your flowers or apply chemicals such as silk flower cleaning sprays or plant cleaners. Using these may damage your flowers or dissolve binding agents that hold the components together.
- Clean the water illusion – Some flower arrangements come with an acrylic water illusion you can wipe down with soft cloth. Wrap the microfiber cloth around a narrow rod, like a pencil or chopstick, to reach small spots.
How To Store Artificial Flowers
Proper storage helps keep your artificial blooms clean and in the best shape. Here are tips on how to store fake flowers to preserve their beauty and realism for years.
- Choose your storage area well - Keep stored flower decorations in a spot away from direct heat and light, such as a closet or attic. You may also hang floral wreaths and garlands behind a door or inside your wardrobe or linen closet.
- Clean before storing - Do one last cleaning right before storage. If you used the item outdoors, air it out and make sure there are no damp and damaged spots.
- Use a durable storage container - Keep your florals and artificial plants in good shape with padded storage bags or airtight plastic containers. For oversized items, use a large plastic bag or cloth cover bag to keep dust from accumulating. For floral wreaths, invest in wreath storage bags that zip up to keep dirt and pests at bay.
- Space items properly - Don’t overstuff containers. Keep delicate arrangements well-spaced and avoid stacking if the containers are soft-walled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Way To Clean Artificial Flowers?
For regular maintenance, use a soft-bristled brush or a microfiber cloth to gently remove dust and grime from petals and leaves. Do not use soapy water or DIY cleaning sprays that may damage the petals and void the product’s warranty. Some try compressed air sprays to dislodge dirt and debris from their fake flower arrangements. If you do, make sure you hold the can 6-12 inches away and work in an outdoor area.
What Is the Best Way To Store Artificial Flowers?
Store your artificial flowers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and moisture damage. Use a sturdy storage box or a specialized floral storage box to protect the stems and blooms from being crushed or gathering dust during the off-season. Ensure the flowers are clean and completely dry before packing them away to maintain their shape and prevent any mold growth.
How To Care for Fresh and Artificial Flowers?
Fresh flowers require regular stem trimming, fresh water, and floral food to prolong their vitality for a few days or weeks. In contrast, artificial flowers only need occasional dusting and periodic reshaping of the wired stems to maintain their lifelike appearance year-round.
How To Make Artificial Flowers Last Longer Outside?
Ensure that your artificial flower arrangements are rated safe for outdoor use. To protect them from fading, place the arrangements in a sheltered area, such as a covered porch or under an awning, to minimize exposure to harsh wind, heavy rain, and direct midday sun. During extreme weather conditions, bring the flowers indoors to preserve their structural integrity and vibrant colors.
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