To keep your artificial flowers looking their best, daily care is key. Here are some fundamental care tips:

• Avoid Direct Sunlight
  
  Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause colour fading, especially for artificial flowers that lack UV protection. Place them in shaded indoor areas or use a UV-protectant spray to extend their longevity.

• Keep Dry
  
  Moisture can damage certain materials, particularly PU and silk flowers. Avoid placing artificial flowers in high-humidity environments such as bathrooms or kitchens.

• Prevent Dust and Stains
  
  Oil and smoke from kitchens can lead to discolouration. Keep artificial flowers away from cooking areas and place them in well-ventilated spaces to prevent dust accumulation.

The cleaning method for artificial flowers depends on the level of dust accumulation and the surrounding environment. Below are recommendations for different cleaning techniques:

Routine Dusting

• Soft Brush or Feather Duster – Gently sweep away dust using a soft brush or feather duster. Avoid excessive rubbing to prevent damage to petals and leaves.
  
• Cool Air from a Hairdryer – Set a hairdryer to a cool setting and gently blow off dust, especially useful for delicate silk flowers and intricate floral designs.

Deep Cleaning

• Damp Cloth Wipe-Down – Lightly wipe petals and leaves with a damp soft cloth. Avoid excessive moisture to prevent warping or material damage.
  
• Mild Soap & Water Method – For fabric-based artificial flowers, mix mild soap with water, dampen a cloth, and gently wipe the surface. Afterward, blot excess moisture with a dry cloth and let them air dry naturally.

Some artificial flowers, particularly those made from a blend of fabric and plastic, can benefit from occasional gentle cleaning using a mild soap and water solution. Follow these steps for optimal care:

• Gentle Wipe-Down:
  Dilute a small amount of mild soap in water. Use a soft cloth or sponge to lightly wipe the petals and leaves, focusing on areas with visible stains or dirt.

• Avoid Excess Moisture:
  Ensure that artificial flowers do not become overly saturated during cleaning, especially if they contain latex (Latex) or foam (Foam) components, as these materials are prone to disintegration and deformation when exposed to moisture.

• Air Dry Naturally:
  After cleaning, place the artificial flowers in a well-ventilated area to air dry naturally. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent material deterioration and fading.

Proper shaping and trimming can enhance the natural look of your artificial flowers:

Adjusting Flower Petals & Stems

• Fluff and Shape the Petals – Gently separate and shape the petals by hand to give the flower a fuller and more natural appearance.

• Bend the Stems – High-quality artificial flowers often have flexible wire stems that can be bent to create a more realistic, organic shape.
  

Trimming & Adjusting Stems

• Use Professional Wire Cutters – If you need to shorten the stems, use strong wire cutters for a clean and precise cut.
  
• Bending Instead of Cutting – If possible, bend the stems instead of cutting them. This allows for height adjustments later, especially when using opaque vases.
  
• Ideal Stem Length for Arrangements – A general rule of thumb is that the flower stems should be 1.5 times the height of the vase for the most visually pleasing proportions.

Proper storage helps prevent deformation, fading, or damage to artificial flowers.

Preparation Before Storage

• Thoroughly Clean – Remove dust and dirt before storing your flowers.
  
• Separate & Wrap – Wrap individual flower stems with soft cloth or tissue paper to prevent friction and damage.
  

Best Storage Methods

• Plastic Storage Boxes – Airtight plastic containers provide excellent protection against dust and humidity.
  
• Hanging Storage – Long-stemmed flowers can be stored upside down on a hanger or hook to prevent bending or misshaping.
  

Storage Precautions

• Avoid High Temperatures & Humidity – Keep artificial flowers away from direct sunlight, attics, or windows to prevent material degradation.
  
• Do Not Overcompress – Storing flowers in a cramped space can cause permanent deformities. Opt for a spacious storage area whenever possible.

Some artificial flower stylists love displaying artificial flowers in water to enhance their realism. However, not all artificial flowers are water-friendly.

Safe for Water Display

• Fabric & Plastic Flowers – These materials can tolerate brief water exposure but should not be submerged for extended periods.

Not Suitable for Water

• Latex & Foam Flowers – These materials break down and lose their structure when exposed to moisture.
  
• Real Touch Artificial Flowers – Their special coatings can degrade with water exposure.
  

Preventing Rust in Stems. If you plan to display artificial flowers in water:

• Seal the Stem Ends with Hot Glue – This prevents internal metal wires from rusting and keeps the arrangement looking pristine.
  
• Use Opaque Vases – An opaque vase can help conceal water-treated stems while maintaining a realistic aesthetic.