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I love a good cleaning hack as much as the next person, but a new trend has me scratching my head. Should you be washing your artificial Christmas tree? If the sneezing fit I experienced pulling my Christmas tree out of storage this year is anything to go by, it’s probably very dusty. But I just thought, well it has been in storage for months, of course it’s going to be a bit dusty!
Next thing I know I’m scrolling Facebook when I see it: a picture of a Christmas tree soaking in a bucket of cleaning solution, murky with what was presumably dust and dirt. I scrolled further: someone had hung sections of their Christmas tree out to dry on the clothesline. Uh-oh, is this something I should be doing? I thought to myself, before quickly snapping out of it.
But, it turns out some people really are soaking and washing their Christmas trees – and loving it! In 2023, TikTok user rhema.br went viral with her video titled “Unpopular opinion, you need to clean your Christmas tree”. The video has since been viewed over 170K times, saved over 6000 times and amassed 5799 comments.
@rhema.br Clean my Christmas tree with me 🌲🫧 #clean #cleaning #cleaningtiktok #cleantok #cleantiktok #cleaningmotivation #cleaninghacks #cleaningtips #christmas #christmastiktok #christmastree #christmascountdown #christmasdecor #christmasclean #christmascleaning #christmascleanup #christmascleantok ♬ original sound – Rhema
How to wash a Christmas tree according to TikTok
What you’ll need:
- Dishwashing liquid
- Multipurpose cleaning spray
- Bathtub
Method:
In rhema.br’s video, she begins by spraying individual sections of the Christmas tree with a multi-purpose cleaning spray. Next, she fills a bathtub, adds dishwashing liquid, and submerges the tree in the bathtub. Rinsing soon follows. The water that runs off her tree, however, is surprisingly clear.
While the TikTok video doesn’t go into detail about how to dry the tree, many who admit to trying this festive cleaning trend have hung branches upside down from their clothesline to drip dry in the sun.
Facebook users swear by it …
Some members of Facebook group Mums Who Clean have embraced the trend, saying rinsing dust off the Christmas tree with a hose is something they’ll incorporate into their annual festive preparation. They say it reduces dust and musty smells. Another commenter told the group they were forced to wash their tree after accidentally spilling wine on it while decorating it. Others shared they even washed their tinsel and Christmas garlands the same way!
Should you wash your Christmas tree?
Washing artificial Christmas trees may be trending on CleanTok, but is it a good idea? We’ll leave that up to you, but there’s no denying submerging a tree in water is a risky move that may cause damage. Luxury Christmas tree manufacturer Balsam Hill recommend dusting artificial trees once a week with a soft dry cloth. They also say, “Avoid spraying water, soap, vinegar or other cleaning agents which may affect the quality of the tree.” Some trees even come with warranty, and washing yours with soap and water may breach this warranty.
- Never attempt to wash a Christmas tree with in-built lights or with lights attached. This is a safety hazard.
- Do not attempt this cleaning method on a Christmas tree with artificial snow or flocking. Gently dust using one of the methods below.
- If drying a tree outsidoors on an airer or clothesline, sunlight damage and discolouration may occur. Keep branches in a shady spot out of indirect light.
- Always ensure the tree is completely dry before storing it away. This will prevent mould, mildew and rust from forming.
How to keep your Christmas tree dust-free
If soaking your Christmas tree seems a little extreme, never fear. There are easier, light-touch ways to keep it relatively dust free. Before packing the tree away for the season try one of these ideas:
- Give branches a gentle dust with a feather or microfibre duster once a week to prevent dust building up
- Using a brush attachment, vacuum branches on a gentle setting (not recommended for a flocked Christmas tree)
- When it comes time to pull down the tree, store it away correctly, using either a specially-designed Christmas tree storage case or a large bag with a drawstring to seal dust and dirt out.
