How to Clean Artificial Plants & Green Walls
It can be upsetting, but it’s not a death sentence for your fauxliege because there’s still a way out. Although artificial greenery doesn’t require the same level of attention and maintenance as its natural counterpart, you shouldn’t be neglecting its upkeep.
But with a combination of tools and techniques, you can revive your fake vertical garden panels and make them shine like the beacons of botanical beauty that they are.
Let’s get to the root of it!
Why Clean Your Artificial Green Walls?
Similar to how a real garden needs proper care and attention (and a couple of hours of research) to flourish, artificial green walls want the same. And no, maintaining and cleaning fauxliege is not as arduous of a task as gardening, but it doesn’t mean you should bypass it entirely.
Neglecting their maintenance ultimately leads to a buildup of dust and grime and leaves your once-shining leaves looking like forgotten relics in an abandoned greenhouse. Like a work of art that needs to be preserved and restored to not lose its luster, a faux green wall can fade well before its time (unless you choose a high-quality UV Proof Green Wall Panel like we make available) without the proper upkeep.
And after reading the step-by-step cleaning process, you’ll wonder why you’d ever try to get out of doing it.
How to Clean a Fake Green Wall?
Before doing anything, you must differentiate between silk and plastic plants. While both require regular cleaning, silk plants are more delicate and do better with gentler methods.
Silk greenery, such as our expendable faux English laurel privacy fence, isn’t a fan of water, so it’s best not to get it wet as it will damage the leaves. For now though, kickstart your cleaning journey by stocking up on supplies like:
- A feather duster
- A microfiber or regular washcloth
- Window cleaner or multi-purpose spray cleaner
- A small bowl or bucket
- Warm water
Download Your Free Guide on How to Clean You Artificial Plant or Green Wall
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Cleaning Silk Faux Vertical Gardens
With silk fauxliege, your cleaning routine should follow different steps and guidelines to ensure the integrity of the delicate leaves. Since silk plants don’t like getting wet, you should refrain from using damp cloths or window cleaners. Instead, a soft-bristled brush, a dry microfiber cloth, or a feather duster would be ideal for removing the buildup of dust and dirt.
A rule of thumb is to start brushing from the top and working your way to the bottom to prevent the dirt from falling on leaves you’ve already cleaned.
An alternative would be using compressed air to blow away the debris from hard-to-reach areas. Remember to set the hairdryer to cool to avoid damaging the leaves and stems. And be prepared for dust flying everywhere!
Cleaning Plastic Faux Vertical Gardens
Plastic greenery, on the other hand, can withstand more vigorous cleaning (although you shouldn’t take all your frustration out on it). As we mentioned previously, you’ll need a spray cleaner for wiping away grime and dirt. But before buying your cleaner, make sure it doesn’t contain any harsh or abrasive chemicals that can damage the plant’s surface.
Pick Away Debris
Remove any larger debris that might be stuck to your fauxliege before you clean it. Depending on where your fake green wall sits, leaves and stems might fall off due to gale winds or downpours. Use your hands or a pair of tweezers to pick away at any visible debris, and pluck noticeable dirt or grime that may have accumulated.
Dust Your Greenery
After removing loose debris, dust your artificial vertical garden by using either a soft-bristled brush, a cloth, or a feather duster. Get into every nook and cranny and keep in mind that microfiber generally picks up dust better than regular washcloths, although the latter will still get the job done. If there are corners you can’t reach, break out the hairdryer and blow the dust away.
Use Spray Cleaner
Now, use any gentle window cleaner or multi-purpose spray cleaner to give your faux greenery a thorough cleaning. Spray directly onto the wall and cover all areas evenly. Never dip leaves in cleaning solution or harsh chemicals as it will make the color fade much faster and damage the integrity of the material.
Wash The Spray Off
Once you’ve sprayed your fake vertical garden panels, give it some time to work its magic, ideally about 10 or 15 minutes. Then, grab the bowl filled with warm water and remove the cleaning product from each leaf. Alternatively, you can use a hose or a showerhead with a gentle stream to wash the spray off or delicately wipe it down with a wet cloth.
Wipe With a Dry Cloth
Finally, use a dry cloth to gently wipe down the leaves and remove any remaining moisture. Dry your fauxliege thoroughly to prevent water spots from accumulating. And if your greenery isn’t UV resistant, make sure you regularly use UV spray. But if you buy an artificial vertical garden from Designer Plants, you’ll get embedded UV protection, so that’s one less thing to worry about.
