A dried flower arrangement or wreath can add lasting beauty to your decor or holiday season. Therefore, it is important to care for your display properly in order to keep the arrangement undamaged and looking great year after year. There are a variety of ways to care for dried flowers or wreaths to keep them free of dust and debris that can accumulate from storage or extended display times.
Preventative Maintenance
There are a few precautions to take to ensure your dried flowers or wreaths stay in peak condition. Avoid displaying your arrangements in direct sunlight as it can cause colors to fade quickly. High humidity and heat can penetrate the delicate dried petals causing color fade, mold, or excessive brittleness. Display dried flower arrangements indoors, avoiding the elements.
Cleaning Flower Arrangements and Wreaths
Due to the delicate nature of dried flowers and leaves, it is important to take great care in cleaning dust and debris from the surface of these arrangements. Cleaning should only be performed periodically or if the piece is excessively dusty from storage or display. A soft feather duster can be used for items that are not too brittle. Use a light touch and gently flick away dust. For brittle or dense foliage, try using canned air such as used on computer components. Short, quick bursts should help remove loose dust. Be careful not to spray too close as the compressed air could possibly blow off fragile petals. A hair dryer set to no heat can also be used.
Storage of Dried Flowers and Wreaths
Use care when storing dried flower arrangements or wreaths, as this will keep them in good condition for next season display. If an arrangement or wreath is purchased, store them in the box they came in. If made, these arrangements can be stored in a spacious box with a soft filling such as tissue, newspaper or shredded paper.
If using thin shreds of paper, cover the top layer with sheets of tissue to avoid a tangled mess and possible damage to fragile flowers. Adding cedar, mothballs or a small air freshener to the box will help repel moths or mice and keep the flowers smelling fresh. Store boxes in a dark, dry closet, garage, or cupboard. Avoid storing the box in basements or attics. Basements can get damp, while attics can get too humid or hot. Never store dried flowers in plastic. |
