The biggest advantage of having an artificial Christmas tree is that you can enjoy it for many years. However, how long it lasts depends on how well you care for your investment. Make sure your artificial Christmas tree looks its best season after season with our guide to cleaning your Christmas tree and maintaining its beauty for years to come.
General Care Tips
- Set up your tree in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight.
- While the tree is on display, use a dense fiber duster or a soft dry cloth to lightly dust its tips at least once a week to prevent build-up.
- Avoid spraying water, soap, vinegar, or other cleaning agents that may affect the quality of your tree and void its warranty.
- Before storing your tree for the off-season, make sure to clean it properly following the cleaning guide below.
- Place your tree in a durable storage bag. Balsam Hill Christmas trees come with their own storage bags for easy handling. Seal and zip them securely before stowing to prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt.
- Store your tree in a cool, dry location to safeguard against moisture and musty odor.
How To Clean Artificial Christmas Trees
Removing layers of dust that accumulated during both display and storage is essential to the longevity of your tree. Read our tips on how to clean an artificial Christmas tree:
Before Decorating
- Assemble your tree following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Wipe the branches, trunk, and base with a soft, dry cloth or a fiber duster. For pre-lit trees, be careful as you go through each light bulb.
- If your tree is unlit, you can clean it with a vacuum with an upholstery bristle brush or crevice attachment. Test a section at the tree's base first, ensuring the vacuum can safely clean the dirt off the branches without damaging the tree. You can also use a hand vacuum for lighter suction and easier control.
Before Storage
- Remove all lights and decorations.
- For pre-lit trees, wipe branches with a clean, dry cloth. Start from the top and gently work your way around the light bulbs.
- If your tree is unlit, you can give it a quick sweep with a vacuum using the upholstery bristle brush or crevice attachment. Make sure to test a section at the base of the tree first to check if it can safely clean the branches without damage.
- Dismantle the tree according to the instructions. Compress all branches carefully.
How To Clean and Care for White Christmas Trees
You can follow the general care tips mentioned above. You can also consider wrapping your tree in large sheets of white paper before storage to help keep dust and stains at bay. Fading or yellowing? Make your white tree bright again with these tips:
- Check the care instructions that came with your tree, or reach out to the manufacturer.
- Leave your tree in direct sunlight for a few hours. This can be effective in bleaching subtle stains out.
- If sunshine alone doesn’t do the trick, mix three parts white vinegar with one part water and spritz it on the affected branches of your tree. Then, leave your tree in direct sunlight for at least 12 hours. Do note that doing this may void your tree's warranty, so proceed with caution.
How To Clean and Care for Frosted Trees
Frosted trees require a different kind of care from your traditional Christmas trees. There’s no need to dust as this may damage the flocking material. Here’s how to care for a frosted or flocked Christmas tree:
- Set up your tree in a cool, dry place away from humidity and direct heat.
- Avoid unnecessary contact with the branches and tips to prevent excess shedding. Note that light shedding is normal for frosted trees.
- Before storing, gently compress the branches of your tree.
- Place your tree in a secure storage bag to lessen contact between seasons and keep the flocking material intact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Way To Clean Artificial Christmas Trees?
The best way to clean a pre-lit artificial Christmas tree is with a soft, dry cloth or fiber duster. Start from the top and work your way down, careful not to dislodge bulbs from their sockets. If your tree is unlit, you can use a vacuum with an upholstery bristle brush or crevice attachment.
How Can I Make My Fake Christmas Tree Look Better?
Keep your artificial tree looking its best by taking the time to fluff the foliage with your hands to achieve a natural look. Use your favorite ornaments and quality Christmas lights for a memorable holiday centerpiece.
How Do You Refresh an Old Artificial Christmas Tree?
Aside from wiping the branches and base with a soft, dry cloth, you can get rid of musty odors by airing out your tree in a covered porch or patio for a few days. However, don't expose it to direct sunlight to preserve its color. Fluff the foliage to give your tree shape.
Can an Artificial Christmas Tree Get Wet?
We don’t recommend hosing down or washing your artificial Christmas tree as this could damage the foliage or light connections and may void your warranty. Some people use a mild soap or disinfectant diluted in water to gently wipe down the branch tips, but always defer to your tree manufacturer’s recommendations to keep your tree safe and looking its best.
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