In short: Dust artificial flowers every two to four weeks. Use a hairdryer on the cool setting to lift dust, then a soft brush on the petals and a dry microfibre cloth on the leaves. For stubborn marks, dab with a cloth dampened with water only. Never soak them, use cleaning sprays or use hot air.
The whole point of artificial flowers is that they don't need watering, trimming or replacing. But there is one thing they do need now and then: a little dusting. Dust is what makes artificial flowers look artificial. A thin grey layer dulls the colours and flattens the petals, and the eye notices it straight away.
The good news is that keeping them clean takes a few minutes a month. Here's how we do it in the studio.
How often should you clean artificial flowers?
A light dusting every two to four weeks is enough for most homes. Flowers in a kitchen, near an open window or in a busy hallway may need it a little more often. Flowers in a bedroom or a quiet corner need it less.
A good habit: dust your flowers at the same time as you dust the shelves around them.
What you need
- A soft, clean brush, such as a make-up brush, a soft paintbrush or a small dusting brush
- A hairdryer with a cool setting
- A dry microfibre cloth
- For stubborn dust: a slightly damp cloth (water only)
Step by step: the regular clean
1. Start with cool air
Hold the hairdryer about 30 cm away on the cool setting and the lowest speed, and move it slowly over the flowers. This lifts loose dust from deep inside hydrangea heads and between peony petals, where a brush can't reach. Never use hot air, since heat can deform petals and leaves.
2. Brush the petals
Brush each flower head gently, from the centre outwards, following the direction of the petals. Hold the stem just below the flower with your other hand so you don't bend it more than you mean to.
3. Wipe the leaves and stems
Leaves and stems are sturdier than petals. Hold the leaf flat between two fingers and wipe it with a dry microfibre cloth.
4. Shape them again
Cleaning is a good moment to restyle. Gently bend stems and leaves back into a natural shape, open up any petals that have flattened, and check that the arrangement still looks balanced from every side.
Stubborn dust or marks
If a flower has been on a shelf for a long time, or has caught a little grease in the kitchen, a dry clean may not be enough.
- Lightly dampen a cloth with water only, wring it out well, and dab (rather than rub) the affected area.
- Test on a small, hidden part of the flower first.
- Let the flower dry completely in the air, out of direct sun, before putting it back in the vase.
Mistakes to avoid
- Soaking or rinsing the flowers under the tap. Water can get into the stems and joints, and some colours and materials don't tolerate it.
- Cleaning sprays, alcohol or detergents. They can fade colours or leave marks.
- Hot air. Always use the cool setting on the hairdryer.
- Rubbing hard. Petals are delicate. Brush and dab, don't scrub.
- Leaving flowers in strong direct sunlight. It isn't dust, but over time strong sun can fade colours. A spot with indirect light keeps them looking new for longer.
Keep them clean for longer
- Place flowers away from the stove, the extractor fan and open windows towards a busy street.
- Choose a vase with a narrow opening for single stems, so less dust settles in the vase itself.
- When you store flowers between seasons, dust them first and keep them in a closed box.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put artificial flowers in the washing machine or dishwasher?
No. It will damage petals, stems and colours.
Does the salt-in-a-bag method work?
It's a popular tip, but salt grains can scratch delicate petals and get stuck in full flower heads like hydrangeas. We recommend cool air and a soft brush instead.
How do I clean a full bouquet without taking it apart?
Start with cool air over the whole bouquet, then brush the flowers you can reach from the outside. Only lift out stems if one needs extra attention.
For more on placement and care, see our care guide. And if it's time for something new, browse all our flowers.