How to Clean Artificial Plants: A Simple Guide

If you’ve got artificial plants in your space, you already know they’re an amazing hack for adding green without the hassle. 

No watering, no pruning, no worrying about sunlight – they just sit there, looking good all day, every day. 

But have you ever looked at your once-vibrant artificial plants and thought, Hmm, they’re looking a little… tired?

Well, you’re not alone! Just like any decor, fake plants can collect dust and start looking a little dull over time. So, while they’re low-maintenance, they’re not exactly no-maintenance.

The good news? Cleaning artificial plants doesn’t have to be a big chore. 

With the right tips and a little help from Designer Plants’ Artificial Plant Cleaner, you can keep your faux foliage looking fresh, vibrant, and brand new – and it only takes a few minutes! 

Let’s dive into some easy ways to keep your artificial plants dust-free, shiny, and photo-ready.

Why Clean Artificial Plants?

Artificial plants don’t wither or fade, but they do accumulate dust, debris, and stains. Regular cleaning not only keeps them looking lively but also enhances their longevity, especially for UV resistant artificial plants designed to withstand outdoor elements.

• Did you know? High-quality artificial plants can last 5-10 years with regular cleaning and care!

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Artificial Plants and Flowers

Cleaning your artificial plants doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right approach and tools, you can keep your fake plants looking fresh and lifelike for years. Below are step-by-step methods for cleaning artificial plants, ranging from light dusting to deep cleaning for those with stubborn grime.

• Simple Dusting

Best For: Light dust accumulation on plants with sturdy leaves
Time Needed: 5-10 minutes
Tools Needed: Microfiber cloth or feather duster

How to Clean:

• Gently wipe the surface of each leaf and stem with a soft microfiber cloth or feather duster.
• Start from the top of the plant and work your way down to avoid dragging dust back over clean areas.
• For better dust removal, tilt the plant in various directions to ensure all angles are covered.

Tip: Make this a weekly habit to prevent dust buildup and keep your plants looking fresh.

• Compressed Air

Best For: Delicate plants or small, intricate arrangements
Time Needed: 1-2 minutes
Tools Needed: Can of compressed air

How to Clean:

• Hold the compressed air can upright and use short bursts of air to blow dust from between the leaves, stems, and hard-to-reach areas.
• Make sure to use the air at a distance to prevent damaging fragile parts of the plant.
• Move the can around the plant, ensuring you cover all areas without touching the leaves directly.

Tip: This method is excellent for cleaning fake plants with smaller leaves or artificial flowers where you can’t easily wipe down every surface.

• Vacuuming with a Brush Attachment

Best For: Sturdy, larger plants with larger leaves
Time Needed: 5 minutes
Tools Needed: Handheld vacuum with brush attachment

How to Clean:

• Use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner and set it to the lowest suction setting.
• Gently run the brush over the leaves to loosen and remove dust. Move the brush in one direction to avoid damaging delicate foliage.
• Pay attention to the nooks and crannies where dust tends to accumulate, such as leaf joints and along stems.

Tip: This method works especially well for taller plants or large-leafed artificial greenery.

• Misting with Water

Best For: Plastic or vinyl artificial plants
Time Needed: 5-10 minutes
Tools Needed: A spray bottle filled with water

How to Clean:

• Fill a spray bottle with water and lightly mist the leaves from a distance, ensuring no excessive water droplets form.
• After misting, let the plant air dry for about 10 minutes.
• Make sure to avoid wetting any areas that might be damaged by moisture, such as fabric or paper-based plants.

Tip: Misting can also help refresh artificial plants, making them look more lifelike. Avoid over-wetting the leaves, as this can cause discolouration over time.

• Soapy Water Soak

Best For: Heavily soiled plants (plastic, silk, or vinyl)
Time Needed: 15-20 minutes
Tools Needed: Mild dish soap, a bucket of lukewarm water

How to Clean:

• Fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Avoid harsh detergents, as they can damage the plant’s finish.
• Submerge the plant (or just the leaves) in the soapy water. Gently shake to remove dirt.
• Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove soap residue.
• Allow the plant to air dry completely before returning it to its display location.

Tip: Be careful with plants that have fabric leaves, as soaking them in water can damage the material.

• Hairdryer for Hard-to-Reach Spots

Best For: Intricate plants or those with delicate, hard-to-reach areas (silk flowers, potted plants with detailed leaves)
Time Needed: 5-10 minutes
Tools Needed: Hairdryer (set on cool setting)

How to Clean:

• Set the hairdryer to a cool setting.
• Hold the hairdryer about 6-12 inches away from the plant.
• Gently blow air onto the leaves and stems to dislodge dust and debris.
• Move the hairdryer around the plant, ensuring you clean all angles, especially intricate spots.
• Check to ensure all areas are dust-free, and if needed, repeat the process for stubborn spots.

Tip: This method is perfect for plants with detailed designs or flowers where traditional dusting methods might miss certain areas. Avoid using hot air, as it can damage the plant.

• Designer Plants’ Artificial Plant Cleaner (Quick & Effective)

Best For: UV resistant artificial plants, artificial plants with delicate leaves
Time Needed: 20 seconds
Tools Needed: Designer Plants’ Artificial Plant Cleaner, microfiber cloth

How to Clean:

• Shake the bottle of Designer Plants’ Artificial Plant Cleaner and spray evenly over the leaves and stems.
• Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe down the plant. The cleaner works quickly, removing dust while protecting the plant’s foliage.
• The natural oils in the cleaner enhance the plant’s colour and texture without leaving a greasy residue.

Tip: Use this cleaner monthly or whenever your plants start to look dull for maximum freshness. Ideal for regular maintenance.

How to clean your Artificial Plant in 20 seconds

How Often Should You Clean Artificial Plants?

Cleaning frequency depends on where your artificial plants are placed. Here’s a quick guide:

Handy Tips for Keeping Your Fake Plants Fresh

1. Place Plants Away from Direct Sunlight: Although UV resistant artificial plants are built to endure outdoor exposure, keeping indoor plants out of direct sunlight helps prevent fading.
2. Rotate Plants Occasionally: Rotate plants every few weeks to expose all sides evenly, keeping them clean and dust-free.
3. Test Before Soaking: Not all artificial plants are made from the same materials, so always test an inconspicuous area first.

Avoid Over-Watering: While misting can work for plastic or vinyl plants, too much water can damage fabric leaves.

Wrapping It Up

Cleaning artificial plants doesn’t have to be a chore. With a little routine care, like dusting and rinsing, and the right product, like Designer Plants’ Artificial Plant Cleaner, your artificial greenery will look fresh and inviting year-round.

Designer Plants offers a stunning collection of artificial plants, perfect for any home or office. Explore their selection today to bring a bit of greenery into your space—without the hassle!

Designer Plants’ Artificial Plant Cleaner: The Fast & Easy Solution

For a foolproof and super-quick clean, Designer Plants’ Artificial Plant Cleaner is an excellent choice. This Australian-made cleaner is formulated with natural oils to cleanse while enhancing the plant’s colour and shine. It’s:

• Quick & Easy to Use: Cleans artificial plants in just 20 seconds—perfect for busy lifestyles.
• Made with Natural Ingredients: Contains a light and pleasant smell, free from harsh chemicals.

Biodegradable and Cruelty-Free: Safe for the environment and not tested on animals.