How to Clean and Maintain an Artificial Christmas Tree

Why annual cleaning matters

An artificial Christmas tree sits in a box or in a corner of your home for most of the year. During that time dust, pet hair and airborne allergens settle into the branches and between the needles. When you pull the tree out each year, a quick clean makes a visible difference: the needles look fuller, the color looks sharper, and the whole tree feels fresher when you decorate it.

Cleaning is also the best time to inspect the tree for damage. A check of the hinged branches, pole sections and light strands can reveal problems that would otherwise show up after you have decorated, when it is much harder to fix. A thorough clean-and-inspect routine once a year will extend the life of your tree.

Gather the right tools

You do not need special cleaners. For most trees, a soft microfiber cloth, a soft-bristle brush and a handheld vacuum with a brush attachment are enough. Keep a step stool or small ladder nearby if your tree is taller than six feet, and keep a spray bottle filled with water and a drop of mild dish soap for spot cleaning.

• Soft microfiber cloth or lint-free duster
• Soft-bristle brush (a clean paintbrush works well)
• Handheld vacuum with a soft brush attachment
• Spray bottle with water and one drop of mild dish soap
• Dry cloth for the final wipe

Dust from the top down

Start at the top of the tree and work down. Dust settles downward, so if you begin at the bottom you will push dust onto branches you have already cleaned. For each branch, run your cloth or brush from the trunk outward to the tip in a single direction. That keeps the needles lying in their natural direction rather than bending them backwards.

Pay special attention to the interior of the tree, close to the trunk, where dust and pet hair tend to build up and where most people miss. Also clean the pole sections and the stand base while you are there. For trees with pre-installed lights, make sure the cloth does not snag on the wire or pull the bulbs loose. If you want to know which light features to expect, see the pre-lit Christmas tree guide.

Spot clean branches and needles

Sticky spots, dust streaks and stains need a different approach. Dampen a cloth with water and one drop of mild dish soap, wring it out well, then wipe the affected needles. Follow with a dry cloth. Avoid soaking the branch: excess moisture can weaken the adhesive that holds needles on and can cause metal hinges to rust.

Flocked trees need extra care. The flocking is a textured surface treatment that can smear when it gets wet, so dry brushing is the safest option. If a spot on a flocked tree is truly stuck, test a barely damp cloth on a hidden branch first. For more on what you are working with, see the flocked pre-lit Christmas trees guide.

Care for the lights

Before you plug the tree in at all, inspect the light strands. The U.S. Fire Administration says almost one-third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems, and it specifically advises throwing away light strands with frayed or pinched wires. Check every bulb for cracks or looseness and look at every connection point for exposed wire.

If your tree uses LED lights, they are more durable by design. Energy Star certified decorative light strings use about 92 percent less energy than conventional incandescent strings and have no moving parts, filaments or glass, which makes them more shock-resistant. LED strands also run cool to the touch, which lowers fire risk. For more detail on the difference, see LED vs incandescent lights.

When you clean the lights, unplug the tree first. Wipe each bulb with a dry or barely damp cloth and let everything dry before you plug the tree back in. Never submerge the light strand in water. If a bulb has burned out or a section is dark, handle the fix before setting up the tree; the fix a pre-lit tree guide walks through the steps.

Inspect the tree structure as you clean

While you clean, check the mechanical parts of the tree. Look at the hinges that hold each branch to the trunk, the metal or plastic pole sections, and the base. Hinges that are bent or loose will make a branch sag and keep the tree from holding its intended shape. Bent pole sections can make the tree lean. The tree hinge quality article explains what to look for in a well-built hinge.

Also assess how many needles are falling off as you handle the tree. Some shedding during cleaning is normal, especially on older trees. If a branch goes bare or needles fall off in clumps, the tree is showing wear, and it might be time to compare newer models in the 8-ft Christmas trees or 9-ft Christmas trees guides.

When to clean and how often

Plan on three full cleaning passes per year: once when you take the tree out of storage, once before you put it away, and a light dusting a week or two into the season. During the season, a quick pass with a clean duster every seven to ten days keeps the tree looking sharp, but is optional for most homes.

If you have pets, allergy sensitivities, or the tree is positioned near a draft or an air vent, clean it more often. The same goes for flocked trees, which pick up dust easily. If you clean the tree when you take it down, it will be ready to display next year with just a light dusting.

Fire safety while you maintain the tree

The National Christmas Tree Association notes that overloaded electric outlets and faulty wires are the most common causes of holiday fires in residences, and that these types of fires can be just as dangerous with an artificial tree. As you clean and set up your tree, check that the outlets you plan to use are not overloaded and that the tree does not block an exit.

The U.S. Fire Administration recommends keeping your tree at least 3 feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles and heat vents. Before you turn on the lights for the first time each year, confirm that no branches are touching a heat source and that the light cords are free of damage. When you shop for a new tree, look for models that carry a safety certification mark such as the ETL Listed Mark, which verifies that the product has been independently tested to applicable safety standards. For a full look at what keeps a tree safe, see the tree safety standards article.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Can I use water on my artificial Christmas tree?

Yes, in small amounts. A damp cloth with a drop of mild dish soap is fine for spot cleaning. Avoid soaking the branches, because excess moisture can weaken the adhesive holding needles on and may cause metal hinges to rust.

How often should I clean my artificial tree?

Plan on three full cleaning passes each year: once when you take the tree out of storage, once before you put it away, and a light dusting during the season. Homes with pets or allergy sensitivities benefit from more frequent cleaning.

How do I clean the lights on a pre-lit tree?

Unplug the tree first. Wipe each bulb with a dry or barely damp cloth and allow everything to dry before plugging it back in. Never submerge the light strand in water, and inspect for frayed or pinched wires before use.

What should I do if my tree keeps losing needles during cleaning?

Some shedding during cleaning is normal, especially on older trees. If a branch goes bare or needles fall off in clumps, the tree is showing wear and it may be time to replace it. Compare newer models in our guides to find a tree with better needle retention.

Can I vacuum my artificial Christmas tree?

Yes. Use a handheld vacuum with a soft brush attachment on a low power setting. Work from the top down and move the brush in the direction of the needles to avoid bending them.

Is it safe to clean a flocked tree with water?

It is safer to avoid water on flocked trees. The flocking is a surface treatment that can smear when wet. Dry brushing is the safest option. If you must use a damp cloth for a stubborn spot, test it on a hidden branch first.