Expert-approved tips on how to clean an artificial wreath for a beautiful, festive and spruced-up flourish

It's almost the most wonderful time of the year, and as attention turns to gift shopping, party planning and holly-jolly decor, there is one vital entryway embellishment to get cleaned up – the artificial Christmas wreath.

A well-placed wreath welcomes guests and adds a seasonal touch. But, if your faux wreath has been in storage since last Christmas, chances are it's in need of a clean before it adorns your door.

Here, we spoke to professional cleaners for their cleaning tips on getting your artificial wreath looking its best.

How to clean an artificial wreath like a pro

Forrest Webber, owner of Bear Brothers Cleaning and The Trade Table, says, 'Artificial wreaths are fantastic for holiday decor – no dropping pine needles or sneaky spiders! But, they can gather dust and lose that "fresh out of the box" look.' Here's how to make yours look good as new.

You will need:

• An old paintbrush
• A handheld vacuum: The Ultenic U12 cordless vacuum we tested has a great handheld conversion option and is budget friendly.
• A microfiber cloth: such as the MR.SIGA Microfiber Cleaning Cloth available at Walmart.
• Mild dish soap: We recommend Dawn Ultra Dish Soap Dish Washing Liquid available at Walmart.

Step 1: Remove dust and debris

First things first, you will need to remove any dust and debris, which may have built up when on display last year, or while in storage.

To do so, Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless, suggests beginning by taking your artificial Christmas wreath ideas outdoors, to avoid spreading dust inside.

She says, 'Give it a gentle shake to dislodge any loose debris or dust that may have settled on the leaves, branches, or decorations.'

Then, use an old paintbrush to loosen any remaining dust, and use your best handheld vacuum on a low setting to gently remove it. If you don't already have one, our top overall pick is the BLACK+DECKER dustbuster PIVOT VAC Cordless Handheld Vacuum available at Amazon.

Cleaning expert Webber also recommends using a can of compressed air, available at Walmart, to do so, if you don't have a suitable vacuum and would rather not invest. He says, 'Take the wreath outside and blast it with a can of compressed air.

'This will clear out all those hard-to-reach places, and it's way faster than trying to individually dust every berry and pine cone. Plus, you get the satisfaction of watching that dust fly away like magic.' You can also use a hairdryer, too, but ensure you use it on a cool setting, to avoid melting your wreath or dislodging any glue.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Step 2: Clean with soapy water

Next, once all dust has been removed, you're able to get started on cleaning. Joseph Passalacqua, owner and CEO of Maid Sailors, advises, 'It takes a gentle approach to clean an artificial wreath. Mix a soapy water solution, using about a teaspoon of dish soap, and dip your microfiber cloth in, wringing out any excess liquid.

Passalacqua says, 'Make sure not to soak the wreath to avoid disintegration of the parts.' Always test an inconspicuous area of the wreath first, just to check that it won't cause any damage, before moving onto more visible areas. Then, wipe down the wreath, leaf by leaf, and around decorations.

'Avoid excessive pressure; instead, use light strokes to prevent any damage to delicate ornaments or paint finishes,' says cleaning expert Toner. She also recommends rinsing and re-wringing the cloth regularly as you go, to prevent spreading dirt from one section to another.

You can also use dish soap to kill moss on your lawn, or to mix a dish soap solution for streak-free windows, so it's a handy cleaning supply to have in your cleaning arsenal in bulk.

Step 3: Dry

Once clean, use another, dry microfiber cloth to blot any remaining moisture, especially around glue points, before leaving it to air-dry.

Cleaning pro Toner advises, 'Hang the wreath in a cool, dry, and shaded area to air-dry completely for one to two hours, before bringing it indoors,' or hanging it in pride of place on your door as part of your Christmas decorating ideas.

'This will prevent mold growth or potential damage, both on the wreath and the door where you're hanging it,' adds cleaning expert Passalacqua.

Optional step: Scent your wreath

To add a real festive feel to your Christmas porch decor ideas, you can add a seasonal scent to your wreath, using essential oils.

To do so, cleaning expert Toner suggests preparing a homemade spray, mixing one cup of water with 5-10 drops of an essential oil, such as pine, cinnamon, or cedarwood, in a spray bottle. We recommend the Equate 8 oz Plastic Spraybottle available at Walmart.

'A fine mist ensures even coverage and prevents over-saturation,' she says. 'Hold the bottle about 12 inches from the wreath and give it a light mist. Focus on the greenery sections to avoid direct spraying on any delicate decorations like glitter-coated accents or fabric.' This also makes a great homemade room spray, to use all around the house for seasonal scenting.

If you prefer not to make your own, cleaning expert Webber recommends using the MRS. MEYER'S CLEAN DAY Room and Air Freshener Spray available at Amazon. He says, 'If you're missing that "fresh tree" scent, give your wreath a light mist with this room spray and it will make the wreath smell as festive as it looks.

'Just remember to keep the mist light – no one wants a wreath that's competing with the turkey!'

When using either options, ensure you allow the wreath ample drying time in a well-ventilated area, for about 30 minutes to an hour. This will allow the essential oils to settle, and prevents it from transferring onto walls, doors, or other surfaces, says Toner.

FAQs

How long do artificial wreaths last?

With the right care and cleaning maintenance, an artificial wreath should last for many seasons, depending on the weather conditions and where it is hung. For example, a wreath on your fence or in your front yard as part of your outdoor Christmas decoration ideas will be more exposed to the elements than one on your front door.

'These steps will leave your artificial clean fresh, clean, and beautifully scented for display,' says Toner.

Next, why not learn how to make a Christmas wreath, for a unique, personal touch and lovely festive activity.