Many people these days choose an artificial tree for the focus of their holiday décor.
I have several in my home and I have to admit, after 10 months of sitting in storage, these trees accumulated an unappealing amount of dust, dirt and debris.
We are a family of asthmatics and allergy sufferers, so it is imperative that we get rid of all the dust before we decorate the tree…
So…. we kick off the holiday festivities with the annual cleaning of the trees.
I know that may sound crazy and a little extreme, but trust me, this process gets rid of any dust and debris and presents your tree at its best.
Plus we have the added benefit of not sneezing our way through the Christmas season.
The following trees are some of my favorites from the always inspiring linkers at Shabbilicious Friday. Click on the image or the link to visit their blogs and make sure you visit Shabbilicious Friday at Shabby Art Boutique each week to be inspired.
[Beautiful tree from Penny’s Treasures]
1. Before you begin cleaning, put the tree up and fluff the branches.
Then if cleaning indoors, wrap an old bed sheet around the bottom of the tree to contain any dirt and debris that may come loose as a result of the cleaning process.
For those of us in Australia and New Zealand where we have summer conditions, you can do as I do and complete the de-dusting outside.
Once you’ve put the sheet in place and you’re sure the tree is secure, place a stepladder near the base.
[Lovely red & white from Concord Cottage]
2. Change the nozzle on your vacuum cleaner, replacing the standard attachment with the upholstery brush. Holding the brush approximately 2 – 5 cm away from the tree’s needles, vacuum the tree. Begin at the top, working your way around the uppermost section and then move down to next set of branches.
When you have vacuumed the branches, turn your attention to the trunk and base. Once you have finished, carefully remove the sheet from beneath the tree and take outside to shake.
[Neutral browns, creams & gold at Rosemary and Thyme]
3. I use 1 tablespoon of shampoo in a 9 litre bucket of warm water. Moisten a lint-free cloth, such as an old T-shirt and wring out any excess liquid.
Apply the damp cloth to the tree branches, gently washing away any dirt or dust. Start at the top of the tree and work in a circular motion, moving progressively lower until you have reached the bottom branches.
Do not let your husband clean the tree with the high pressure hose… just trust me on this one!
Wreaths and greenery garlands can be cleaned in the same way.
Tip: If you have asthma, are sick or have a breathing problem you may want to consider a dust mask for when you clean the tree.
[Dreamy winter white from So Much Better With Age]
I can’t help but sing ‘O Christmas tree’…
For every year this Christmas tree,
Brings to us such joy and glee.
Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree,
Such pleasure do you bring me!
Happy festive crafting,
Kerryanne
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Oh these are all so pretty Kerryanne. I love Penny’s chubby tree and she arranged it beautifully. Thank you for featuring our Christmas tree. That was a pleasant surprise Great tips for the tree. I am going back to read it all again. I hope you are enjoying your vacation.
Hugs,
Janet
The bit about the pressure hose made me chuckle as I know someone who would attempt that LOL
A beautiful selection of trees in the photos.
Toni xx