Artificial Christmas trees are a favorite for holiday decorators who love the look of a Christmas tree without the hassle of real tree maintenance. While they don’t drop pine needles or need watering, artificial trees do gather dust, dirt, and grime—especially after being tucked away in storage for most of the year. 

Before you start hanging your ornaments and untangling your lights, you should clean your artificial tree so it looks fresh, bright, and festive for the season.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of cleaning your artificial Christmas tree, from dusting and wiping to storing it properly, so it lasts for years to come. 

Why Clean Your Artificial Christmas Tree?

After months of being packed away, artificial trees can emerge from storage looking a little worse for wear. 

Dust and dirt can settle in the branches, and sometimes even mold or mildew can develop if the tree was stored in a damp environment. Cleaning your tree before decorating ensures it looks its best, keeps your home healthier, and prevents allergens from spreading into the air. 

Plus, taking care of your tree will extend its life, so you can use it for many holiday seasons to come.

Tools You’ll Need to Clean an Artificial Christmas Tree

Before we jump into the cleaning steps, let’s gather the tools and supplies you’ll need. Most of these items are things you likely already have around the house:

• Soft-bristle brush or microfiber duster
• Vacuum with a soft brush attachment
• Handheld vacuum (optional)
• Compressed air or hair dryer (on cool setting)
• Mild dish soap
• Distilled white vinegar (for tougher stains)
• Warm water
• Bucket or large bowl
• Microfiber cloths or soft rags
• Cotton swabs (for small crevices)
• A large sheet or drop cloth (to catch debris)
• A tree storage bag or clean sheet for wrapping the tree post-cleaning

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Your Artificial Christmas Tree

1. Prepare Your Space

Before you start cleaning, set up a work area to avoid making a mess. Lay a large sheet or drop cloth on the floor beneath the tree to catch any dust or debris that falls as you clean. This will also make cleanup easier once you’re done.

If your tree is pre-lit, make sure to unplug it before you begin. We don’t want any accidents!

2. Dust Off Large Debris

Start by using a soft-bristle brush or a microfiber duster to gently brush off any loose dust and dirt from the branches and trunk. Work from the top of the tree down to avoid spreading dirt over already-cleaned areas. For hard-to-reach spots, a can of compressed air or a hair dryer on a cool setting can help blow away dust without damaging the tree.

For artificial trees with large gaps between the branches, you can also use a vacuum with a brush attachment to suck up debris. Be gentle to avoid bending or breaking the branches.

3. Vacuum the Tree

Next, grab your vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment (or a handheld vacuum if that’s easier for you). Starting at the top of the tree, slowly work your way down, vacuuming the branches and trunk. Use the brush to loosen dust from between the branches and leaves, being careful not to pull too hard.

Tip: If you’re worried about damaging delicate branches, test a small section at the base of the tree before vacuuming the whole thing.

4. Wipe Down the Branches

Once the loose dust is gone, it’s time to clean the tree more thoroughly. Fill a bucket or large bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. You can also add a small amount of distilled white vinegar (about a 50/50 mix with water) for tougher stains or to remove musty odors.

Dampen a microfiber cloth or soft rag in the soapy water, then wring it out so it’s not dripping wet. Wipe down each branch and the trunk, making sure to get all the nooks and crannies. Pay special attention to any built-in lights—be sure not to get the electrical components too wet. 

For smaller, hard-to-reach areas, use a cotton swab dipped in the cleaning solution to gently clean between branches.

5. Dry the Tree

Once you’ve wiped down the entire tree, go over it again with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any excess moisture. Allow the tree to air dry completely before adding any ornaments or decorations. 

If the weather allows, you can set the tree in a well-ventilated area to speed up the drying process.

How to Clean a Pre-Lit Artificial Tree

Pre-lit artificial trees come with their own set of challenges to clean. You want to avoid getting the lights wet or damaging any electrical components.

For pre-lit trees, follow these tips:

• Always unplug the tree before cleaning.
• Use a dry microfiber cloth to clean around the light bulbs and wires.
• For areas that need a deeper clean, use a damp cloth with just a tiny amount of cleaning solution, but avoid direct contact with the lights.
• After cleaning, double-check that all the lights are working before decorating. If any bulbs are damaged, replace them before you continue.

Bonus Tips for Cleaning Artificial Wreaths and Garlands

Don’t forget your other holiday decorations! Artificial wreaths and garlands can collect just as much dust and grime as your tree. Luckily, the cleaning process is similar:

• Dust first: Use a soft brush or microfiber duster to remove loose dust and debris.
• Vacuum with care: If your wreath or garland is sturdy, you can use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean off the bulk of the dust.
• Wipe it down: For a deeper clean, dampen a cloth with soapy water (or a vinegar solution for tougher stains) and wipe down each section.
• Dry thoroughly: Make sure everything is dry before hanging your decorations to avoid any moisture-related issues.

Storing Your Tree to Prevent Future Dust and Dirt

Once the holiday season is over, you need to store your tree properly to keep it clean for next year. Here’s how to make sure your artificial tree stays in good shape during storage:

1. Disassemble the Tree: Take the tree apart, section by section, and remove any remaining dust or debris before packing it away.
2. Use a Storage Bag: Invest in a tree storage bag specifically designed for artificial Christmas trees. These bags are breathable, which helps prevent mold and mildew, and they’ll protect your tree from dust. If you don’t have a storage bag, you can wrap the tree in a clean sheet or tarp as a DIY solution.
3. Avoid Damp Storage Spaces: Never store your artificial tree in a damp basement, attic, or garage. Moisture can cause mold and mildew to grow on the branches, and extreme temperatures can damage the material.
4. Cover Other Decorations: For your wreaths, garlands, and other holiday decor, consider storing them in separate, airtight containers to keep them dust-free and organized for next year.

How Often Should You Clean Your Artificial Christmas Tree?

We recommend giving your artificial tree a light cleaning (dusting and vacuuming) before and after each holiday season. If your tree is in a particularly dusty environment, you may need to clean it more frequently. If your tree stays up for the entire month of December, consider giving it a mid-season dusting to keep it looking fresh and vibrant.

For heavily soiled trees or trees stored in less-than-ideal conditions, a deep clean with soapy water and vinegar may be necessary. Taking good care of your tree will not only make it look better but also extend its lifespan, so you can enjoy it for many holiday seasons to come.

Quick Fixes: Spot Cleaning and Tough Stains

Sometimes, your tree might just need a quick touch-up or spot cleaning. Here’s how to handle common cleaning issues:

• For stubborn dust: If vacuuming doesn’t remove all the dust, try using a lint roller or a soft brush to pick up what’s left.
• For musty smells: If your tree has been stored in a musty area, a 50/50 vinegar and water solution will help neutralize odors. You can also add a few drops of essential oils, like peppermint or pine, to the cleaning water for a holiday-fresh scent.
• For stains: If you spot stains or discoloration on the tree, mix distilled white vinegar with water and gently dab the affected area with a cloth.

Keep Your Tree Festive and Fresh

Cleaning your artificial Christmas tree may not be the most glamorous part of holiday decorating, but it’s important for keeping your home looking festive. By following these simple steps—dusting, vacuuming, wiping down branches, and storing the tree properly—you’ll keep your tree looking as good as new for years to come.

If you run into any particularly tough cleaning challenges, or just don’t have the time to give your tree the TLC it needs, COIT’s professional cleaning services are always here to help. 

We’ve been cleaning homes for decades, and we’d love to take one more task off your holiday to-do list. Contact us today for a quote! 

Here’s to a fresh, clean start to the holiday season!