Many flower-lovers and event planners adore artificial flowers for their beautiful colors. They sit perfectly frozen in time, and they won’t turn brown like their natural counterparts. A bunch of fresh flowers may last a week or two (if you’re lucky), but they’ll soon wilt and wither, leaving you with a dry bouquet that will crumble to dust underneath your fingertips.
Faux blooms may fill your home with a beauty that lasts, but that doesn’t mean they’re free of challenges. Much like with any type of home decor, you need to protect your artificial flowers from the dust and grime of everyday life. Otherwise, they will lose their luster over time and become faded or dirty.
However, as long as you have a few simple techniques on hand and a gentle touch, you can bring back the freshness and life they once held. Once you know how to care for your silk flowers in the right way, you’ll be able to keep them as beautiful and breathtaking as when you first brought them home.
This is how you can clean artificial plants and flowers so they stay stunning for decades to come. Let's begin with routine care.
How to Clean Silk Flowers: Routine Care From Experts
We know you want to keep your faux flowers looking as eye-catching and soul-stirring as the first day you bought them. That’s the whole point of them; you want perfection that lasts for ten years, and not ten minutes.
What most people don’t know is that dust and dirt will settle on artificial flowers, stealing the life from them.
However, if you want to prevent dust from building up, all you need is a routine to clean your faux flowers.
At Jamali Garden, we’re experts in faux flower care. We’ve compiled a few simple methods you can use to freshen up your florals.
1. Brush Them With a Feather Duster
A feather duster needs to be part of any faux flower owner’s care routine. It will gently brush away any dust without damaging the delicate petals or stems of your silk plants, which makes it perfect for consistent care.
Swipe the duster across your flower arrangements to keep them looking neat and tidy. This method is especially useful if you display your fake flowers on a top rack or shelf, where dust is bound to collect.
We recommend using your feather duster weekly (at least), especially if you own light-colored blooms.
2. Wipe With a Microfiber Cloth
Are your plants in need of more thorough cleaning than light dusting? If they’re still looking a little dirty, we recommend using a microfiber cloth.
Patience is the important thing here; be gentle as you wipe each individual petal and leaf. Microfiber is soft and non-abrasive, so we always recommend using it over other materials, as it won't harm the surface of your artificial flowers.
If you don't have microfiber clothing on hand, you could also use a nylon stocking. This simple method works well for keeping up with daily and weekly maintenance and ensures that your silk flowers always look stunning without the risk of damage.
3. Blow Away Dust With a Hair Dryer
If you don’t have the patience or the time to attend to each petal and branch individually, then try using a hairdryer on the cool setting. This is a great trick if you have small or intricate silk flower arrangements. The air will be able to get to those delicate, hard-to-reach areas.
- Turn your hairdryer’s setting to cool – this is very important!
- Hold the dryer a few inches away from the flowers. You want the air to blow evenly and gently across the flowers.
- Gently blow the dust off the petals, stems, and leaves
4. Vacuum Larger Arrangements With a Brush Attachment
If you have larger artificial plants or flower arrangements that need cleaning (such as an artificial orange tree or a cherry blossom vine), use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. This will get rid of dust. You don’t want to damage the silk flowers, so use the brush setting on its lowest power setting.
5. Try a Soft-Bristle Paintbrush
Silk flowers are designed to look like real flowers. They've a lot of details which can make it hard to reach areas like the crevices between petals. With this, we recommend using a soft-bristle paintbrush for cleaning. This type of brush can slide into small gaps without disturbing the rest of the arrangement.
Sweep the brush gently across the flowers to lift dust and dirt.
You don’t need complex cleaning methods to look after your silk flowers. The simple, routine cleaning techniques we’ve listed above will keep your artificial flowers looking fresh and pristine. But it’s important to note that these methods are just for light, everyday maintenance. Because of this, don’t use water during routine maintenance! Stick to dry cleaning methods to ensure the beauty of your flowers and silk plants lasts.
If you're looking to upgrade your flower collection, Jamali Garden has a wide variety of silk flowers, from cherry blossoms to peonies and hydrangeas, and so much more.
Deep Cleaning Techniques: Restoring That "Just-Bought" Look
Dusting every day will help keep your silk flowers in good condition. However, they might sometimes need a deeper cleaning to restore their original vibrancy. Dirt, oils, dust, and other debris can build up on the flowers over time, which will make them look dull, old, and lifeless. But luckily, once you follow our advice, deep cleaning doesn’t have to be time-consuming, and it'll bring your artificial flowers back to life in no time.
It’s important to use the right cleaning methods since silk flowers are delicate. Here are the most effective deep cleaning techniques for fake flowers:
1. Use a Silk-Flower Cleaning Spray
Our specialized silk flower cleaner refreshes and conditions flowers, stems, and petals without leaving a sticky residue behind. It's perfect for all artificial flowers, as well as fake plants and silk trees. Simply spray the cleaner on the artificial plant or silk flower and watch the dirt disappear.
