Cleaning your Artificial Plants and Trees Made Simple

Don't you just love the slightest glimpse of greenery amid the broad view of commercial places? Greens provide a relaxing break to your eyes from the monotonous designs and grayscale color schemes. While natural plants can be high maintenance with watering and climate control, artificial plants require less care but still require a regular cleaning regime to keep them looking "fresh", clean, and brand-new!

While it is true that artificial plants don't require much maintenance and tending, it is essential to clean them at regular intervals to display their best look at all times. If you are new to the magnificent world of artificial trees and plants, I am here to help you! 

In this blog, I will take you through four simple steps to clean your artificial foliage. I will also explain how you can clean your delicate silk foliage.

Listed below are few steps you must follow while cleaning your replica greenery

Step 1: Cleaning the Debris

If your flower or plant arrangement gets stuck, is exposed to constant fidgeting, touching, heavy traffic some of the leaves, petals, or even flowers might fall off. Some might fall in the planter or around it. It would be best to do away with these fallen pieces to maintain a clean look of your artificial plant.

Step 2: Cleaning the Foliage

  • The Paintbrush Method

Any piece that lies stationary tends to acquire dust on itself. It is no different with your artificial plants. Cleaning them doesn't have to be tough, though. Use a soft-bristle paintbrush to gently dust each of your plant's leaves, stems, and petals. Start from the top and move towards the bottom to avoid dust falling from the top consistently. 

  • The Hairdryer Method 

If you aren’t in favor of the above method, you can use the compressed air of your hair dryer to blow off the dirt on your plant. It is advised that you blow-clean your foliage outside or at a covered place to avoid dirtying your apartment. This is because the blow-drying will lead to dust and dirt everywhere. 

  • Silk Shampoo™ Cleaner (Best Recommended)

Autograph's Silk Shampoo™ Cleaner is a cost and time effective way to keep your silk foliage looking clean, fresh, and brand new all the time!  Simply spray on the leaves and let it dry.  Place your faux plants, faux flowers, or faux trees on a hard surface to dry.  If using indoors, cover any furniture, carpet or flooring from spray or runoffs from cleaner.  Silk Shampoo was scientifically formulated to effectively clean and shine all types of artificial plant material.  Its an unique blend of mild detergents used commercially by Plantscape technicians, Plant designers, Plant managers for all large installations where artificials are used.  Silk Shampoo removes dust and grime from the surface of fabric plants and flowers. Silk Shampoo dries quickly and leaves no residue. Apply generously to completely saturate the plants and flowers. Continue spraying until all the dust and grime runs off. If necessary, gently shake the plant or flower to remove excess solution.  Product can be applied by sponge to clean excessively dirty plants if required.  Will not stain or discolor artificial fabric plants or flowers. Be responsible with all "household" cleaners and keep in a safe place and out of reach of children!  Silk Shampoo is non-flammable.  1 oz. Silk Shampoo concentrate to 10 oz. of water. 

Autograph's Silk Shampoo™ Plant Cleaner is sold by a Concentrate for Commercial Businesses and Large Installations, or Ready-To-Use Spray Bottle.

  • 5 Gallon Concentrate makes 55 Gallons Ready-to-Use
    Mix with 50 Gallons of Water

  • 1 Gallon Concentrate makes 11 Gallons Ready-to-Use
    Mix with 10 Gallons of Water

  • 32 Ounce Spray Bottle - Ready to Use

How Often Should You Dust Your Plants?

At least once a week, for best results. If you're wondering what might happen if you don't clean as often, let me tell you that if the dirt or dust isn't removed regularly from the surface of your plant, it can form a rigid layer. This dirt layer on your plant can be tough to remove once created. So, regular cleaning is essential.  To keep your artificial foliage looking shiny, and fresh, you can use Silk Shampoo cleaner monthly, or as needed. 

Step 3: Cleaning Rigid Stains

As mentioned above, if you delay the weekly cleaning of your artificial foliage, it can form a tough layer of dirt. Please note that this layer cannot be whisked away by a hairdryer or paintbrush.  Best approach is to use the Silk Shampoo Cleaner and soft sponge.  Avoid dipping the fabric in any harsh chemical or harsh liquid, not normally used for artificial plants as it might fade the beautiful color of your artificial foliage. 

Step 4: Cleaning the Plant Container

Just like your plants need weekly clean-ups, the plant container needs to be cleaned as well. Use a damp cloth or the hose of a vacuum cleaner. If you own delicate or LED planters, it is best to dust them lightly to remove any settled dirt.

Cleaning Silk Plants and Flowers

Cleaning your silk plant or flowers can be tricky for amateurs. Some silk plants don't bleed color when they are washed but be careful using Silk Shampoo cleaner or any other solution on Foam, Sytrofoam, some recycled resin (plastic) or painted fabric materials.  Other plant cleaner solutions on the market are different.  Always read the instructions.  Using Silk Shampoo or other cleaners, it us recommended to do a patch test before using especially on non-polyester fabric materials like Foam or Painted Plastics.  

How Does Timely Cleaning Benefit Your Artificial Foliage?

  • Maintains the aura, sheen, and beauty of your artificial plants and trees for a more extended period.

  • Gives a clean and shiny vibe to the décor of your commercial/home space.

  • Avoids any stubborn stains or spots that might be tough to remove.

  • Adds a rejuvenating and refreshing vibe to the place where they are housed.

  • Proper maintenance and care help avoid any overhead costs of replacement or repair.

  • It helps your artificial beauties look as good as natural ones, with half the maintenance!

If you keep your artificial plants and trees clean, there is no doubt that they will last you half a decade or sometimes even more. There is a growing variety of faux plants and trees in the market, and if you are looking for one place to explore all the distinct types of plants and trees – Autograph Foliage is your best bet!