How to Clean and Care for Your Artificial Christmas Tree
Never mind partridges in pear trees…we’re all about sparkling clean artificial Christmas trees!
At Christmas Tree World, we know that a pristine tree sets the stage for holiday magic, while a not-so-pristine tree belongs right at the top of Mr Claus’ naughty list.
Luckily, there are some easy DIY cleaning tips you can use to ensure your artificial Christmas tree stays looking its best throughout the festive season.
Why should you clean your artificial tree?
Even though it might seem like a bit of an unnecessary hassle (especially with so many other festive tasks and distractions on the agenda), keeping your artificial Christmas tree clean is an important part of making sure it looks stunning year after year.
Beyond aesthetics, caring for your tree helps prolong its lifespan, making your investment more worthwhile and saving you the headache of getting a new one at the eleventh hour. Let’s face it: nobody wants to brave department stores two days before Christmas!
Equipment you'll need:
- Feather duster or soft brush
- A vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment
- Microfibre cloths
- Mild dish soap
- Spray bottle
- Compressed air can (optional)
- Soft gloves (to protect your hands from needles)
Step-by-step guide: How to clean an artificial Christmas tree
If the thought of cleaning an entire tree seems scarier than the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, don’t worry! It’s easy to clean even the largest of artificial Christmas trees by following a few simple steps.
Step 1: Unplug and disassemble everything
First, remove any Christmas lights and decorations and put them to one side to clean separately. Then, carefully disassemble the tree into its different sections for a thorough cleaning. Your tree’s instruction manual should explain the different sections and how they all connect together.
Step 2: Shake and dust the tree
Start by gently shaking each section to remove loose dust. A feather duster or soft brush can help dislodge more stubborn particles. Alternate between shaking and lightly dusting until most of the dust is gone.
Step 3: Vacuum the branches
Use your vacuum cleaner’s brush attachment to clean between the branches. It’s best to avoid using the open nozzle attachment for this job, as the suction could be too strong, and you may end up accidentally removing some of the tree’s needles.
Step 4: Wipe everything down
Use a slightly damp microfibre cloth to remove sticky spots or lingering dust. Be gentle to avoid damaging the branches or needles.
This step is especially important if your Christmas tree has been standing in your kitchen, as grease from cooking can fall onto the tree and act as a dust magnet.
Step 5: Tackle tough spots
For more stubborn dirt, mix a small amount of mild dish soap with water in a spray bottle. Use this solution sparingly in problem areas, and wipe the tree again with your cloth.
Step 6: Dry the tree thoroughly
Allow each section to air dry completely before reassembling or packing away into your Christmas tree storage bag. This prevents moisture-related issues and keeps your tree looking fresh.
How to clean an artificial Christmas tree with lights
For trees with built-in lights, extra care is needed. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow to safely clean artificial pre-lit Christmas trees.
- Unplug the tree before cleaning and inspect it for damaged bulbs
- Use a dry microfibre cloth to wipe down lit areas gently
- Do not use water near electrical components
- For string lights, use a compressed air duster to blow away debris
- Allow the tree to dry completely before plugging it back in
These same instructions apply to fibre optic Christmas trees, too, but you won’t need to be as delicate with the bulbs on these trees.
How to clean flocked snowy Christmas trees
If you have a winter wonderland-inspired Christmas tree in your home, it will need some special TLC once the festive season is over. The artificial snow on the branches and needles is delicate and easy to unsettle if subjected to overly enthusiastic cleaning (Kim Woodburn wannabes, we’re looking at you).
To preserve the wonderfully whimsical aesthetic of your snowy artificial Christmas tree, don’t shake it too vigorously or use a vacuum cleaner. Instead, use a microfibre cloth and gentle dusting movements to remove dirt without dislodging the flocking.
How to clean white Christmas trees
If snow-like flocking isn’t quite “white Christmas” enough for you, a white artificial Christmas tree is what you need!
But keeping your crisp white tree looking like it’s fresh out of the wash can be tricky, especially when you use the tree year after year.
White trees have a tendency to fade over time and gain a slight yellow tinge. If this happens, you can try leaving the tree in direct sunlight for a few hours. Don’t use bleach on the tree, as this might void any warranty you have.
How to freshen up an artificial Christmas tree
Okay, we’ll admit it. One of the best things about real Christmas trees is the distinctive pine smell they bring into your home.
But did you know that you can replicate this with your artificial Christmas tree?
Here’s how to get the practical and cost-effective benefits of ultra-realistic artificial Christmas trees with the quintessential Christmassy aromas of real trees.
- Hang pine-scented ornaments, car air fresheners, or sachets of pine needles among the branches
- Use a natural pine-scented spray designed for artificial trees
- Place pine cones or evergreen sprigs within the branches
- Use a pine-scented plug-in air freshener near where your tree is standing
Make Christmas perfect with Christmas Tree World
The festive period is one of the most magical times of the year, so make it extra special by finding the perfect Christmas tree and decorations for your celebrations.
Whether you want to go for the authentic experience with a traditional artificial Christmas tree or something more experimental with a fibre-optic Christmas tree, we have everything you need (and more) to have the best holiday season ever.
FAQs
Which types of artificial Christmas trees are the easiest to clean?
If easy cleaning is a top priority on your Christmas wishlist, you should choose a low-maintenance tree. Hinged trees have branches that fold down, making them easier to access for cleaning. And, while bushy artificial Christmas trees look the most lush, those with more space between branches are easier to clean thoroughly.
Should you clean your artificial Christmas tree before or after storage?
Ideally, clean your tree both before and after storage! Before storage, remove any dust or debris that has accumulated during the Christmas season. After storage, give it a quick refresh to remove any dust gathered during storage and prepare it for decorating.
Can you hose down an artificial Christmas tree?
While it might seem like a quick solution, we don't recommend it. Excess water can damage the tree's structure and any electrical components. Stick to the gentler methods outlined above for the best results.
How can you reduce the need to clean an artificial Christmas tree?
To keep your tree merry and bright all season long and minimise the need for extensive cleaning, we recommend dusting it before and after storage, investing in a proper storage bag to protect it while it’s not being used, and (if possible) setting it up in a low-traffic area of your home to help stop it from getting dirty.
This doesn’t just go for your tree too - don’t neglect your baubles! When cleaning and caring for your tree, take care to include any decorations in this plan, being mindful of their material or any delicate bits. Bauble storage boxes are another key way to give your baubles life year after year.