2. Use a Damp Microfiber Cloth
A damp microfiber cloth will work perfectly for real-touch plants, silk plants, latex flowers, and other artificial greenery that can tolerate a little moisture. All you have to do is gently wipe the petals and stems down.
Important Note – The cloth can’t be too wet! If you use too much water, this can damage artificial blooms. Twist the material to get rid of excess water before using it on your flowers.
3. Try Warm Soapy Water (Dishwashing Liquid)
Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with lukewarm water for more of a deeper clean. Dampen a microfiber cloth or sponge in the solution and gently wipe down the petals and leaves.
Be careful with the amount of water you use! Avoid soaking the plants because, as we mentioned above, that may damage the silk flower's fabric.
4. Air Dry to Prevent Molding or Mildew
If you clean your flowers or plants with water, moisture can seep into the petals or stems. This could lead to mold and mildew. This is why it's very important to let them dry completely in an area that’s well-ventilated.
Tackling Tougher Stains and Special Conditions
Sometimes it just doesn’t matter how regularly you dust and clean your silk plants. There are cases where you need to apply tougher cleaning techniques (without damaging them):
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Isopropyl Alcohol: This must-have solution will free your artificial flowers from any stubborn stains or sticky residue. Only use a small amount on a clean cloth or cotton ball and gently rub it into the affected petals if you want to treat a spot. You can also mist the flowers with the solution. This works well for silk flowers that may be victims of hair spray, perfume, or other sticky substances. You’ll want to make sure that this cleaning product (or any other for that matter) won’t cause the beautiful color to fade, so we recommend testing it on an inconspicuous spot first.
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Kosher or Table Salt: This is a surprisingly effective and gentle cleaner for delicate faux flowers. A kosher salt shake can help lift dirt without damaging the petals. Place your artificial flowers gently in a bag or container with some salt and shake it lightly (for about 1 to 2 minutes). The salt will absorb the grime, leaving your beautiful blooms clean once again. Just make sure to remove any salt from the flowers once you’re done!
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Use Uncooked Rice: A less common practice, but it works. Get a container and lay your silk flowers down in it. Sprinkle over a handful of uncooked rice, seal the container, and gently shake it – again, for about 1 to 2 minutes. The rice will dislodge dust. Brush it away with a soft-bristle paintbrush, just like we mentioned earlier.
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Vinegar-Lemon Mixture: This eco-friendly approach to cleaning silk flowers will work wonders on tough stains. And if you’ve noticed a musty smell because of moisture or mildew, this mixture will get rid of it. To make the vinegar-lemon mixture, you’ll need to mix equal parts vinegar and water, adding a few drops of lemon juice for a fresh scent. Once again, we recommend wiping down petals with a piece of microfiber fabric or a sponge.
- Compressed Air: You may have placed larger artificial plants, silk trees, or permanent botanicals outdoors or in areas with a lot of dust, but don’t fear: compressed air is a great option. You can easily blow out dirt and debris.
Our Recommended Tools and Materials for Silk Flower & Plant Care
If you want to clean artificial flowers and care for them, you must have the right tools on hand. The proper materials will protect your flowers from unnecessary damage. Ensure you have a:
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Feather Duster: Gentle dusting will stop you from causing any accidental damage while helping to remove loose dust from your artificial flowers
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Small Microfiber Towel: There’s a reason we’ve mentioned this one so often. It works in two ways: it attracts dust particles from the flower and prevents them from spreading around as you clean.
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Spray Bottle: Misting your plants is made easy when you have a spray bottle. Just fill it up with warm, soapy water or a mild cleaning solution (like isopropyl alcohol)
- Soft-Bristle Paintbrush: You’ll need a soft-bristled paintbrush if you own artificial flowers with intricate designs or tiny leaves
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Artificial Plant Cleaners: If soap and water aren’t doing the trick, you can purchase specially formulated artificial flower cleaners that can safely clean your silk flowers and faux plants until they look as good as new
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Baby Wipes: Yes, they’re gentle enough to clean the delicate petals of artificial flowers and will remove grime or dust that is making your blooms look lifeless quickly
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Wire Cutters: Perfect for trimming or removing any damaged stems or branches, especially from large silk plants
Do’s and Don’ts To Keep Your Silk Flowers in the Best Condition
Cleaning artificial plants doesn’t have to be complicated, but it’s all too easy to damage them when you don’t know what you’re doing. This is because of the delicate nature of silk plants. Follow our important practices and you’ll ensure to protect your plants so they stay looking their best for years.
