How to Clean Silk Plants

Silk plants are a joy to have in your home or office. They don't need water, wilt or attract bugs. But they can get quite dirty if neglected for too long. Follow these steps to clean silk plants.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vacuum with soft brush attachment
• Feather duster or lamb's wool
• Water
• Mist bottle
• White vinegar or dishwashing liquid

1. Dust the stem and leaves with a feather duster or lamb's wool.

2. Attach the soft brush attachment to your vacuum and use it to collect heavier layers of dirt or cobwebs if necessary.

3. Check the label on the plant to see if it is water resistant. If there is no label, apply a small amount of water to an inconspicuous leaf to see if the water is safe for the plant.

4. Gently wash the plant with water. Take it outside and use a gently flowing water hose, or place it in an inside sink and gently run water over the leaves. You can use a mist bottle if these options are not available.

5. Dry each leaf with a gentle cloth, or shake the plant dry if outside. Leave in a sunny spot for it to dry more rapidly.

6. Apply a small amount of white vinegar or dishwashing liquid to a water filled mist bottle if you have tough stains or dirt that water alone cannot remove.

7. Scrub stubborn stains with a toothbrush and the vinegar or dishwashing liquid and water mixture.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to rinse the vinegar or dishwashing liquid as it can leave a film that attracts dirt.
• Remove any water intolerant filler from the bottom of the silk plant before washing it.
• Most plant stores sell a cleaner for silk plants, but they are generally expensive. You might want to try these steps before purchasing the cleaner.
• If you dust the silk plant at least once a month, you should only have to wash it once or twice a year.
• Some silk plants should not get wet. Simply dust with a dry cloth more frequently to avoid buildup.