Can you wash artificial plants?.

Have you bought handsome artificial plants? Then you will want to keep them looking their best. But can you wash artificial plants? If so, how should you go about it and what should you watch out for? Like ordinary houseplants, fake plants need a little care and maintenance. That stops the leaves going dull and the artificial plant losing its appearance.

How do you wash and clean artificial plants?

You can wash artificial plants, but preferably not with too much water, which can damage the imitation plant. Some trunks are made of real wood. That means the trunk can not only discolour but eventually rot or grow mould. Do you have plants that are not UV- or weather-resistant? Then the material often cannot handle large amounts of water. Even so, you can wash an artificial plant to keep it clean.

• Never put an artificial plant under the tap or in the shower. That can damage the plant.
• Make up some lukewarm soapy water with a small amount of washing-up liquid. One drop is often enough to clean and degrease the leaves of the artificial plant.
• Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth, making sure you wring it out well. After washing, always let the artificial plant air-dry in a spot out of direct sunlight.