This list of dos and don’ts will help you keep your artificial flowers looking truly exquisite, no matter how long you display them for:
Dos:
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Regularly Dust Your Faux Flowers: Clean your artificial flowers with a small feather duster or a microfiber towel. Dust your flowers regularly, even if it’s just once a week, as this will likely mean you won’t have to use more intense cleaning later on
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Test Cleaning Products Before Use: Patch test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area of your fake flowers first. This way, you can be sure that the product won’t cause any color bleeding or damage to the material
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Use a Cool Setting on a Hair Dryer: If you choose to use the hair dryer method, we cannot stress this enough: always set the device on the coolest setting. Hold it at least 2 inches away from the flowers and blow gently
Don’ts:
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Don't Use Harsh Chemicals: It’s easy to damage the delicate surface of your silk flowers when you use strong and harsh cleaning chemicals (like bleach or ammonia). Instead, go for gentle solutions like warm soapy water or a specially formulated artificial flower and plant cleaner
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Don’t Use Hot Water: Hot water can cause the colors of your beautiful silk flowers to run or bleed, turning them into a mess. Protect them by using cold or lukewarm water instead
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Don’t Soak Silk Flowers in Water: You might be tempted to submerge your artificial flowers in water for a deep clean, but it’s not a good idea. Silk flowers aren’t plastic. They’re a delicate material. They actually absorb water, which will cause them to warp or become discolored
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Never Place Them in Direct Sunlight: Real flowers may need lots of sunshine, but if you expose your pretty faux blooms to direct sunlight, they’ll fade over time
- Don’t Apply Hairspray or Other Sprays to Your Flowers: Using hairsprays and other aerosol products on your artificial flowers will make them sticky. This will cause dirt and dust to stick to them. These sprays can also change the colors of petals and stems or make them stiff and firm. This means they’ll end up looking nothing like the real-touch versions you bought originally
How to Store Your Silk Flowers Properly
Wrap Them in Tissue Paper
When you’re not displaying your silk flowers, wrap them carefully in tissue paper. This will keep dust at bay, and it will also stop you, or others, from accidentally crushing the petals or stems and ruining their shape.
Quick Tip – Wrap them based on flower type and color to prevent crushing.
Store Them in a Sturdy Box
After you’ve wrapped your artificial flowers in tissue paper, store them in a sturdy, breathable box or bin with a secure lid. If you have taller flowers, we recommend choosing equally tall containers, so you don’t bend the stems while storing them away.
This will hide the blooms from direct sunlight, which can make the colors fade. Avoid storing them in areas with extreme temperatures, as this can make them warp and change shape over time. In general, we recommend keeping them in a cool, dry place where they won’t be disturbed.
A Note On Seasonal Storage
If you’ve purchased artificial flowers for specific seasons (such as holidays like Christmas or special events), it’s best to store them during the off-season. Wrap them in tissue paper and place them in storage bins to keep them safe from dust and dirt.
UV Protection For Silk Flowers
Do you plan to display your silk plants outdoors? In this case, you’ll need a UV protective spray that’s made specially for artificial flowers. This type of spray creates a protective barrier on the flowers’ surface and stops the colors from fading due to sunlight. However, make sure that the flowers dry completely before displaying them.
FAQs
How Do You Clean Silk Flowers?
Cleaning silk flowers is easy if you follow the tips outlined in our guide above. Gently dust fake flowers with a feather duster or microfiber towel. If your flowers have fallen victim to stubborn dirt and you need a deeper clean, use a damp cloth or artificial flower cleaner.
How Do You Make Silk Flowers Look New Again?
One of the best things about silk flowers is that they are designed to last for decades, unlike the weekly lifespan of their real counterparts. However, they still need a touch of maintenance from time to time. Use soapy warm water, a spray bottle, or a silicone-based cleaning spray to remove dirt and restore that fresh look.
What is the Easiest Way to Clean Fake or Artificial Plants?
The easiest way to clean artificial flowers is to simply dust them with a feather duster or a microfiber towel. Use a hair dryer on the cool setting to blow away any excess dust.
How Do You Remove Stubborn Stains from Silk Flowers?
Use isopropyl alcohol for sticky residues or a vinegar-lemon mixture to tackle tougher stains on silk flowers.
How Do You Remove Mold From Artificial Plants?
If you’ve been keeping your silk plants in a damp or humid area, they may grow mold or mildew. Although this might look alarming, it’s not the end for your artificial plants! To treat this problem, create a solution of vinegar and water (about 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water). Dampen a cloth in the solution and wipe the affected areas.
Give the flowers enough time to dry completely in a well-ventilated area before displaying or storing them again. This will prevent mold from growing a second time.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of faux flowers is that they last a lifetime, as long as you give them the love and care they deserve. Above, we’ve provided the right tools and techniques you can use to clean artificial flowers and keep them looking vibrant for years to come. As long as you use proper storage and preventative care, your artificial plants will continue to enrich your decor without wilting or fading. It doesn't matter if you’re creating a flower arrangement for a wedding or simply sprucing up your home décor; our cleaning tips will help you maintain your silk flowers so they always look as beautiful as the day you first bought them.