How to Clean and Maintain Artificial Plants? Ultimate Care Guide

When you understand how to clean and maintain artificial plants, it will help you see the bigger picture and help your home stay bright and beautiful.

Today, we share some tips for you to follow that will keep your space looking lush. And this is without lifting a finger or your watering can. 

How to Clean and Maintain Artificial Plants Without Damaging Them?

Artificial plants literally need the most basic care  in order for them to stay looking their best. Most faux greenery stays in great shape for years if you skip the harsh chemicals. But first on the list, try to get rid of dust before it really settles into the leaves. It will keep the colors bright and stop your plants from looking dingy.

Why Do Artificial Plants Need Cleaning?

Artificial plants need cleaning because they can act like a magnet for dust and your pet’s hair. And this buildup makes them look grey. 

• Dust Buildup: The thin layer of grey dust is usually the biggest headache. If you leave it too long, the humidity can turn it into a sticky film situation.
• Kitchen Grime: If you keep your artificial plants anywhere near the stove, it can often get a tacky coating. This is because of the droplets from all your cooking oils. We know it’s horrible! And what happens is this film traps even more dirt. This makes it harder for you to wipe it away.
• Outdoor Mess: Now, if you have your artificial plants on the patio, it deals with pollen and soot. These outdoor artificial plants need you to do more frequent “deep” cleans. This is to stop the stains from becoming permanent.

(Image Source: Pinterest)

How Often Should You Clean Your Artificial Greenery?

The best cleaning schedule will all depend on where you decide to keep your plants. You can look at the table below:

Step-by-Step: The Safest Methods to Clean Artificial Plants

Cleaning your fake plants is actually very easy. You can use these following three methods:

Method 1: The Quick Dry Dust (Best for Weekly Maintenance)

Grab a microfiber cloth or your feather duster. Make sure to wipe down both sides of the leaves once a week. This will stop that dusty “old attic” look. It will also keep the colors looking natural instead of chalky or dull.

Method 2: The Damp Cloth Wipe (Best for Large Leaves)

For plants like Fiddle Leaf Figs or Rubber Trees, wet a microfiber cloth with some warm water. Then add one teeny tiny drop of mild dish soap. Squeeze the cloth out until it is barely damp. Now wipe from the stem to the end to get rid of all those oily fingerprints. 

(Image Source: Photo by Kira Laktionov on Unsplash)

This method is also a great way to maintain the vibrant, waxy glow of an artificial lemon tree. It keeps the fruit and foliage looking garden-fresh.

Method 3: The “Cool Air” Hack for Intricate Stems

Take your bushy artificial plants outside and grab your hairdryer. Make sure to set it to the cool setting. Now blow the air over the foliage. It will get rid of the dirt in the tight spots where your fingers won’t fit or reach. And it will save you a ton of time because you won’t have to wipe every single tiny stem.

(Image Source: Pinterest)

Material Matters: Silk vs. Plastic Maintenance

Understanding material differences is the first step in learning how to clean and maintain artificial plants properly. As different materials need different care.

Caring for Delicate Silk Flowers

Silk plants can bleed color if they get too wet. So, don’t fully submerge them into the water. Instead, you can use a dedicated “silk plant cleaner” spray that evaporates quickly. 

You can also use the “shaking method”. This is where you place the plant in a bag with a cup of salt and shake it gently. 

(Image Source: Photo by DRAKE NICOLLS on Pexels)

Deep Cleaning Durable Plastic and Silicone Plants

Plastic and silicone plants are very tough. You can just rinse these off in the bathroom or use a disinfectant wipe if they’re sticky. It takes two seconds and works wonders. Just give them a quick pat down with a towel. This is so there’s no water marks that are left behind.

Common Mistakes: What Not to Do with Fake Plants

It’s actually really easy to accidentally ruin a fake plant if you aren’t careful. But luckily, you can keep these three things in mind so your decor actually lasts:

• Stick to cool water. Hot water is a total nightmare for these guys. It can melt the glue or warp the leaves into some really funky, weird shapes.
• Put down the steel wool. Those rough scrubbers are way too aggressive for plastic. You’ll just end up with a bunch of tiny scratches that make the plant look super dull.
• Keep the bleach far away. It’ll strip the dye right off the leaves. And it will leave you with some pretty gross yellow spots instead of green.

Tips for Long-Term Maintenance and Storage

By practising good habits your artificial plants like an artificial olive tree, will look amazing for even longer. And don’t forget proper storage is just as important as cleaning.

(Image Source: Pinterest)

Using UV Protection Sprays for Sunlight Exposure

The sun is brutal on fake plants. It makes the green leaves look ashy or turn a sickly blue or purple. You can get a UV-resistant spray and coat them once a year. This will keep the color from fading. It is the best way to stop them from looking cheap.

How to Properly Store Faux Plants When Not in Use

Do not shove your plants into tiny boxes. Use a tall plastic bin or a large bag instead. This gives the leaves actual breathing room. If a leaf gets a nasty bend, hold it over a steaming kettle. It will pop right back into shape.

Mastering the Art of Artificial Plant Cleaning and Maintenance

You now know exactly how to clean and maintain artificial plants like a pro. These quick tips save you money and keep your home looking lush and beautiful. If you want to grow your indoor jungle with high-quality artificial plants, check out why so many people choose HRtrees. 

You can browse our full collection to find your next favorite piece. If you follow this guide, your decor will always look “un-be-leaf-able”.