Many people pass down Christmas ornaments from one generation to another, which means taking care of them is an essential post-holiday task. In this guide, we’ll discuss how to clean different ornaments so you can enjoy them for years to come.
Take care of your Christmas ornaments during the off-season by following the steps below.
Step 1 | Take Down the Ornaments
Remove the ornaments from your tree and other display areas, then place them on a clean, flat surface.
Step 2 | Clean Ornaments
Use a microfiber cloth or soft-bristled brush to remove dust or dirt build-up. Avoid using harsh chemicals or cleaners as they can damage the ornaments and void your warranty.
Step 3 | Store Ornaments
Place ornaments in a storage bag to keep them away from insects and dirt. Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.
How To Clean Antique Christmas Ornaments
Heirloom ornaments need more attention than regular ones. Read below to know how to clean vintage glass Christmas ornaments.
Step 1 | Wear Protective Gloves
Wear gloves to protect your hands from potential hazards when handling vintage ornaments.
Step 2 | Check Ornaments
Remove ornaments from their display areas, then inspect each piece for signs of damage or deterioration.
Step 3 | Clean Ornaments
Use a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth to clean antique ornaments. Do not use any type of liquid as a cleaning agent as they can damage them.
Step 4 | Store Ornaments
After cleaning, store the ornaments in a cool, dry place to maintain their condition during the off-season.
How To Clean Mold off Christmas Ornaments
Christmas ornaments can get moldy when they’re exposed to moisture during storage. Here’s how you can clean them:
Step 1 | Wear Protective Gloves
Wear gloves to protect your hands from contact with mold.
Step 2 | Clean Ornaments
Remove loose mold from the ornament using a microfiber cloth or soft-bristled brush. Lay down a piece of paper or tissue to catch falling debris.
Step 3 | Use a Mild Solution
For tougher mold stains, you can mix warm water and mild soap in a bowl. Dip the cloth or brush into the mixture before cleaning the ornament. Note that using any type of solution may cause permanent damage to your ornaments. You can skip this step if you want to keep your warranty.
Step 4 | Store Ornaments
Let ornaments dry before storing them in a cool, dry place with good air circulation to prevent mold regrowth.
Frequently Asked Questions
We answer other questions about cleaning Christmas ornaments below.
How To Clean Old Christmas Ornaments
Check the ornaments for any signs of damage and wear protective gloves before cleaning. Use a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth to remove any dust or dirt build-up from your ornaments. Avoid using liquid solutions or chemicals as they can cause permanent damage to your ornaments. After cleaning, store ornaments in a specially made bag before placing them in a room away from direct sunlight and moisture.
How Do You Clean Brass Christmas Ornaments?
Mix warm water and mild soap in a bowl or bucket, then dip a soft cloth or brush into the mixture to clean the brass. Rinse ornaments the same way using clean water and let them dry completely before storage. Note that using any type of solution can further damage your tree décor. As an alternative, use a microfiber cloth or brush to clean brass ornaments. For extra shine, polish each piece with a brass cleaner after cleaning.
How Do You Clean Glitter Ornaments?
Use a soft-bristled brush to remove any loose glitter, careful not to scrub too hard. You can also use scotch tape by pressing a small piece onto the glitter, then lifting it. Repeat as necessary until you remove all loose pieces. Avoid using water or any liquids as they can damage your ornaments.
How Do You Clean Mercury Glass Ornaments?
Create a solution with warm water and mild soap, then dip a microfiber cloth into the mixture to clean mercury glass ornaments. Repeat this technique when rinsing them off with just clean water. Let each piece dry completely before keeping them in storage bags until the next season.
With proper cleaning and storage techniques, your Christmas ornaments can remain beautiful for years. Check out the rest of our durable storage solutions for Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, and more décor on our website.
Learn More About Christmas Ornaments
Find out more about Christmas ornaments by reading these next.