How to Clean an Artificial Christmas Tree

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Before you set up your artificial Christmas tree, take 30 minutes to give it a proper cleaning. Christmas trees often spend the majority of the year in storage. They often emerge, ready to make their grand entrance during the holiday season, disguised as a dust magnet. Even when cautiously packed in a storage container, it can become a nesting spot for spiders and other home pests.

One of the biggest reasons you should clean your artificial tree is to eliminate dust and reduce the likelihood of indoor allergies. But cleaning the faux branches of an artificial tree also helps to refresh and revitalize the needles and help it continue to be a shining centerpiece of your holiday decor.

There are a few different cleaning processes you can try: Dusting, shaking, leaf blowing, vacuuming, and spray bottle cleaning. After that, add artificial tree fragrance for extra effect.

Dust the Tree

"The most gentle method of cleaning a faux tree involves a soft-bristled brush and a microfiber cloth," shares Aaron Christensen, the resident cleaning expert and VP of Growth at Homeaglow. "Not only will this help to clean the tree, but you can reshape branch tips and needles as you go."

Shake the Branches

Give your tree branches a good shake at both the beginning and the end of the holiday season. Not only does it help reduce loose dust, but it'll help drop loose “leaves” or “needles.” Be sure to use a dustpan and brush to pick up fallen plastics.

"If you’re unable to take tree outdoors, place each branch inside a garbage bag and shake it inside the bag," recommends Christensen. "For a deeper cleaner when shaking, you can pour two cups of salt into a garbage bag. Adding one section and piece of the tree at a time, give the bag a good shake. The salt will attract any dust caught in the tree and leave it looking fresher and brighter."

Blast With a Leaf Blower

Taking the tree outside and giving it a little air from your fall leaf blower may seem excessive (and yes, your neighbors will side-eye you), but it's an effective way of removing dust and debris from the faux pine branches. Don't go full-throttle. Instead, start at the top and lightly puff air at each branch. Work top to bottom, rotating the tree as you go.

Use a Vacuum Cleaner

Now, before you use a handheld vacuum cleaner to clean an artificial Christmas tree, check the strength of the suction and the hold of the “leaves” on the tree. To do this, cover the end of the nozzle with a piece of mesh to capture the dust and debris. Test the hose on an inconspicuous area of the tree. Make sure it doesn’t cause any damage, both to the condition of the needles and to any frosted tree "snow" that tops the needles and branches. Alternatively, you can try a brush attachment on the end of the vacuum to agitate dust from the fake branches.

If it appears to cause damage, do not use the vacuum. If it seems fine, continue to use the vacuum to remove dust particles. It's quite effective for some trees!

Related: Before You Toss That Strand of Broken Christmas Lights, Troubleshoot With These Easy Tips

Spray With Soapy Water

This method should be tested in an inconspicuous area and shouldn't be used on pre-lit trees or other artificial trees with electrical mechanisms.

• Create a gentle cleaning solution. Mix two cups of warm water and one teaspoon of mild dish soap in a spray bottle. Avoid using any abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals on your tree.

• Give the bottle a shake to combine the soap and water

• Starting from the top, lightly spray the branches

• Mist the branches. Working branch by branch, leave the moisture on the branch for 30 seconds, then wipe a clean dry cloth, microfiber cloth, or paper towel. (If any color runs during your trial, avoid moisture and use a dry cleaning method instead.)

• Repeat. Continue to clean until you have sprayed and wiped down every individual branch, as well as the center "trunk" section.

• Clean the base. The fake tree stand also holds a lot of dust.

• Allow the tree to air-dry

Add Fragrance

If your artificial tree had a faux pine scent when you purchased it, after years in the closet or attic, it likely has faded. Conquer musty odor by adding new artificial tree fragrance to your tree. It can make it smell just as good as a real tree.