Let’s keep it clean

The discussion of quality grades among artificial flowers may have seemed interminable, but I felt a need to describe the advances that have occurred in the manufacture of artificial flowers, especially in the last decade, so as to overcome the negative connotation associated with them. I frequently say to customers, “these are not your mother’s artificial flowers”. They are vastly superior to those we knew as children. Of course, even the best currently available are not a perfect substitute for living plants, but as their appearance becomes ever more realistic, they become beautiful objects unto themselves.

If I examine a single stem, I am very critical in appraising its quality. However, when a number of stems are composed as an arrangement, I am more likely to respond to the artistry of the composition – its form and colors and proportions. Then, if the appearance of the blossoms comprising the composition is very close to real, the arrangement is even more pleasing. That is why high quality artificial flowers have become an integral element of interior design today.

In addition to their visual attributes, artificial stems do not incur the costs of upkeep and replacement associated with live plants. This is a great advantage and everyone in the industry touts the cost efficiency of using faux blooms: they last for years and years. And they do…with proper care. They are like any other item in the home or office: the carpet needs to be vacuumed, the furniture needs dusting, windows need to be washed, and the artificial flower arrangements need to be cleaned. However, the intricacies and delicacy of a faux floral arrangement seem to preclude an easy approach to this task. If you search on line, you will find that a great many people have expressed a plethora of approaches to this chore.  I did some experimenting with the most popular of these suggestions and will pass along what I have learned.

The on line suggestions are sometimes contradictory, but all agree that heat should never be applied to faux blossoms because it will soften the glue that holds the flower together. Implicit in most methods is the need to attend to your arrangements frequently and not let dust accumulate. This means removing dust once a week. After this point, opinions diverge. Many postings recommend a quick going over with a feather duster. (I didn’t even know anyone still made feather dusters.) Others suggest using a hair dryer on a cool setting to blow dust away. Someone even proposed using a can of compressed air, but the naysayers maintain this is too forceful for delicate arrangements. Whichever method you try, do it outside to avoid simply relocating the dust in your home. As an alternative, you may try using a hand held vacuum. First, stretch a piece of nylon stocking over the end to prevent sucking components of the arrangement into the vacuum.

In spite of your best efforts, dirt may still accumulate that will not be removed by the above methods; your once beautiful arrangement will look cheap and tacky. At this point, a more concentrated effort must be made. The most labor intensive method is to wipe each petal and leaf, individually, with a solvent that will remove the dirt. Suggestions for this approach include using water and vinegar, water and alcohol, water and dish soap. There is a consensus that an inconspicuous leaf or petal should first be tested to make sure your solvent doesn’t damage the material being cleaned. This is an agonizingly tedious approach. Alternative proposals include taking the arrangement outside and gently spraying it with a hose or placing it in the bathtub and giving it a gentle shower (with cool water).  A caveat here is not to let water accumulate and stand in the vase. A more aggressive method entails swishing the stems in a weak solution of dish washing liquid and water, then immersing in clear water to rinse, blotting gently and allowing to air dry.

It should be noted that there is a school of thought opposed to the idea of ever getting your permanent botanicals wet. There is a method that does not involve water. Into a large paper bag add about a cup of rice, salt, corn meal, baking soda – take your pick. Lower three or four stems, blossom ends down, into the bag, but don’t let them touch the bottom. Squeeze the top of the bag shut around the stem ends that should be protruding at the top. Now shake vigorously for about a minute. Remove blossoms from the bag and shake clean. This procedure gently scours the blossoms and renews their original luster.

The simplest method of all for cleaning artificial flowers is to use a product made expressly for the purpose. There are several brands on the market that are equally effective. To use, move your arrangement away from walls and furnishings, spray to moisten all surfaces in the arrangement and allow to stand and dry for a few minutes. That's all. Repeat this every three to four months. (When Flower Design delivers an order, we provide a complimentary can of cleaner.)

This orchid was stored, uncovered, in my
basement for a year. I treated it with a
commercial cleaner and it is pristine
enough to be used in an arrangement.

This hydrangea was stored with the orchid to the left. I immersed it in soapy water, rinsed it in clear water, blotted gently with a paper towel and let air dry. It is in mint
condition with nothing to betray its sordid past.

It should be noted that to clean by immersing in soapy water or to employ the dry cleaning method, the arrangement must be taken apart, as only several stems at a time can be processed. Then the arrangement must be reconstructed, which can be an arduous procedure. If you do not wish to use the commercial cleaner, and you do not wish to make this your tedious chore, Flower Design will provide the service of cleaning your arrangement.

This elaborate arrangement could be easily cleaned with
a commercial spray at home. Flower Design offers the service of
cleaning it with the alternative method of your choice.

On another note, The Minnesota State Horticultural Society is sponsoring an exhibition at the Home and Garden Show in the Minneapolis Convention Center, Room 103, later this week. It will be a display of fresh arrangements offering interpretations of songs. I will have a display there, just to keep in practice  with fresh flowers. Please come by and see my take on Lennon and McCartney's "Blackbird".