One of the many benefits of investing in silk plants vs. real is their low maintenance. An increasing number of quality silk flower arrangements, silk trees, and silk plants are now being made with a dust-resistant coating applied to their leaves and petals to make sure the job of keeping them clean is as quick and efficient as possible. Just a quick spritz of silk flower cleaner once a month or so will keep them looking vibrant and beautiful.
However, if your current plants and silk flower arrangements are not treated, here are some time-saving tips for keeping your investment in tip-top shape.
Spray a feather duster or swiffer duster with endust or a similar dusting spray and gently wipe each branch, petal, and leaf. Doing this often will likely eliminate heavy buildup altogether.
For silk flower arrangements and plants that accumulate heavy soil, such as plants kept near or in the kitchen, once a season, take the plant outdoor (weather permitting) or to the household shower and run water over it. Apply Simple Green or Windex to the leaves and petals before rinsing to restore your silk flower arrangement or plant to its original vibrancy. For a quicker drying method, wrap the pot in plastic and keep the bottom from resting in water.
If your silk flower arrangement is small, you can easily place the flower part of the arrangement inside a paper bag with a cup of household table salt. Give it a good solid shake for up to 60 seconds and then open the bag and continue to shake in order to return as much salt as possible to the paper bag. When finished, use a dry rag and some glass cleaner to wipe off the salt residue from the vase.
It is not suggested that you blow your silk flower arrangements with a compressor blower, a hairdryer, or even an aerosol can as that will only send the dust and dirt in a hundred other directions, and it can also disrupt the shape and arrangement of your plant.
For easier cleaning, dust lightly and quickly once a month. This will help to avoid the need for a deep cleaning altogether. For your next purchase of silk flower arrangements, be sure to select an item pre-treated for dust-resistance.
