How to Clean a Silk Ivy Topiary Plant

Whether real or artificial, ivy may benefit from occasional showers.

All silk plants accumulate dust and dirt and must be cleaned. Whether you have a silk ivy topiary plant or another kind of silk plant, the cleaning process is the same. Dusting works well in between thorough washes and takes a matter of seconds. You should wash your silk plant when dust and dirt accumulation sticks to the leaves and dusting is no longer effective. If you dust and wash your silk plant on a regular basis, it will look like new for a long time.

Things You'll Need

• Sponge
• Mild dish-washing detergent
• Small bucket
• Garden hose or shower

Instructions

Dusting

1. Move the silk ivy topiary outside or to a well-ventilated space so dust doesn't linger in your house.

2. Dust the entire topiary with compressed air. Move in slow, sweeping motions a few inches away from the topiary.

3. Return the topiary.

Sponge Cleaning

1. Add a couple drops of mild dish-washing detergent to a small bucket of water.

2. Dip your sponge into the soapy water, then squeeze it out.

3. Wash each silk leaf individually, and refresh the sponge with soapy water when necessary. This is a time-consuming process, but it works well if you don't want to soak the entire topiary.

Washing

1. Move your silk topiary to a shower or outside by a garden hose.

2. Lightly spray the entire plant, making sure all the dust and dirt has been rinsed away.

3. Air dry the topiary and return it to its place.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow the manufacturer's guidelines. Some silk plants cannot get wet. If you're not sure about yours, test one leaf with water before washing thoroughly.

• Use cold or tepid water. Heat will dissolve the glue used in making your silk plant.

References

• Stretcher.com: Cleaning Silk Plants
• Bellaonline.com: Houseplants - Cleaning and Care for Real and Silk Plants