What artificial Christmas trees lack in fresh evergreen scent, they make up for with ease of maintenance. Unlike live versions, faux firs do not shed, or require watering, then are disposed of at the end of the holiday season. but that doesn’t mean they are completely maintenance free.
Given that artificial Christmas trees stay with us in our home for a few weeks, and the rest of the year in storage, they tend to collect some dirt and dust, and this will benefit annual cleaning. what to do here
how to clean an artificial christmas tree
To prolong the life of your artificial tree, expert advice clean it before putting it awayAnd then when it comes out of storage at the start of the holiday season, before you decorate it.
Even if you don’t care for the tree itself, those cute fake branches are a dust magnet, so if anyone in your household is allergic to dust mites, it’s a good idea to clean the tree. least before applying it.
Here, we’ll cover a few different cleaning methods, and you can choose the one that works best for you, based on whether or not your tree has been previously burned, and how dirty it has gotten.
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basic dry cleaning
Pre-lit fake Christmas trees are fragile and can’t get wet, so this is the only safe way to clean them. It’s also the least involved, so if your tree isn’t already burned and not that dirty—or you don’t have the time to invest in a more thorough cleanup—this is the way to go.
ideally, you would let it out, or in a garage or basement, so that the dust and dirt from the tree doesn’t spread inside your home. If this is not possible, put an old sheet or tarpaulin down To keep the disturbance at least somewhat under control. If your tree is pre-lit, make sure it’s unplugged. throw a face Mask so you don’t breathe in the dust, and some goggles wouldn’t hurt either.
Then, starting at the top of the treeUsing a soft-bristled brush or dry microfiber cloth, brush or wipe away dirt and dust from each branch, working from the inside out of the tree. It’s also possible to use a handheld vacuum, or a vacuum with a brush attachment—just be gentle if your tree is already burned.
salt and stir
Artificial Christmas trees that aren’t pre-lit — and can be broken into smaller sections — can be refurnished. using a pinch of salt, Again, this is best done outside, or at least on a sheet or tarp.
Place the individual sections in a large, heavy-duty garbage bag along with two cups of kosher salt, tie the bag, and then shake it well for a few minutes. As you’re shaking, the salt will act as a mildly abrasive cleaner, ridding the branches of dust and other grime.
Then, remove one section of the tree at a time, and shake it, ideally outside (or at least on a sheet or tarp). When all sections are complete, assemble the tree, then go at it with the vacuum using the method described above.
spray and wipe
Again, this is only an option for trees that aren’t already burned, but if yours is still a little moldy—or someone in your household has allergies—this is the next step.
First, mix a solution of warm water and a few drops of liquid dish soap in a clean, empty spray bottle. Then, working from the top-down and inside-out, lightly spray each branch with the solution, and wipe it down with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
give it a bath
Begin by dividing your no-light artificial Christmas tree into sections. Take each section, spray it with the soap and water mixture described above, then gently use warm water. wash it off in the shower Frome top to bottom (Handheld shower heads are easiest).
If the tree doesn’t come apart, you can take it outside and use a garden hose. Either way, leave the tree in the shower or bathtub or outside to drip-dry. Let it air dry completely before you start decorating it—especially if you’re adding lights.