Tips to clean artificial plants | Keep them looking new

Artificial plants are low-maintenance, not no-maintenance. Keep them looking fresh and realistic with the routines and pro tips below.

Why cleaning matters

• Dust makes foliage look flat and “plastic” sooner.
• Improves hygiene and reduces allergens indoors.
• Extends lifespan and keeps colours and textures crisp.

How often?

• Living/bedroom: dust monthly (wipe every 2–3 months).
• Office/retail: dust every 2 weeks (high traffic = more dust).
• Bathroom: monthly (watch for limescale haze).
• Kitchen: every 2 weeks (grease film builds faster).

What you’ll need

• Feather duster or microfibre cloth
• Soft brush (makeup/paintbrush) and cotton swabs for crevices
• Bowl with lukewarm water + a drop of mild dish soap
• Optional: can of compressed air / camera blower
• Optional: anti-static spray safe for plastics (test first)

Quick refresh (≈5 minutes)

1. Dust from top to bottom with a feather duster or microfibre cloth.
2. Use a soft brush to loosen dust in leaf joints and textured veins.
3. Blow away remaining dust with compressed air (short bursts) or a hairdryer on cool.

Deeper clean (≈15 minutes)

1. Wipe leaves and stems with a damp microfibre cloth and a few drops of mild dish soap. Rinse the cloth often.
2. For small/medium plants, a gentle shower rinse works: lukewarm water, low pressure. Do not submerge wired stems or glued parts.
3. Dry thoroughly: shake off water, then air-dry upside down. Pat metal stems dry to prevent rust.
4. Finish with a light pass of anti-static spray (plastics only) to slow future dust build-up.

Cleaning methods (by material)

1. Plastic/silicone foliage: Damp-wipe with mild soap; avoid solvents and abrasive sponges.
2. Fabric/silk flowers: Use a soft brush or cool air only. If needed, wipe gently with barely damp cloth; avoid soaking to protect dyes and glue.
3. Grasses & pampas (synthetic): Dust with a soft brush; avoid rinsing to prevent clumping.

Room-specific tips

Bathroom: Remove limescale haze with diluted vinegar (1:10), then wipe with clean water.
Kitchen: Warm water + a drop of mild degreaser; finish with a clean damp cloth.
Flowers & details: Use a makeup brush or cotton swab along petal edges and leaf axils.

Outdoor plants & UV care

• Rinse with a garden hose on a gentle setting a few times per year; never use a pressure washer.
• Prefer UV-resistant models; apply UV-protectant spray annually if recommended by the manufacturer.
• Rotate positions occasionally to reduce uneven fading.

Avoid

Harsh chemicals (bleach, ammonia, alcohol), very hot water, abrasive pads, and drying in direct sun or near heat sources. Don’t bend the same wire stems repeatedly.

Simple routine

Weekly quick dust → monthly wipe-down → seasonal deep clean + optional UV protectant.

Storage & prevention

• When not in use, store in a dust-proof bag/box; pad delicate flowers with tissue paper.
• Keep away from radiators and intense sun to avoid warping and fade.
• Lining pots with real soil, bark or hydroleca adds realism and hides joins.