Fake/artificial plants are an affordable and low-maintenance way to incorporate the serenity of nature into your home, office, or aquarium. But, like all decorative items, they require some upkeep to keep them looking their best. Regular cleaning, dusting, and disinfecting will keep your fake plants looking vibrant, fresh, and free of debris. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to clean dusty fake plants, including the necessary tools and tips for maintaining their beauty and longevity.
How To Clean Plastic Plants?
Step 1: Gather Cleaning Products and Tools
To start cleaning your plastic plants, you will need the following items:
- Feather duster, vacuum cleaner, or paintbrush
- Microfiber cloths
- Cleaning rags
- Hot water
- Window cleaner with Ammonia D
Step 2: Dust Your Plants
The first step in cleaning plastic plants is to remove any dust, dirt, and debris that has accumulated on the foliage, stems, and pot. There are several methods you can use to achieve this:
- Run a feather duster over the leaves and stems.
- Brush the plant gently with a paintbrush, taking it outside to minimize the amount of debris in your home.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a cleaning brush attachment to suck up the dust, dirt, and debris.
- Wipe down the plant with a dry microfiber cloth or a wet rag.
- Submerge the plant in hot water or spray it down with a hose.
Step 3: Dry Your Plant
Once you’ve removed the dust and debris, it’s important to dry your plant. You can let it air-dry or wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth. If you submerged the plant in water or rinsed it with a hose, this step is particularly important.
Step 4: Disinfect Your Plant
To thoroughly clean and disinfect your plastic plant, spray it with window cleaner containing Ammonia D. Set the plant in sunlight for 30 minutes, which will help activate the cleaning product and restore its vibrant colors.
How To Clean Plastic Plant Pots For Reuse?
Like the plants, its pot/tub also gets dirty over time. So you should care and keep plants pot clean also. We suggest some tips to clean the pots that will help you to reuse them again.
- Remove the old soil and plant debris: First, gently remove any remaining soil, plant roots, and debris from the pots. You can use a small brush or old cloth to help loosen any dirt that may be stuck to the sides or bottom of the pot.
- Rinse with water: Next, rinse the pots with warm water to remove any remaining dirt and debris. Be sure to clean the bottom and sides of the pots, as well as the drain holes if they have any.
- Clean with soap and water: For pots that have tough stains or discoloration, you can wash them with a solution of soap and water. Use mild soap like dish soap and warm water. Scrub the pots with a brush or cloth to remove any stains or grime.
- Disinfect the pots: To kill any bacteria or disease that may be present, you can disinfect the pots. Mix a solution of one part bleach and nine parts water. Soak the pots in the solution for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water to remove any residual bleach.
- Dry the pots: Finally, let the pots air dry completely before storing or reusing them. Make sure to dry the inside and outside of the pots, as well as the drain holes.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean and disinfect your plastic plant pots for reuse. This will help to prevent any disease or bacteria from contaminating your new plants and ensure that your pots are in good condition for their next use.
How To Clean Silk Plants?
Step 1: Dust Your Silk Plants
When your silk plants have accumulated small amounts of dust, use traditional dusting methods to clean them. There are several methods you can choose from:
- Run a feather duster over the leaves, flowers, stems, and pot.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a cleaning brush attachment to suck up the dirt and debris.
- Use a blow dryer set to low heat to remove the dust.
- Wipe the plant down with a dry microfiber cloth.
Step 2: Dry Clean Your Silk Plants
To remove moderate amounts of dust, you can use a salt-cleaning method. Simply pour half a cup of salt into a plastic bag, place the silk plant inside, shake the bag vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes, then remove the salt and return the plant to its container. You can also use cornmeal or rice instead of salt.
Step 3: Check for Colorfastness
Before applying any cleaning product or water to your silk plants, it’s important to check for colorfastness. This means determining how resistant the dye in the fabric is to remove. To do this, test an inconspicuous part of the plant by applying a small amount of water or cleaning product and observing the color for changes. If the color is affected, do not use the product.
Step 4: Remove Grime with Cleaning Products
After all, you have to remove grime or stain from your silk plants. Here are quick steps to make this happen:
- Mix a cleaning solution: In a bowl, mix equal parts water and white vinegar. You can also add a few drops of dish soap to the mixture.
- Clean the plant: Dip a soft cloth into the cleaning solution and wring out any excess liquid. Gently wipe the silk leaves, stems, and flowers with the cloth, making sure to clean both sides of the leaves.
- Rinse the plant: Once you have finished cleaning the plant, rinse it thoroughly with water to remove any residue from the cleaning solution.
