Your Christmas tree and decorations are an investment. With the right TLC, you can continue using your Christmas decorations for years to come, turning them into family heirlooms. Knowing how to safely clean your Christmas lights and ornaments makes it easier to extend their lifespan and keep them looking newer for longer.
At WeRChristmas, our Christmas storage bags make it easy to safely store your tree, garlands, ornaments, and other decorations, keeping them protected between festive seasons. We’re sharing our top tips and tricks on how to clean artificial Christmas trees, lights and ornaments safely to keep your Christmas decorations looking newer for longer.
Cleaning Artificial Christmas Trees
Artificial Christmas trees are a more cost-effective alternative to buying a real tree each year, which usually requires more maintenance. Your artificial tree can also be eco-friendly if cared for properly and used for several years.
It’s best to clean your artificial Christmas tree when you’re taking it down at the end of the festive season. You’ll be able to put it straight up once December calls back around.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to clean your artificial Christmas tree:
- Unplug your Christmas tree lights, removing all ornaments and decorations.
- Move your artificial tree outside or take it to a large open space and place a sheet down on the floor for easy clean up.
- Use a microfiber cloth or soft brush to remove dust and debris from the branches. A handheld vacuum can help you reach the inner sections.
- If your Christmas tree needs a deep clean, mix mild soap with warm water before gently wiping a damp cloth along the branches.
- Wait until the tree has completely air-dried before putting it into your Christmas tree storage bag.
If you have a frosted or flocked tree, you’ll want to avoid using water or scrubbing the branches as it can damage the branches. Instead, use a soft duster and carefully work on one branch at a time.
How to Safely Clean Christmas Lights
Broken Christmas tree lights are a problem no one wants to deal with. Safely cleaning your Christmas lights before putting them away will make it easier when decorating next time.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to clean your Christmas tree lights:
- Before unplugging your Christmas tree lights, check for broken bulbs or frayed wires. Replace any damaged lights after unplugging.
- Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe down the bulbs and wires. If your Christmas lights are visibly dirty, use a slightly damp cloth, but be careful to avoid soaking the lights.
- Wrap your Christmas lights neatly before placing them back into the original box or an ornament and decoration storage box.
Cleaning Christmas Ornaments
Your ornaments are the most sentimental part of your Christmas decorating. You might have collected them over years of traveling or special ornaments might represent milestone moments in your life. Taking the time to clean your Christmas decorations will help avoid damage and permanent stains.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how to clean your Christmas tree lights:
- Use a microfiber cloth or soft brush to dust delicate ornaments. If there’s visible smudges or marks, use a lightly damp cloth with just water.
- By comparison, you can use soapy water and a soft cloth for shatterproof or plastic ornaments. Keep a dry cloth on hand to quickly clean after washing to avoid water spots on your ornaments.
- If you have beaded or fabric ornaments, spot clean with a slightly damp cloth and air dry fully, before storing them in your Christmas decoration and ornament storage box.
How to Safely Store and Clean Your Christmas Decorations
At the end of the festive season, it’s easy to just put everything back in the box. Setting aside an afternoon to safely clean your Christmas tree, lights, and ornaments will make it easier to assemble everything next December.
Always handle your Christmas ornaments with care and only use a soft cloth with mild soap. An abrasive cloth and harsh chemicals could damage your Christmas ornaments. Make sure to let your decorations fully try before packing them away to avoid mildew or mould developing on them.
Store your decorations safely inside and place your boxes in a cool, dry place that’s easily accessible.
Protect Your Christmas Ornaments with WeRChristmas’ Storage Bags and Boxes
Cleaning your Christmas tree and decorations is the secret to helping them last longer. Properly cleaning your ornaments with the right supplies will keep them looking new and make it easier to decorate next December.
While it’s tempting to put everything straight back into the box, taking the time to clean and safely store your Christmas ornaments is a win-win. Enjoy your artificial Christmas tree and ornaments for years to come by shopping our storage boxes and bags to make your post-Christmas clean-up even easier.
