Buzz
While artificial Christmas trees may not offer the natural aroma of real evergreens, they excel in convenience. Faux firs eliminate the hassle of shedding needles, constant watering, and post-holiday disposal. However, this doesn’t imply they require zero upkeep.
Since artificial Christmas trees spend weeks in our homes and the remainder of the year in storage, they inevitably gather dust and grime. An annual cleaning is highly recommended. Here’s how to do it.
Steps to Clean Your Artificial Christmas Tree
To ensure your artificial tree lasts longer, experts suggest cleaning it before storing it and again when you take it out for the holiday season, prior to decorating.
Even if the tree’s condition isn’t a concern, its synthetic branches attract dust easily. If anyone in your home suffers from dust allergies, cleaning the tree before setting it up is a wise move.
Below, we’ll explore various cleaning techniques. Choose the one that suits your needs, depending on whether your tree is pre-lit and the level of dirt it has accumulated.
Simple dry cleaning method
Pre-lit artificial Christmas trees are fragile and cannot be exposed to water, making dry cleaning the safest option. It’s also the quickest method, ideal for non-pre-lit trees with minimal dirt or when time is limited.
For the best results, perform this task outdoors, in a garage, or basement to prevent dust and dirt from spreading inside your home. If that’s not feasible, lay down an old sheet or tarp to minimize the mess. Ensure your pre-lit tree is unplugged, and wear a face mask to avoid inhaling dust—goggles are also a good idea.
Begin at the tree’s top, using a soft-bristled brush or a dry microfiber cloth to remove dirt and dust from each branch, working from the inside outward. A handheld vacuum or one with a brush attachment can also be used, but handle with care if the tree is pre-lit.
Salt and shake method
For artificial trees that aren’t pre-lit and can be disassembled, freshen them up with a bit of salt. This method is most effective outdoors or over a protective sheet or tarp.
Place the tree sections into a large, sturdy trash bag with two cups of Kosher salt, seal the bag, and shake vigorously for a few minutes. The salt acts as a gentle abrasive, effectively removing dust and grime from the branches.
Next, take out one section of the tree at a time and shake it thoroughly, preferably outdoors or over a sheet or tarp. Once all sections are cleaned, reassemble the tree and use a vacuum, following the method mentioned earlier, for a final touch.
Spray and wipe technique
This method is only suitable for non-pre-lit trees. If your tree is still dirty or someone in your home has allergies, this is the next step to consider.
Start by preparing a mixture of warm water and a few drops of liquid dish soap in a clean spray bottle. Working from the top down and inside out, lightly spray each branch with the solution and wipe it clean with a dry microfiber cloth.
Give it a shower approach
Begin by disassembling your non-pre-lit artificial Christmas tree into its sections. Spray each section with the soap and water solution mentioned earlier, then gently rinse it off in the shower from top to bottom (a handheld showerhead works best).
If the tree cannot be taken apart, use a garden hose outdoors. After rinsing, let the tree drip-dry in the shower, bathtub, or outside. Ensure it is completely air-dried before decorating, particularly if you plan to add lights.
