Faux flowers are a beautiful touch to any room, plus, they are made to last a lifetime! Whether adorning your home, office, or special event, artificial flowers require some cleaning and maintenance to ensure they remain vibrant and lifelike. In this guide, we'll walk you through the few steps to clean and care for your artificial blooms, ensuring they still look great for years to come!
So, read on to learn how to clean your artificial flowers…
Dust Your Flowers & Foliage Regularly
Dust can accumulate on faux flowers, dulling their appearance over time. To keep them looking fresh, dust your arrangements once every month with a soft-bristled brush, microfiber cloth, or feather duster. Gently brush away dust from the petals, leaves, and stems, taking care not to damage delicate parts.
Short on time to dust your faux florals? Use a hairdryer on a cool setting to gently blow away any dust and debris!
Cleaning Your Artificial Flowers
For more stubborn stains or dirt buildup, spot-cleaning your artificial flowers may be necessary once a year. Mix a mild detergent with water and dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution. Gently dab at the affected areas, being careful not to saturate the fabric. Rinse the cloth with clean water and blot the area again to remove any soap residue. Leave your stems to dry thoroughly before displaying them to prevent the growth of mould and mildew.
If you've bought some of our silicone flowers (such as our ‘real touch’ tulips), they are even easier to clean! Simply rub a wet wipe over the residue until removed and dry thoroughly.
Where Possible, Avoid Direct Sunlight
Exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading and deterioration of faux flowers over the years. If you have the option, place your artificial arrangements away from windows or areas where they will be exposed to prolonged sunlight. If you choose to display your artificial flowers outdoors, choose a shaded location to help keep their colour.
Here’s a list of our favourite shady spots to display beautiful faux blooms:
- In the centre of a kitchen island or dining table
- In the bathroom, on a bamboo bath tray
- On top of a dresser/dressing table
- On a console table in an entryway
- On a mantelpiece or shelf
Reshaping Your Artificial Flowers
Over time (or after some time in the post!), some faux flowers may lose their shape or become flattened. To quickly revive their realistic appearance, use a hairdryer on a low, warm (but not hot) setting to gently blow air over the petals and leaves. This will help fluff them up and restore their natural shape. Alternatively, you can use a fabric steamer to gently steam the flowers, being careful not to get too close or use too much heat, as you don’t want to risk scorching the flower petals.
All stems from The Online Florist are made from a wire base, allowing you to quickly and easily bend your artificial flowers back into shape after being stored for some time.
Storing Your Stems
Some artificial flowers and foliage won’t be in use all year round, particularly if you love to decorate with the seasons. So, when your stems aren’t in use, store your faux flowers in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and potential moisture (such as in a bathroom cupboard!). Consider using a breathable storage container or cardboard box for storing your artificial flowers to protect them from dust and pests. Avoid cramming them into a small box - although you can bend fake flowers back into shape - it can cause damage to delicate petals and stems.
Realistic Artificial Flowers & Foliage From The Online Florist
If you’re looking for beautiful fake blooms that will last a lifetime, look no further than The Online Florist. We offer an incredible selection of realistic faux flowers and foliage, which can be used to create gorgeous displays in and around your home.
From magnolias, to tulips, to autumnal branches, and everything in between, you won’t find better quality elsewhere in the UK.
Plus, sign up to our newsletter and get your 6th stem free!
