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How to Properly Clean Christmas Decorations

How to Properly Clean Christmas Decorations

Christmas decorations bring festive vibes and transform our homes into magical spaces. However, over time, dust, grime, and storage wear can dull their sparkle and charm.

To keep them looking their best year after year, proper cleaning and care are essential. From delicate glass ornaments to garlands and wreaths, each decoration requires a unique cleaning approach tailored to its material to preserve its beauty and integrity.

Let’s go over the best methods to clean your Christmas decorations safely and effectively, ensuring they remain vibrant, damage-free, and ready to shine brightly throughout the holiday season.

Why Clean Your Christmas Decorations?

Cleaning your Christmas decorations isn’t just about maintaining appearances—it’s about protecting your holiday treasures and creating a healthier, more festive environment for your family and guests. Here’s why giving your decorations a little extra care is so important:

Prolongs Longevity

Regular cleaning reduces wear and tear on your decorations, preserving their color, shine, and structural integrity.

Whether it’s a cherished family heirloom or a newly purchased piece, clean decorations are less likely to chip, tarnish, or degrade, ensuring they last for many seasons to come.

Prevents Dust and Allergens

Decorations stored in attics, basements, or closets for a year can accumulate layers of dust, dirt, and even mold spores. These can not only dull their appearance but also release allergens into the air when displayed.

Cleaning removes these irritants, helping to improve indoor air quality and making your home a healthier space for holiday celebrations.

Enhances Appearance

Sparkling clean decorations are the hallmark of a stunning holiday display. Dust and grime can obscure their vibrant colors, intricate designs, and reflective surfaces.

By keeping them clean, you’ll ensure your ornaments, garlands, and wreaths look their absolute best, creating a dazzling setup that truly shines in photos and in person.

Cleaning your Christmas decorations is a small effort that goes a long way in preserving their beauty, safety, and sentimental value.

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Cleaning Tips by Decoration Type

1. Ornaments (Glass, Plastic, and Ceramic)

Glass Ornaments

 

Glass ornaments are delicate and demand careful handling. But their beauty can quickly be overshadowed by dirt and grime, leaving them looking dull and unappealing. This is how you clean them.

Steps:

  1. Prepare a solution of lukewarm water and mild dish soap.
  2. Dampen a microfiber cloth and gently wipe the ornament.
  3. Use a dry microfiber towel to remove moisture.
  4. For intricate designs, use a soft-bristle brush or a fine cotton swab to clean grooves.

Plastic Ornaments

Durable and less fragile, plastic ornaments can withstand more cleaning. Avoid submerging into water as they sometimes have a hollow center where water can get inside, causing mold if the water gets trapped. Clean them this way.

Steps:

  1. Wash them in soapy water.
  2. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a microfiber cloth.

Ceramic Ornaments:

Molded ceramic ornaments may have delicate paintwork. To protect this detail, avoid submerging in water and use gentle pressure when cleaning. Here's how to clean them.

Steps:

  1. Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth.
  2. Avoid soaking to protect the paint and glaze.

2. Bells and Metal Decorations

Metal decorations, including bells, can tarnish over time. So it's important to treat these with care and use suitable products to protect them. Clean them like this.

Steps:

  1. Dust them with a dry microfiber cloth to remove surface debris.
  2. For tarnished metal, use a metal polish or a DIY paste made of baking soda and water.
  3. Buff gently with a soft microfiber cloth, avoiding harsh scrubbing.

3. Stockings (Fabric and Knit)

Fabric stockings can accumulate dust and lint. Most stockings are constructed from a polyester blend and can be laundered. But always read the care instructions. Here's how to do it.

Steps:

  1. Check the care label for washing instructions.
  2. For machine-washable stockings, use a gentle cycle with cold water.
  3. Air dry to prevent shrinking.
  4. For delicate or decorative stockings, spot clean with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

4. Garland and Wreaths (Artificial and Dried Foliage)

Artificial Garlands and Wreaths

Artificial foliage tends to collect dust easily, which can really ruin the aesthetic of a room. But these twiggy leaves can make cleaning tricky and time-consuming. Here's how to do it.

Steps:

  1. Use a handheld vacuum or a microfiber duster to remove dust, or shake outside gently to dislodge any dust and debris.
  2. Wipe with a damp cloth to clean stubborn dirt.

