Multiple Ways to Clean Your Artificial Plants
Though they need plenty of work, living plants add the missing element to any home or office. Natural or living plants need regular watering, the right amount of soil for their growth, proper sunlight and the right environment. However, this process seems rewarding but can tend to be exhausting. That is why people now choose artificial plants over real ones, not just to do away with regular maintenance but for the consistent visual benefit, they offer. Most people select artificial plants in Australia; for saving time and money while they enjoy natural colours in their surroundings.
Going artificial has its benefits and drawbacks. It requires maintenance, and the dust accumulated on them may trigger allergies.
Reasons for dust accumulation on fake plants
The one disadvantage of fake plants is that they can not be thrown out and trimmed every few weeks. Even the most minimal effort can go a long way in maintaining the cleanliness of artificial plants. The materials used in artificial plants are synthetic and act as a magnet for dust particles. But there are simple ways to clean them; let’s see them in detail.
How to clean fake plants
With little care and attention, your fake plants and flowers will look fresh and lively in no time. We only need to take care of the following:
1. Materials used
Before cleaning, we need to check the artificial green plant’s material. Most of these plants are made of polyester or nylon, meaning they can be dusted with a dry towel or duster. However, silk flowers look more natural than synthetic ones and don’t feel rough or plastic. These coloured silk plants must not be cleaned by spraying water, it may cause damage, instead, we can clean them with a damp cloth gently.
2. Stains
A visible spot on the fake plant looks awful and feels disheartening, especially if it is an expensive plant you adore. These spots can be removed easily with white vinegar and water. Just spray a little bit of the white vinegar and water solution. Allow the solution to rest on plants for a few minutes, and then wipe the stains with a cloth using your hands. Another way is to dip a cloth into the solution. The acid in the vinegar can cut through grime and stains. Lemon juice can also be an option to wipe off stains.
3. Dust
Dust accumulates on artificial plants, like books on shelves. You can dust them just like any other household item. But if the dust is settled well and for too long, it is easier to wipe each plant leaf with a slightly damp microfiber cloth. These microfiber cleaning cloths act as a magnet for dust particles.
4. Vacuum cleaner
If your vacuum cleaner has an upholstery setting or a soft brush attachment, you can simply use it to pull the dust off your fake plants. All you need to see is that you don’t damage the plants using inappropriate tools and powerful suction settings. The vacuum cleaner works well to clean robust plants and trees, especially the main stem or trunk. However, you need to be careful while working with foliage.
5. Hair dryer
Hair dryers are effective, but they work only for outside plants. That means when you clean up the plants using the hair dryer; the dust dislodged from the plant is blown outside. So, if you have carpet or wooden floors, you must mop or sweep them after cleaning your artificial plants. The hair dryer is an alternative for cleaning small plants. However, you need to keep moving the dryer to avoid the artificial plant material from overheating.
6. Brush
Using an anti-static dusting brush or a simple paint brush can be helpful. Match the brush size with the plant and use a four-inch brush for large leaves and a miniature artist’s brush to get into nooks and crannies. However, you should handle tiny details of the plants with care while cleaning them.
7. Salt shake
This goes well for silk flowers. Add half a cup of salt to the plastic bag; the bag should be large enough to fasten the flowers. Seal it after putting the artificial plant in it and shake it gently. The salt would act as a mild abrasive and displace the dirt. Remove the flowers and use a hairdryer to dislodge the remaining grains of salt.
8. Rinse off the plant with water
Most outdoor artificial plants can be cleaned using water. But the same assumption is impossible for an indoor fake plant; few of them can be adversely affected. Even if the plants are waterproof, a few pots are not. You should wrap the pot carefully and then shower the plants gently. Immersing the plant in the bucket or sink is never a better thought; it can ruin silk plants and possibly the pots.
Cleaning these artificial plants is not tough when you remember the above-mentioned suggestions. Designer Vertical Gardens is a leading life-like artificial and fake plant provider in Australia. We offer artificial greenery with RealTex materials to ensure it replicates nature. Our fake plants are hand-made so that they look like the real deal while remaining durable and long-lasting.
We have artificial potted leafy plants to flowery plants with varieties ranging from small plants and shrubs to trees that are UV-resistant. Whether you want indoor or outdoor plants, our artificial plants available in various sizes and varying weights at an affordable price can add life to even the drabbest of areas. We are available online and offer home delivery. You can visit us at Designer Vertical Gardens for more information to book your orders.