How to Care for Faux Orchids: Cleaning & Maintenance Hacks

Artificial orchids are a great way to decorate a space without the need for watering or sunlight or the meticulous care and upkeep that real orchids demand. However, like any decorative piece in your home, faux orchids require occasional cleaning and maintenance to keep them looking fresh and vibrant. Here’s a few simple cleaning and storage hacks for taking care of your fake orchid flowers.

CLEANING YOUR ARTIFICIAL ORCHIDS

Dust with a Feather Duster

One of the simplest and easiest ways to give your faux orchids a quick clean is by dusting them regularly. A feather duster is a gentle yet effective tool for removing surface dust from petals, leaves, and stems. Lightly sweep over the flowers once a week to prevent buildup and keep your botanicals looking pristine.

Wipe with a Microfiber Cloth

For a slightly deeper clean, use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe down each petal and leaf. Microfiber is soft and non-abrasive, making it perfect for delicate artificial flowers. If there are stubborn smudges, slightly dampen the cloth with water for a more thorough wipe-down. This method is especially useful for removing fingerprints or light grime that may accumulate over time. Let your botanicals air dry!

Use a Hair Dryer

Another easy but unique dusting/cleaing method for orchids that have collected dust in hard-to-reach areas, is a hair dryer set to low heat. Using a hair dryer can effectively blow away debris. This is a quick and efficient method to freshen up your faux orchids without physical contact.

Tip: Hold the dryer at a safe distance to prevent overheating or damaging the flowers.

Gentle Clean with Baby Wipes

For a more thorough yet still gentle clean, use unscented, sensitive baby wipes to wipe each petal and leaf. These wipes are designed to be mild and won’t damage the material of your artificial botanicals. After wiping, be sure to let the orchids air dry completely to prevent any moisture buildup.

Note: When working with richer colors such as red or purple, we recommend trying out a test spot before completely wiping your florals down as some color bleeding can occur.

Deep Clean with Warm Water and Dish Soap

For a full floral refresh, deep clean your faux orchids with a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap. Dip a soft cloth into the soapy water and carefully wipe down the petals and leaves. Once cleaned, use a dry towel to remove excess moisture and let the flowers air dry completely before displaying or storing them. The water and dish soap method helps remove any stubborn dirt or hard to clean residue while keeping your orchids looking like new!

Note: When working with richer colors such as red or purple, we recommend trying out a test spot before completely wiping your florals down as some color bleeding can occur.

REVIVING SHAPE AND STRUCTURE

Over time, faux orchids may lose their shape or their shapes become slightly bent or twisted due to storage or handling. Fortunately, most of the time your botanicals can be reshaped easily, restoring their beauty and allowing you to decorate with them over and over!

• Bend: Gently bend the stems and petals back into place if they are flexible. Most artificial flowers have a wire stem base that allows for reshaping, so adjust the positioning until they look more natural. Note: Be careful not to bend your florals back and forth repeatedly as bending the wire over and over can ultimately weaken the metal.
• Steam: Use steam, but use steam carefully! Using steam can help soften the material and make reshaping the petals and leaves easier. Note: Be cautious not to overexpose the flowers to heat or put them too close to the steamer, as excessive steam can weaken adhesives or warp delicate petals.
• Fluff: This is a simple but effective way to revive your floral displays! Fluff your orchid arrangement by adjusting leaves and petals to create a fuller, more organic appearance. Spacing out the petals and lightly massaging them can give your orchids a fresh and realistic shape. Tip: You can also rearrange the flowers a little or even gently shape/curve the stems in a different direction.

QUICK STYLING TIPS

Create a More Authentic Look

Artificial orchids already offer a stunning and long-lasting option for decor, but there are a few tricks to make them look even more lifelike:

• Spray: Use a silk flower spray to add a subtle sheen and prevent excessive dust buildup. Using a flower spray also helps maintain the fabric’s softness and color or vibrancy for a longer period of time.
• Arrange: Place your orchids in a decorative pot with real moss, pebbles, or even soil to create a more authentic orchid plant presentation. Arranging the orchids in a high-quality vase with natural elements can make them almost indistinguishable from real plants!
• Mix: Did you know you can mix fake and real plants? Blending faux orchids with real greenery for example, can help make your orchid plant even more convincing. Pair them with real orchid leaves, fresh ferns, live succulents, or other potted house plants.

STORAGE TIPS FOR FAKE ORCHIDS

Once your artificial flowers are clean and dry, proper storage is key to preventing damage and maintaining their beauty year after year. Follow these easy storage tips:

1. Wrap in Tissue Paper: Protect your orchid botanicals from dust and moisture by wrapping them gently in tissue or craft paper.
2. Place in a Box: Store the tissue wrapped flowers in a sturdy box or plastic container to shield them from light, dust, and most importantly, to prevent any crushing or wrinkling.
3. Choose a Cool, Dry Location: Keep the storage box in a cool, dry location to avoid exposure to humidity or extreme temperature changes.
4. Keep Out of Direct Sunlight: Lastly, vibrant or richly colored artificial orchids can fade over time if exposed to direct sunlight. We recommend to store them in a shaded area (closest, basement, attic) to preserve their color and longevity.

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With these simple but effective cleaning and maintenance hacks, your fake orchid flowers and foliage will stay beautiful and dust-free for years to come! Regular care and proper storage ensure they remain a stunning decorative piece in your home or office! Ready to create your orchid masterpieces? Shop all our high-quality orchids. Happy decorating!