Cleaning Artificial Plants and Trees
Keeping artificial plants and trees dust-free is simple. Start with a feather duster, soft brush, or microfiber cloth, working from the top down to remove dust from leaves, branches, and stems.
For stubborn dirt, apply a light mist of artificial plant cleaner and gently wipe the leaves. Always spot-test first and avoid soaking delicate foliage.
Cleaning Outdoor Artificial Plants
Outdoor artificial plants collect dust, pollen, and debris. Start by brushing away loose dirt, then wipe the foliage with a soft cloth and suitable artificial plant cleaner. For plastic greenery, gently rinse with water if needed and allow it to air dry.
What Not to Use on Artificial Plants
Using the wrong cleaning products can damage artificial foliage, strip protective coatings, and cause premature fading. To keep your greenery looking its best, avoid:
Alcohol-based cleaners and disinfectant sprays
Bleach, ammonia, and harsh household chemicals
Solvents such as acetone and paint thinner
Abrasive sponges, scouring pads, and stiff brushes
Pressure washers and high-pressure water jets
Hot water and excessive soaking, especially on delicate foliage
For the safest results, use a soft cloth and a cleaning solution specifically designed for artificial greenery. Always test new products on a small, hidden area first.
How Often Should You Clean an Artificial Green Wall?
Cleaning your fake greenery should be a habit you develop as soon as you buy your first luscious panel. Luckily, you don’t have to adhere to a strong timeline, as artificial greenery should be cleaned on an as-needed basis. So, when you notice the leaves losing their shine, that’s your sign to pick up the cleaning supplies.
How often you’ll need to clean your greenery mainly depends on where your faux garden sits. Outdoor fauxliege may need to be cleaned more frequently due to exposure to the elements, so you may be dusting it at least once a month.
On the other hand, if your fake garden is inside and doesn’t collect much dust and dirt, you might need to clean it once in a couple of months. But if it’s in high–traffic areas, such as a lobby or an office, dust might build up quicker.
All in all, keep an eye on it. Soon enough, you’ll effectively determine when it’s time for a wipe-down.
Finishing Thoughts
Keeping your fake green wall panels looking fresh and vibrant for years to come takes little more than the occasional dusting and cleaning. Ultimately, it’s important to be gentle and use the right tools and sprays for the job.
Your fauxliege will repay you with revitalizing beauty you won’t find anywhere else!
Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to clean artificial plants is to remove loose dust first, then use a gentle cleaner designed specifically for artificial foliage. Start with a microfiber cloth, feather duster, or soft brush and work from the top of the plant downward so dust does not fall onto areas you have already cleaned.
For a deeper clean, lightly mist the foliage rather than soaking it. Wipe each leaf gently in the direction of the leaf growth and repeat on areas with heavier dust or grime. Avoid scrubbing aggressively, especially on textured or UV-treated foliage.
For Designer Plants products, we recommend using our Eco Home Safe Artificial Plant Cleaner, which is formulated for artificial foliage and is suitable for RealTex™, UVTex™, and FireTex™ products.
If you are cleaning a large installation, such as an artificial green wall, clean it section by section so you can reach the deeper foliage as well as the outer leaves.
The best cleaner is one specifically formulated for artificial plants and greenery. Household products such as glass cleaner, bleach, ammonia-based sprays, alcohol cleaners, solvents, and abrasive cleaning products can be too harsh and may affect the finish or protective coatings on artificial foliage.
Our Eco Home Safe Artificial Plant Cleaner is designed to lift dust and environmental buildup without stripping UV-resistant coatings. It is ready to use and should be applied as a light mist before wiping the foliage gently with a soft cloth.
Whatever cleaner you use, always spot test it first on a small, less-visible section of the plant. This is particularly important when cleaning artificial plants from different manufacturers because leaf materials and finishes can vary.
Yes, many plastic artificial plants can be cleaned with water, but they should not be soaked unnecessarily. A damp microfiber cloth is usually enough for routine cleaning, while outdoor plastic greenery can often be given a gentle rinse with clean water to remove dust, pollen, or salt residue.
