How to Clean Artificial Flowers Without Damaging Them

Artificial flowers don't need water or sunlight, but they do accumulate dust over time. A quick, regular clean keeps your faux roses looking as fresh as the day they arrived. Here's exactly how to do it safely.

How Often Should You Clean Artificial Flowers?

For most homes, a light dust every two to four weeks is sufficient. If you live in a dusty environment or keep your roses near a fireplace or cooking area, monthly cleaning may be needed. A quick, regular clean is far more effective — and less work — than an occasional deep clean.

The Gentle Dusting Method (Best for Regular Maintenance)

For routine cleaning, a soft, dry cloth or a clean make-up brush is all you need:

This takes around 30 seconds per stem and, done regularly, prevents dust from building up to the point where a deeper clean is needed.

Compressed Air (Best for Intricate Arrangements)

For arrangements where individual stems are difficult to access — a centrepiece vase, a wreath, or a display with foliage — a can of compressed air (the kind used for cleaning keyboards) works excellently:

What to Avoid

A few things that are commonly tried but should be avoided with real-touch foam roses:

Reshaping Petals After Cleaning

If any petals have become slightly misshapen during cleaning, real-touch foam responds well to gentle warmth. Hold the petal near (but not touching) a hair dryer on a low heat setting for 3–5 seconds, then carefully reshape it with your fingers. The foam will hold the new shape as it cools.

Keeping Them Looking New

The best way to maintain your faux roses long-term:

Cleaning Roses in Different Rooms

Where your roses are displayed changes how quickly dust builds up and how best to clean them:

• Living rooms and bedrooms: a light dust every few weeks is usually enough. Turn the vase now and then so every side gets the same attention.
• Kitchens: cooking leaves a fine, slightly greasy film that dust clings to. Keep roses well away from the hob and dust them a little more often — a soft brush lifts the film better than a cloth.
• Hallways and rooms with open windows: these collect more outdoor dust and pollen. A few short bursts of compressed air every couple of weeks stops it settling deep between the petals.
• Wedding bouquets and keepsakes: dust them gently before you put them away, so dust isn't sealed in for months. Our guide to reusing artificial wedding flowers covers storing them after the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I wash artificial roses in water?

We don't recommend it for real-touch foam roses. Water and liquid cleaners can affect the foam and its airbrushed colour finish. Stick to a soft, dry cloth, a clean make-up brush or compressed air.

How do I get dust out from between the petals?

Compressed air is the easiest way. Hold the can upright and use short bursts, working from the centre of the bloom outwards. A soft make-up brush deals with any stubborn spots.

Can I use a hair dryer to clean them?

A hair dryer is better for reshaping than cleaning. If you use one, keep it on a low setting and well away from the flowers — never apply direct heat to foam petals.

My roses smell a little musty after storage. What can I do?

Let them air in a well-ventilated room for a day or two. If you'd like a light scent, a small drop of rose essential oil on the centre of the bloom works well and won't damage the material.

How do I clean an arrangement with foliage and a vase?

Lift the stems out together, dust the roses and foliage, then wash and dry the vase before putting everything back. It's a good moment to refresh the arrangement too — see how to style artificial roses at home.

Looking after your artificial roses takes only a few minutes a month, and they'll reward you with years of beautiful display. Browse our full range of premium faux roses if you're looking to add to your collection.

Replacing or adding to your display? Our boxed rose sets with flexible stems come in 15 and 25-stem packs.