How to Clean Silk Leaves

Silk plants are an attractive way to liven up the home without needing to water your plants.

Silk plants are an attractive alternative for people who want to have a nice-looking home without worrying about watering the plants. They come in all shapes and sizes and you can arrange them yourself. All you have to do to make a floral arrangement is to visit a local crafts store, pick out the silk plants you like, and arrange them in a basket or a similar container. However, to keep your plants looking their best, you will need to dust and clean the silk leaves.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Rubbing alcohol
• Vinegar
• Dryer sheet or Swiffer duster
• Dish detergent

Instructions

1. Fill a spray bottle with a half-and-half mix of water and rubbing alcohol. Test the spray on a small area to make sure it won't affect the coloring of the silk leaves before applying a gentle mist to the rest of the plant. The mixture will force the dust to drip off the plant and then dry quickly to leave a nice shine. You can also do this with a mix of vinegar and water. Again, test a small area of the plant first for color before misting the entire arrangement.

2. Put the silk plants in a cool bath or shower. The water should be no warmer than room temperature, otherwise it could damage the plant. Let the arrangements sit under running water for a few minutes to remove all dust and debris. Drain the tub and let the flowers dry before placing them around your home.

3. Fill your sink with cool water and add a small amount of dish detergent. If your silk plant is inside a basket with foam, remove the plants and place them in the sink. Be gentle when rubbing against the silk leaves and stem as you remove the dust. Once the plants have had a thorough washing, rinse them off and place them on a towel to dry. After they've dried, place them back in the foam inside their basket.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a Swiffer duster or dryer sheet to rub dust off the silk leaves between heavier washings.

• Don't use a wet rag or baby wipes to clean your silk plants. It'll only move the dust around instead of removing it completely.

References

• How to Clean Stuff: How to Clean Silk Flowers
• Silk Gardens: Cleaning Silk Plants
• Silk Flowers: Frequently Asked Questions
• The Silk Garden: Caring For Silk Flowers