spring cleaning

With warmer breezes, blue skies, and a bud or two bursting at the seams comes the annual rite of spring cleaning – no one likes to attack the checklist, but it’s so rewarding once completed!  We are often asked how to clean our faux florals and plants to keep them looking as “fresh” as possible so here’s our own checklist for the spring cleaning of your designs.

Silk flowers need to be dusted as often as any other accessory in the home (like lampshades, picture frames, etc.)  Use a Swiffer duster or a hair dryer set on a low, cool setting.  Cool air is better since the hot air may change the form of the flower by warming the fabric.  You certainly wouldn’t want your faux flowers to wilt!

You can use a can of compressed air (like the ones sold at office supply stores to clean computer keyboards) and blast the air into the blossoms, holding the bouquet upside down so that the dust doesn’t settle back on the flowers or faux water.  The compressed air is also good for dust that has settled onto the faux water.  Again, you should turn the bouquet upside down and blast the air into the vase, aiming for the top of the water.

For orchid blossoms and leaves made of latex covered fabric, use a damp cloth (with water) to wipe down the petals and leaves.  Since the fabric is protected, the blossoms and leaves will not change color or form.

For stains and truly dirty flowers (you know the ones on top of the armoire than haven’t seen a duster in years!), we recommend a product specifically made to clean faux flowers such as Silks Alive (available at craft stores and online.)  The product will remove dust and grease without leaving a sticky residue but we recommend testing it on a spot less visible (e.g. under a leaf or at the back of the bouquet) just in case the product changes the coloration of the flowers or stems.

Wishing you happy Spring Cleaning!