- Dry the plant: Use a soft cloth to gently blot the plant dry, taking care not to damage the silk. Place the plant in a well-ventilated area to air-dry completely.
How to Clean Fake Aquatic Plants?
Fake aquatic plants are an easy and maintenance-free way to bring a touch of nature to your aquarium. While these plants do not require regular watering and pruning like real aquatic plants, they do require some routine cleaning to maintain their appearance. Here are some tips on how to clean fake aquatic plants:
01. Rinse with hot water: Start by rinsing the leaves and stems of your fake aquatic plants with hot water. This will remove any surface dirt or debris.
02. Soak in a water-bleach mixture: In a large container, mix equal parts water and bleach. Soak your fake aquatic plants in the mixture for 1 hour. This will kill any algae or bacteria that may be growing on the plants and brighten their color.
03. Rinse with water: After soaking your fake aquatic plants, rinse them thoroughly with water to remove all traces of bleach.
04. Dry your plants: Place your fake aquatic plants on a clean towel and allow them to air dry completely. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or heat, as this could cause fading.
Besides, you can watch this video for practical knowledge:
How To Maintain Your Fake Plants?
Regardless of the type of fake plant you have in your home or aquarium, regular cleaning is important to maintain its appearance and longevity. Here are some general tips to keep your fake plants looking their best:
01. Dust regularly: Dusting your fake plants on a regular basis will help to keep them looking clean and prevent the buildup of dirt and grime.
02. Use appropriate cleaning products: When cleaning your fake plants, be sure to use the appropriate cleaning products for the type of plant you have. Silk plants may require a mixture of water and vinegar, while plastic plants may benefit from a cleaning product with ammonia D.
03. Check for colorfastness: Before applying any cleaning products, it’s important to check for colorfastness by testing an inconspicuous spot. This will ensure that the dye in your fake plants will not be affected by the cleaning products.
With these tips, you can keep your fake plants looking as good as new for years to come. So, go ahead and enjoy the serenity of nature in your home without any hassle.
Note: Always place them in areas where they will not be subjected to high levels of dust or foot traffic. You can use furniture polish or antistatic spray to help prevent dust from accumulating on the plants.
How To Clean Silk Aquarium Plants With Hydrogen Peroxide?
Silk aquarium plants can become covered in debris, algae, and other buildups over time, which can make them look unattractive and also affect the health of your aquarium’s inhabitants. Hydrogen peroxide is a common household cleaner (like Bona floor cleaner) that can be used to clean silk plants, but it’s important to use it properly to avoid damaging the plants. Here’s how you can clean silk aquarium plants with hydrogen peroxide:
01. Remove the plants from the aquarium: Before you start cleaning, remove the silk plants from the aquarium and place them in a basin or sink.
02. Mix the hydrogen peroxide solution: Mix a solution of 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 10 parts water in a clean basin or sink. You can use a measuring cup to ensure you have the right proportions.
03. Soak the plants: Place the silk plants in the hydrogen peroxide solution and let them soak for about 10-15 minutes. This will help to loosen and remove any debris, algae, or other buildups on the plants.
04. Rinse the plants: After the plants have soaked, rinse them thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining hydrogen peroxide solution.
05. Dry the plants: Place the cleaned plants on a clean towel or paper towel and allow them to air dry completely before placing them back in the aquarium.
NOTE: Hydrogen peroxide can bleach or fade the color of some silk plants, so be sure to test a small, inconspicuous area of the plants before using hydrogen peroxide on the entire plant. Additionally, be sure to never use undiluted hydrogen peroxide on your silk plants, as this can damage or destroy them.
Why Do Fake Plants Get Dusty?
Fake plants can accumulate dust and debris due to a variety of reasons, including:
- Natural accumulation: Dust and other particles in the air will eventually settle on surfaces, including fake plants.
- Lack of maintenance: If fake plants are not cleaned regularly, dust and debris will accumulate over time.
- Static electricity: Fake plants made from synthetic materials can generate static electricity, which attracts and holds onto dust and debris.
- Location: Fake plants that are located near open windows or in areas with high foot traffic are more likely to become covered in dust and debris.
To prevent fake plants from getting dusty, we recommend you maintain and follow our regular cleaning methods that are mentioned above.
Conclusion
Fake plants can be a wonderful addition to a home, office, or aquarium as they provide the serenity of nature without the maintenance requirements of live plants. Keeping these plants clean is necessary to ensure their longevity and keep them looking their best. Our cleaning tips and techniques can help keep your fake plants looking vibrant, fresh, and free of debris.
