The excitement of decking the halls is in full swing this Christmas season!
To those who have yet to put up their Christmas trees, take the time to give them a thorough cleaning.
After all, if they have been in storage for most of the year, they have likely collected dust—and maybe even a few unwelcome cobwebs.
A clean tree not only looks more festive but also helps prevent spreading dust around your home (or sneezing through the holidays).
Real Living has a simple guide to cleaning your artificial tree so that it’s ready to spread joy—not dirt—this coming Christmas and those to come.
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Take your tree out of storage with care
First things first—gently pull your tree out of storage.
If it has been packed away tightly, be careful not to damage the branches or break any lights, especially if it is a pre-lit tree.
Give yourself plenty of space to work, so you’re not cramped while cleaning and fluffing.
Pro tip: If possible, move the tree outside or into a well-ventilated area like a garage. This prevents dust and dirt from settling inside your home.
If you're indoors, spread out a large sheet or tarpaulin to keep the floors clean.
Dust off each branch
Start by removing the most visible layer of dust.
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Deal with stubborn dirt
Sometimes, dust isn’t the only culprit.
Your tree might have some residue or grime stuck on the branches, especially if it has been in storage for a long time.
For those stubborn spots, use a soft toothbrush or a clean, dry paintbrush to gently scrub them away.
If that doesn’t work, you can moisten the brush slightly—but remember, less is more. You don’t want to drench your tree, especially if it has electrical components.
Spot clean with mild soap and water
For a deeper clean, mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle.
Lightly mist the branches.
Be careful to avoid the light sockets if your tree has built-in lights.
Wipe them down with a soft cloth.
If your tree doesn’t have lights, feel free to be more generous with the spray, but avoid soaking the branches.
A little spritz goes a long way in cleaning off dirt and even sticky residue from ornaments or tinsel.
Pro tip: Always test a small, inconspicuous part of your tree before applying the soapy solution all over, especially if the tree has any coatings or flocking—which is the artificial snow effect—that could get damaged by moisture.
Rinse and dry it
Once you’ve cleaned your tree, it’s crucial to dry it properly before bringing it inside or setting it up.
Even if it looks dry on the surface, any moisture left on the branches could lead to mold, mildew, or rust on the frame.
You can let it air dry naturally, but if you’re in a rush to start decorating, use a hairdryer on the cool setting to speed up the process.
Just be sure to check that each part of the tree is completely dry, especially around the base where water can pool.
Fluff up the branches
One of the key things to do before decorating is to fluff the branches.
Artificial trees, especially if they’ve been packed away tightly, can look a little flat and squished when they come out of storage.
Spend some time carefully separating and spreading the branches, bending them slightly to create a fuller, more natural look.
Pro tip: Don’t rush this step! Fluffing makes a world of difference and helps your ornaments and lights look even better. Start at the bottom and work your way up, ensuring that every branch looks even and nicely spread out.
Freshen up the smell
Artificial trees don’t have that fresh pine scent, and after months in storage, they might even have a musty smell.
You can easily fix this by using a fabric freshener or making your own spray with a mix of water and essential oils.
Scents like pine, cinnamon, or peppermint can bring the holiday spirit into your home!
Another great idea is to place scented pine cones or ornaments on your tree. Not only do they look festive, but they also fill your space with that classic holiday aroma.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your artificial Christmas tree is clean, fresh, and ready for the holidays.
Cleaning not only makes your tree look better, but also helps maintain a clean and healthy home environment.
Now that your tree is all prepped and pristine, it’s time to break out the ornaments, string the lights, and make your home feel merry and bright!