How Do I Clean Artificial Indoor Trees?

Things Needed

  • Feather duster

  • Dust mask (optional)

  • Garbage bags

  • Painter's tape

  • Water hose

  • Spray nozzle

  • Vacuum cleaner (optional)

  • Pantyhose (optional)

Tip

If an artificial tree has leaves that are securely glued or fastened to the tree, a vacuum cleaner with hose attachment can be used to remove dust from leaves that cannot be cleaned with water. Place an old nylon pantyhose over the opening and hold the hose over the leaves to clean them. Use the vacuum in an inconspicuous place on the tree to test the steadfastness of the leaves before you begin.

Artificial trees indoors have certain advantages. They can add a nice touch of greenery to a living space and they never need watering. Some even look so real that guests may have a hard time telling whether they are real or fake. Over time, however, artificial trees will gather dust and begin to look dirty. Fortunately, there are ways to get them clean again that can help keep the fact that they are artificial your own little secret.

Step 1

Move the artificial trees outside. Cleaning the trees outside will help keep the dust from dispersing through the house.

Step 2

Remove as much of the dust as you can using a feather duster. If you have allergies, you may wish to wear a dust mask to keep from inhaling the dust as you brush it away.

Step 3

Place a couple drops of water on a leaf from each tree to see how the leaves react to water. If there is no reaction, you are ready to spray the dust off your trees.

Step 4

Place the containers into garbage bags and then tape the garbage bags shut with painter's tape or tape that will not stick permanently to the containers or tree trunks. Most artificial trees have moss and filler in the container that is not waterproof.

Step 5

Spray the dust off the trees gently with a garden hose with a spray nozzle.

Step 6

Shake the excess water from the trees and allow them to dry in the sun for several hours before returning the trees to inside the house.

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