Posted on December 1st, 2025
Artificial Christmas trees have become popular for many households due to their convenience and longevity. They’re durable, reusable, and don’t shed needles all over your living room, which can be an issue with you or a loved one allergies. However, plastic Christmas trees can also accumulate dust and debris over time when not cleaned and stored properly. As a result, this can downgrade their aesthetic appearance and potentially trigger allergic reactions. So, before decking out the halls, check out our guide on how to clean your artificial Christmas tree.
How to Clean Your Artificial Christmas Tree Before Decorating It
Make cleaning your holiday decorations a staple in your yearly Christmas Cleaning Checklist. This way, you are not unleashing a bag full of of dust once you haul out the bag of seasonal decors from your attic or basement. Don’t fret. It’s super easy and would take less than 15 minutes. Here’s how.
- Remove more dust using a thick microfiber duster or a soft-bristled cleaning brush. You can also repurpose an old toothbrush for cleaning and dusting off small, delicate branches.
- Vacuum stubborn dust using a handheld vacuum or the brush attachment of your regular vacuum cleaner. Make sure you are only doing it on a low setting so you don’t suck up the foliage or built-in lights. Spot-clean the foliage on the base of your tree to check if it can handle your vacuum suction without falling apart.
- Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the trunk and branches. Do it per section and gently to avoid causing any fallouts in the faux needles. Air dry or do another round of wiping with an old cotton towel.
- Set aside your freshly cleaned Christmas tree parts in one area. Then, thoroughly clean the spot where you want to set it up. Wipe the walls and nearby windows. Vacuum and mop the floors. Put a tree skirt or a round-shaped carpet where you can lay down your gifts.
- Assemble your Christmas tree, fluffing up each section to make it look fuller. Decorate according to your chosen theme. If you’re using lights, make sure that your tree is completely dry before plugging in to avoid any untoward incident.
Can You Wash a Faux Christmas Tree with Water?
No. The majority of manufacturers advise against hosing or soaking artificial Christmas trees in the water. Here’s why:
- Pre-lit Christmas trees have built-in lights, which means miniature bulbs and electrical wiring are integrated into the branches. While cleaning, all parts of your tree must stay dry to avoid short circuits or permanent damage.
- On the other hand, washing your tree with water — regardless of whether it’s without built-in lights, classic green, white, or frosted trees — can cause deterioration or deformation in the foliage and void the manufacturer’s warranty in most cases.
Light Cleaning Tips for Artificial Christmas Tree
If you set up your Christmas tree quite early and love keeping it longer, even after Christmas Day, then some light home cleaning is necessary to preserve its almost magical beauty. Follow these tips from our expert cleaners in OKC.
- Dust at least once a week using your microfiber duster brush or a dry microfiber cloth that can pick up dust effectively. Do not use a feather duster, which only sets dust particles airborne.
- Do not mist with any cleaning solutions, even if they are natural homemade cleaners like vinegar and water. Aside from risks of electrical damage, the slightest exposure to water and bleach-like substances can cause discoloration.
- Vacuum the floors of the display area once a week to remove dirt, dust, or pet dander collected under the tree skirt or carpet.
How to Clean Your Christmas Tree Before Storage
The winning quality that gets most households sold on the idea of an artificial Christmas tree vs. a real one is that it can last for several years when taken care of properly. Cleaning it well before storage is part of its routine maintenance.
Here’s a quick guide on how to clean your plastic Christmas tree before packing it up.
- Unplug the Christmas lights and remove them from the tree, balling them up to prevent tangles. Give your string lights a good wipe before storing them in a separate box.
- Remove the ornaments one by one. Sort them in separate storage bins per type. For example, keep balls, other hanging elements, tinsels, and garlands in their own place. Clean each piece by wiping it with a microfiber cloth.
- Suck up dust on the trunk and foliage of your tree using your handheld vacuum or the brush attachment accessory of a traditional one set on a low setting. Clean top to bottom.
- Dismantle your Christmas tree according to your manufacturer’s instructions. Store all parts together in one big storage bin. If this is your first time, don’t forget to label it so you can easily find it next year.
Holiday Cleaning Made Easy by HappyCleans OKC
The holiday season should be the happiest time for you and your loved ones. Say goodbye to past Christmases when you were super stressed and endless household chores held you back. Schedule a clean with HappyCleans and let our expert cleaning professionals make your home shine.