It’s the time of year when many families are starting to get their favorite festive decorations out of storage. However, before you can deck the halls, it’s important to make sure all of your decorations are clean and safe to use around the house. Follow these steps to get your ornaments, garlands, and stockings looking fresh and new for the holiday season.

How to Clean Holiday Decorations After Getting Them Out of Storage

1. Wash Fabric Items

Fabric items such as stockings, tree skirts, blankets, and pillow covers should get a good wash to remove dust and stains before setting them out. Make sure you follow the instructions on each item’s tag, as each one will likely have different materials and needs. Some may be able to go right in the washing machine, while others may need to be hand washed or dry cleaned. If you’re not sure about an item, wash it in cool water with mild detergent by hand and then lay it flat to dry.

2. Dust Greenery

The bristles on artificial trees, garlands, and wreaths can collect a significant amount of dust, even if it doesn’t show. To clean the greenery thoroughly, use a simple duster. Make sure you go over every section of the tree or garland so you can avoid aggravating everyone’s allergies over the holidays.

3. Wipe Ornaments & Candle Holders

For any solid decor, wipe it clean with a damp rag to remove dust. If there are any stubborn spots, use a gentle detergent or all-purpose cleaner to remove them. You might even want to use specialty glass cleaner for ornaments or metal items to restore their shine for the holidays.

Finding a clean and secure storage place for your holiday decor can help you make this process easier every season. American Self Storage offers a variety of storage units for customers throughout Southeast Alabama. Their solutions include on-site security and a professional management team to help you make the most of your storage options. They even have climate-controlled units for delicate items, as well as a variety of sizes to suit everything from holiday decorations to large vehicles. Visit the company’s website to learn more about their available locations and features, and to get started booking your storage unit.