Contributed by Sharon from HowToGetOrganizedAtHome.com

Ever wondered how to spruce up an artificial tree? Maybe it’s something that hasn’t crossed your mind until now, and you’re curious if it’s worth doing?

I believe it’s a matter of personal preference; some individuals never bother cleaning their artificial Christmas trees.

If you’re interested in a comprehensive guide to making your tree look fabulous this year, keep following along!

Time Commitment

When you haul the tree out of storage and detect a stale smell, don’t worry—it’s easy to tackle, although it might be a bit tedious.

The key thing to remember is the time investment; it’ll take a couple of hours at most to clean, and then you must allow it to dry thoroughly before decorating.

Therefore, avoid planning to clean and decorate the tree within one evening—it’s simply not feasible.

Minimize Clutter

Take the tree out of its storage container, be it a bag or box, and if you plan to put this container away while the tree is out, do so immediately.

Reducing clutter around you will make cleaning and prepping your Christmas tree significantly less stressful.

Cleaning an Artificial Tree

Start with a vacuum cleaner to eliminate most of the loose dust and dirt.

Begin at the top and work your way down, even if the tree is horizontal on the floor.

Utilize the vacuum’s attachment, ensure the tree is not plugged in, and take care not to vacuum up any bulbs if lights are attached—move them aside first.

I personally use my Shark vacuum with a crevice tool to remove all the loose debris, which makes the following steps easier.

Washing the Tree

Though washing your artificial Christmas tree can be a chore, it’s ultimately rewarding.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Bucket
  • Warm water
  • Favorite disinfectant
  • Cloth

The aim is to clean the tree with a moist cloth, ensuring it is only damp, not wet.

Begin at the top and methodically wipe down each branch and twig.

Though it’s not a fast task, you’ll be amazed at the amount of dust and grime removed.

The tree must be fully dry before you plug it in or start decorating.

Alternative Cleaning Methods

If you prefer not to spend time washing the tree, consider dusting it with a Swiffer type duster.

This will capture dust more effectively than a regular microfiber cloth, making dust removal a breeze.

Although this method is faster than washing, it may not be as thorough.

Additionally, the musty odor may persist, so you might need to find other ways to eliminate the smell.

Maintaining a Dust-Free Tree

Using a Swiffer duster on a weekly basis will help keep your artificial Christmas tree looking and feeling cleaner throughout the festive season and before you take it down.

Dust Removal Tips and Tricks

Another effective way to remove dust is by using a dryer sheet; not only does it attract dust like a Swiffer, but it also leaves behind a pleasant fragrance, helping to mitigate the musty smell.

Choose a dryer sheet scent that you enjoy and isn’t too overwhelming for the best results.

Maintaining a Pleasant Aroma

When storing your Christmas tree for the year, add a couple of dryer sheets to the box or bag—this will help ensure it smells fresher when you unpack it next year.

Simulated Tree Fragrance

If you crave the scent of a genuine Christmas tree without the hassle of shedding needles and constant watering, consider using an artificial tree fragrance.

These are easily available and allow your home to have that pine tree aroma without the associated mess and maintenance of a real tree.

Summary

  • When bringing out your artificial tree, consider how you’ll clean it and freshen its aroma.
  • Start by vacuuming to get rid of loose particles that usually end up on the floor before decorating.
  • Next, wash the tree with a damp cloth, ensuring it’s not wet.
  • If lights are present, keep the damp cloth away from bulbs and ensure the plug is off or disconnected.
  • Allow the tree to dry entirely but dust it weekly with a Swiffer or dryer sheet.
  • For that natural tree scent minus the fuss, consider adding a tree fragrance to your home.

Meet the Author

Sharon Rowe, founder of How To Get Organized, is a mother of three grown children who have all left home. She lives with her husband of 28 years and their 6-year-old black Labrador. Sharon is passionate about aiding her readers in organizing and cleaning their homes and lives.
Follow more of her tips and advice on: How To Get Organized At Home   Instagram    Pinterest