One of the biggest selling points of fake plants and artificial plants is that they require virtually no maintenance compared to real plants. No watering, no fertilising, no repotting, no worrying about sunlight. But "low maintenance" doesn't mean "zero maintenance" - and a little care goes a long way in keeping your artificial plants looking vibrant, realistic, and showroom-fresh for years to come.
Here's everything you need to know about cleaning and maintaining your fake plants and artificial plants.
Why Maintenance Matters for Fake Plants
Over time, dust and airborne particles settle on the foliage of artificial plants, dulling their colour and making them look flat or grey. In high-traffic areas like living rooms, offices, and restaurants, this can happen surprisingly quickly. Regular maintenance keeps your fake plants looking their best and extends their lifespan significantly.
How Often Should You Clean Artificial Plants?
As a general guide:
- Light dusting - every 2–4 weeks, depending on how dusty your environment is
- Deep clean - every 3–6 months, or whenever the plant starts to look dull or grimy
- Outdoor artificial plants - more frequently, as they're exposed to pollen, dust, and weather
Method 1: Dry Dusting (For Regular Maintenance)
For routine upkeep, dry dusting is quick and effective. Here are the best approaches:
- Microfibre cloth - Gently wipe each leaf individually. This is the most thorough method for smaller artificial plants and succulents.
- Soft-bristle paintbrush or makeup brush - Ideal for getting into tight spaces between leaves and around stems without damaging delicate foliage.
- Hairdryer on a cool setting - A quick blast on cool air dislodges dust from larger artificial trees and hanging plants without any physical contact. Perfect for tall artificial palm trees or fern trees where wiping each leaf individually isn't practical.
- Compressed air can - Great for intricate artificial flowers and stems where dust settles in hard-to-reach areas.
Method 2: Damp Cloth Wipe (For Light Grime)
When dry dusting isn't quite enough - perhaps after a dusty summer or if your artificial plant is near a kitchen - a damp cloth wipe is the next step up.
- Dampen a clean microfibre cloth with plain water (or a mild, diluted soap solution for greasier grime)
- Wipe each leaf gently, supporting the leaf from underneath to avoid bending or tearing
- Allow the plant to air dry fully before returning it to its position
Avoid soaking the foliage or getting water into the base of the pot, as this can cause mould or damage to the internal structure over time.
Method 3: Artificial Plant Cleaner Spray (For a Deep Clean & Lasting Shine)
For the best results - especially on premium artificial plants where you want to restore that fresh, just-out-of-the-box look - a dedicated artificial plant cleaner spray is the professional's choice.
At Faux Flora, we stock the Eco-Home Safe Artificial Plant Cleaner, available in a convenient 250ml spray bottle for everyday use and a 1L refill size for larger collections or commercial spaces.
Here's why a dedicated cleaner makes a difference:
- Removes dust and grime in one step - No need to wipe each leaf individually. Simply spray, leave for a moment, and wipe or allow to air dry.
- Restores colour and sheen - The formula is designed to revive the natural lustre of artificial foliage, making leaves look vibrant and fresh rather than dull and dusty.
- Eco-friendly and home safe - Our cleaner is non-toxic and safe to use around children and pets, making it ideal for family homes and commercial spaces alike.
- Leaves a light protective coating - This helps repel future dust, meaning your artificial plants stay cleaner for longer between cleans.
How to use: Hold the bottle 20–30cm from the foliage and spray evenly across the leaves. Wipe gently with a clean microfibre cloth, or allow to air dry for a no-wipe finish. For heavily soiled plants, a second application may be needed.
Caring for Outdoor Artificial Plants
Outdoor artificial and fake plants face additional challenges - pollen, bird droppings, dust, and UV exposure. Here's how to keep them looking their best:
- Rinse with a garden hose - For UV-resistant outdoor artificial plants, a gentle rinse with a hose is the easiest way to remove surface dirt and pollen. Allow to drain and dry fully.
- Use artificial plant cleaner spray - After rinsing, a spray of our Eco-Home Safe Artificial Plant Cleaner restores colour and adds a protective layer against future dust and UV damage.
- Check fixings and ties - For hanging outdoor plants and wall panels, periodically check that fixings, ties, and hooks are secure, especially after strong winds.
- Bring indoors during extreme weather - While our outdoor artificial plants are UV resistant and weather-proof, bringing them inside during severe storms or hail will extend their lifespan.
Caring for Artificial Hanging Plants
Hanging plants can be trickier to clean due to their height and the density of their trailing foliage. Here are a few tips:
- Take the plant down from its hook before cleaning - it's much easier to clean at bench height than at arm's length above your head.
- Use the hairdryer cool-air method first to dislodge loose dust, then follow up with a damp cloth or artificial plant cleaner spray for a thorough clean.
- Allow to dry fully before rehanging to prevent any moisture from dripping onto furniture or flooring below.
Storing Artificial Plants
If you need to store an artificial plant temporarily - perhaps during a move or renovation - follow these tips to keep it in great condition:
- Clean the plant thoroughly before storing to prevent dust from setting into the foliage
- Store in a breathable bag or box (avoid airtight plastic bags, which can trap moisture)
- Keep in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading even in storage
- Reshape branches and foliage after removing from storage, as they may have been compressed
Shop Artificial Plant Cleaner & Accessories
Keep your fake plants and artificial plants looking their absolute best with our Eco-Home Safe Artificial Plant Cleaner 250ml - perfect for regular home use - or stock up with the 1L size if you have a larger collection or commercial space to maintain.
And if you're looking to add to your collection, browse our full range of premium artificial plants, artificial trees, and outdoor artificial plants - all with free shipping across Australia.
0 comments