Water works well for loose surface dirt, but it may not remove oily films caused by cooking vapors, smoke, candles, or indoor air circulation. For this type of buildup, a purpose-made artificial plant cleaner is more effective.
Avoid using high-pressure water or pressure washers, as these can damage leaves, stems, joins, and protective finishes. Also be more careful with silk or fabric-based artificial plants, which may not be suitable for wet cleaning.
If you have artificial plants and trees, check the specific product material and care recommendations before washing them.
For most indoor artificial plants, light dusting every four to six weeks is a good maintenance routine. A deeper clean can usually be carried out every three to six months, depending on where the plants are placed.
Outdoor artificial plants generally require more frequent cleaning because they are exposed to pollen, dust, rain residue, salt air, and other environmental debris. A deeper clean every two to four months is a useful guideline for outdoor installations. High-traffic commercial spaces, restaurants, hotels, and offices may require cleaning more frequently.
The best approach is to inspect the foliage regularly. If the leaves begin to look dull, dusty, or less realistic, it is time for a clean rather than waiting for a fixed date.
Regular maintenance also helps your artificial plants and trees retain their realistic appearance for longer.
Start by removing leaves, cobwebs, dirt, and other loose debris by hand or with a soft brush. Then gently dust the foliage with a microfiber cloth or soft duster.
For a deeper clean, apply a light mist of a suitable artificial plant cleaner and gently wipe the foliage. Outdoor pieces exposed to pollen, salt air, or airborne grit can then be rinsed lightly with clean water if needed. Avoid soaking the plant or using a high-pressure jet.
Outdoor greenery should also be checked for UV suitability. Our outdoor-rated products use UVTex technology, which is designed to help protect artificial foliage from prolonged sun exposure.
Even UV-resistant foliage still benefits from regular cleaning because accumulated dirt, salt, and grime can make the greenery look dull over time.
Yes, outdoor artificial green walls can generally be rinsed gently with clean water, provided the panels are made from water-resistant plastic foliage and are securely installed.
Use a low-pressure hose setting rather than a concentrated jet. High-pressure water can damage stem assemblies, move foliage out of position, or affect protective coatings. Pressure washers should not be used.
Before rinsing, remove larger debris and dust first. For heavier grime, use a suitable artificial plant cleaner, wipe the foliage gently, and then use a light rinse to remove remaining residue.
If you are working with one of our artificial living wall panels, also check that the surrounding wall, fixings, electrical fittings, signage, and nearby materials are suitable for water exposure before using a hose.
For light dust, use a microfiber cloth, feather duster, or soft-bristled brush. Work from the top of the plant downward and gently support larger leaves while wiping them so you do not bend the stems.
For more intricate artificial plants or dense green walls, a cool hairdryer on a low setting can help move dust out of hard-to-reach areas. Avoid using heat, as this can potentially distort synthetic foliage.
Once the loose dust has been removed, you can use a lightly damp cloth or a purpose-made artificial plant cleaner for any remaining grime or film.
Regular dusting is one of the simplest ways to keep artificial plants and trees looking realistic because dust buildup tends to flatten the natural variation and shine of the foliage.
Yes, if the wrong cleaning products or methods are used. UV-resistant artificial plants are designed to withstand sunlight, but harsh chemicals can still damage or degrade the foliage surface and protective UV technology.
Avoid alcohol-based cleaners, ammonia-based glass cleaners, bleach, solvents, abrasive powders, scouring pads, and pressure washers. These products and methods may affect the finish and can shorten the useful life of artificial greenery.
Use a gentle cleaner formulated for artificial foliage instead. Our cleaner is specifically designed to be compatible with UVTex™ products and preserve the protective coating during routine maintenance.
The key is regular light maintenance rather than waiting until the foliage becomes visibly dirty. Dust your artificial plants every four to six weeks, remove cobwebs and debris when you notice them, and carry out a deeper clean periodically.
For outdoor artificial greenery, choose products that are designed for exterior use and include UV protection. Our UVTex technology is integrated into outdoor-rated Designer Plants foliage to help maintain color and durability in exposed environments.
It also helps to occasionally reshape leaves and branches after cleaning or moving the plant. Gently spreading foliage back into a natural position restores depth and keeps the plant from looking flat or compressed.
For larger projects, browse our artificial green wall panels or artificial plants and trees, both of which include products designed for low-maintenance residential and commercial use.