Before you set up your artificial tree this holiday season, take 30 minutes to give it a proper cleaning. Christmas trees often spend the majority of the year in storage, and the conditions in those storage spaces can vary. While some use tree storage bags to minimize dust, others store their holiday decor wherever it fits — a closet, under the bed, or damp basement storage are all totally common solutions, but they do get dirty.
Not only can inadequate storage turn your festive decorations into a dust magnet poised to disrupt the holiday season, but they can also become a nesting spot for spiders and other pests.
One of the biggest reasons you should clean your artificial tree is to eliminate dust and reduce the likelihood of indoor allergies. Cleaning the faux branches of an artificial tree also helps to refresh and revitalize the needles, helping your holiday decor last longer.
There are a few different cleaning processes to try: Dusting, shaking, leaf blowing, vacuuming, and spray bottle cleaning. After that, add artificial tree fragrance for extra effect.
Dust the Tree
Regular dusting of any artificial plants helps them look better. "The most gentle method of cleaning a faux tree involves a soft-bristled brush and a dry microfiber cloth," shares Aaron Christensen, the resident cleaning expert and VP of Growth at Homeaglow. "Not only will this help to clean the tree, but you can reshape branch tips and needles as you go." A feather duster is suitable, but it isn't quite as targeted as a soft cloth when you need to clean the entire tree.
Shake the Branches
Give your tree branches a gentle shake at both the beginning and the end of the holiday season. Not only does it help reduce loose dust, but it'll help drop loose “leaves” or “needles.” Use a dustpan and brush to pick up fallen plastics.
"If you're unable to take tree outdoors, place each branch inside a garbage bag and shake it inside the bag," recommends Christensen. "For a deeper cleaner when shaking, you can pour two cups of salt into a garbage bag. Adding one section and piece of the tree at a time, give the bag a good shake. The salt will attract any dust caught in the tree and leave it looking fresher and brighter."
Colorful faux Christmas trees in an outdoor display should also get a light cleaning to remove any spiders and other pests that make themselves at home in your holiday decorations.
Blast With a Leaf Blower
Taking the tree outside and giving it a little air from your fall leaf blower may seem excessive (and yes, your neighbors will side-eye you), but it's an effective way of removing dust and debris from dusty branches. Don't go full-throttle. Instead, start at the top and lightly puff air at each branch. Work top to bottom, rotating the tree as you go. For many, this level of annual cleaning is all you'll need.
Use a Vacuum Cleaner
This cleaning process requires extra consideration. Before you use a handheld vacuum cleaner to clean an artificial Christmas tree, check the strength of the suction and the hold of the “leaves” on the tree. To do this, cover the end of the vacuum hose with a piece of mesh to capture the dust and debris. Test the hose on an inconspicuous area of the tree. Make sure it doesn't cause any damage, both to the condition of the needles and to any coated branches (artificial snow) that tops the needles and branches of your white tree.
Alternatively, you can try a brush attachment on the end of the vacuum to agitate dust from frosted tree branches.
If it appears to cause damage, don't use the vacuum. If it seems fine, continue to vacuum with care to remove dust particles. It's effective for some trees!
Spray With Soapy Water
Deep cleaning takes more time and is best for tough cleaning challenges. This method should be tested in an inconspicuous area and shouldn't be used on pre-lit artificial Christmas trees. If you can identify the tree manufacturer, always consider what they recommend when it comes to effective cleaning steps.
- Create a gentle cleaning solution. Mix two cups of warm water and one teaspoon of mild dish soap in a spray bottle. Avoid using any abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals on your tree.
- Give the bottle a shake to combine the soap and water.
- Spray and clean, working branch by branch. Starting from the top, lightly spray the delicate branches with the cleaning water. Again, this isn't a technique we recommend for pre-lit trees. Working branch by branch, leave the moisture on the branch for 30 seconds, then wipe a clean dry cloth, microfiber cloth, or paper towel. (If any color runs during your trial, avoid moisture and use a dry cleaning method instead.)
- Repeat. Continue to clean until you have sprayed and wiped down every individual branch, as well as the center "trunk" section.
- Clean the base. The fake tree stand also holds a lot of dust.
- Allow the tree to air-dry.
Add Fragrance
If your tree smells musty when it emerges from storage, go ahead and give it a spritz of a 1:1 white vinegar and clean water solution. This will help eliminate smells.
If your artificial tree had a faux pine scent when you purchased it, after years in the closet or attic, it likely has faded. Conquer a dusty, stale-smelling artificial tree by adding new fragrance. It can make it smell just as good as a real tree.
