For Mission Organization this week I tackled one of the most dust catching items in the house – my artificial ficus trees. I like to use the silk trees and other silk greenery, but they can be difficult to clean. I have tried using the aerosol sprays that are made especially for silk plants with some success, but they are not really very efficient on a large scale. I have also tried dusting every individual leaf on my ficus trees by hand, but my-oh-my that takes forever, and I always end up missing some leaves anyway. After much trial and error, I have found that the easiest way for me to clean my ficus trees is to mix up my own cleaning solution and take them outside for a quick spraying.
The cleaning solution I use consists of white vinegar and water. The formula is one part white vinegar to two parts warm water mixed together in a spray bottle.
I like to take the trees outside and give them a good spraying, but I want them to dry quickly, so I don’t want to get the pots wet.
I started by taking one of my smaller trees to my porch. I wanted to be able to lean it against the railing so it would drip dry and so the water wouldn’t run into the pot.
I leaned it over the railing and sprayed the vinegar/water solution onto the dusty leaves.
While the first tree dripped, I brought out the next dusty one and repeated the process.
By the time I brought this third tree out, the first one was already dry and ready to take back inside. They dry very quickly and look so nice and clean after being sprayed with this solution. My ficus trees now look clean and fresh with far less effort than it previously took to clean them.
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I will give this a try. It sure looks easier than cleaning the leaves one by one!
Thanks for the tip. I have a tree or two that needs cleaning!
Great way to tackle those large trees! I do the same with my small artificial houseplants. I agree, who wants to wipe one leaf at a time!
Wonderful idea! Vinegar is good in so many ways isn't it?
xo
Pat
I will try this now…thank you!
I'll be trying this approach with my tree as well! Thanks 🙂
Quanessa and kmn, Thanks for commenting. This method has worked for me, and my trees were very dusty. I hope it helps you too.
Best advice I've found. Simple, natural and effective. I applaud anyone choosing safer, environmentally friendly ways to clean.
Hello everyone! not gonna believe it! tried your recommendations, but still had residue on the leaves, Got to thinking that dish washer softener removes spots from glassware because of hard water, so I put 1/4 c into a large spray bottle,( has to be on stream not spray) and Voila! The best result yet!!
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Nice post.
I have tried using the aerosol sprays that are made especially for silk plants with some success, but they are not really very efficient on a large … afcplants.blogspot.com
Hello. Did anyone try this? Did it work? Did it work GREAT?
Thanks
What I do , is wrap a plastic bag around the bottom and your pot won't get wet.
I weave an old towel between the trunks ( I have 4 10 ft silk ficus trees) to keep moisture from dripping down into the pot.
I like the water softener tip!
Thank you,
Wanda