Dried Foliage Garlands and Wreaths

Dried foliage decorations are delicate and prone to brittleness, so they require gentle handling. Use the right tools and technique to carefully remove dust without causing damage. Do it this way.

Steps:

  1. Gently dust with a soft brush, such as a makeup or paintbrush.
  2. Avoid using water to prevent damage.

5. Snow Globes

Snow globes are delicate and can cloud if mishandled. The domes can be constructed from glass or clear plastic, and require some care when cleaning. Follow these steps.

Steps:

  1. Dust and clean the glass or plastic dome with a microfiber cloth, removing any scuff marks.
  2. Use a microfiber glass cloth to polish the glass dome.
  3. Clean the base with a slightly damp microfiber cloth.
  4. Do not submerge in liquid as this could damage the globe.

6. Candles and Holders

Holiday candles and their holders can collect wax drips and soot. They can also look unsightly when not cleaned regularly. Clean them like this.

Steps:

  1. For candles, wipe with a slightly damp microfiber cloth.
  2. Remove wax drips with a plastic scraper.
  3. Clean holders with warm soapy water or polish, depending on the material.

Pro Tips for Cleaning Specific Materials

Different materials require specialized care to ensure they stay in pristine condition. Here are some expert tips for cleaning the most common materials used in Christmas decorations:

Blown Glass

These delicate, handcrafted ornaments are often highly detailed and fragile. Handle them with extreme care to avoid breakage. Use a soft microfiber cloth or a lens cleaning cloth to gently remove dust.

Avoid abrasive materials or harsh cleaners that could scratch or damage their finish. If needed, use a cotton swab to clean intricate areas, but always support the ornament in your hand to prevent pressure on fragile parts.

Molded Metal

Molded metal decorations, like bells or figurines, can tarnish or develop scratches if not properly maintained. Use non-abrasive cleaners like mild soapy water or specialized metal polish for a safe shine.

Buff with a microfiber cloth to restore their luster without scratching. Avoid submerging pieces with glued embellishments, as water can weaken the adhesive.

Wood and Polystyrene

Carved wooden decorations and expanded polystyrene (foam) items are prone to damage from moisture. Dust them gently with a microfiber cloth or a soft paintbrush to avoid scratching or removing paint.

Avoid using water, as it can cause warping or cracking in wood and can weaken the structure of polystyrene. For painted or varnished wood, consider a small amount of wood polish applied with a cloth for added protection.

Dried Foliage

Garlands and wreaths made from dried foliage are naturally brittle and require delicate handling. Use a soft-bristle brush to remove dust carefully.

Never use water or cleaning sprays, as these can cause discoloration or make the foliage even more fragile. To preserve their condition, store them in a cool, dry place and keep them away from humidity.

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Storage Tips to Keep Decorations Clean

Proper storage is just as important as cleaning when it comes to extending the life of your Christmas decorations. Here are some tried-and-true tips to keep your holiday treasures in top shape year-round:

Wrap Ornaments with Care

Use acid-free tissue paper, bubble wrap, or ornament-specific storage boxes to protect delicate items from dust and breakage. Avoid using old newspaper, as the ink can transfer onto surfaces over time. For extra fragile pieces, add a layer of foam padding.

Store Wreaths and Garlands Properly

Invest in specialized storage containers designed for wreaths and garlands to maintain their shape and prevent crushing. Alternatively, cover them with breathable fabric bags to keep dust and pests at bay while allowing for air circulation.

Protect Candles

Store candles in a cool, dry place away from heat sources to prevent warping or melting. Wrap them individually in wax paper or parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.

Organize with Labeled Bins

Use sturdy, clear plastic bins to store decorations. Label each bin according to its contents (e.g., "Ornaments," "Lights," "Wreaths") for easy identification. Clear bins allow you to see what's inside without digging through multiple containers, saving time when you decorate.

Avoid Extreme Temperatures

Store all decorations in a climate-controlled area, if possible. Attics and basements often experience extreme temperature changes that can cause materials like glass, wood, and plastic to deteriorate or become brittle.

With thoughtful cleaning and storage practices, your decorations will remain as magical as the memories they help create, ready to shine for years to come.

A Little Care for a Lot of Cheer

Cleaning your Christmas decorations may take some effort, but it’s a worthwhile investment for preserving their beauty and extending their life. By following these cleaning and storage tips, you’ll ensure your holiday treasures are ready to dazzle again next year. Keep your home merry and bright with sparkling, well-maintained decorations!

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