How to Properly Clean and Store Your Christmas Ornaments

Quick Answer

To clean Christmas ornaments, dust them gently with a soft cloth or brush, then use a mild soap solution for deeper cleaning—never submerge wooden or paper ornaments. For storage, wrap each ornament individually in acid-free tissue or bubble wrap and place them in compartmentalized boxes, keeping them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

After the holidays, taking down the tree can feel like a chore, but proper cleaning and storage of your Christmas ornaments will keep them looking great for many seasons to come. Whether you have delicate glass baubles, sentimental keepsakes, or playful character ornaments, a little care goes a long way.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to clean and store your ornaments safely, avoiding common mistakes that lead to chips, cracks, or faded colors. You'll also learn what to consider when choosing storage solutions and how to protect your collection from damage.

Sort and Inspect Before Cleaning

Before you start cleaning, sort your ornaments by material and fragility. Glass ornaments require different care than plastic, wood, or fabric ones. Inspect each ornament for existing damage like hairline cracks or loose hooks—cleaning a damaged ornament can make it worse.

Check for any hooks or wires that might scratch the surface. Remove them if possible and set them aside. This is also a good time to discard any ornaments that are beyond repair, so you don't waste effort on them.

• Use a soft, dry cloth to dust ornaments before any wet cleaning.
• Have separate containers for different materials to avoid cross-contamination.

Dusting and Dry Cleaning Methods

Most ornaments only need light dusting. Use a soft microfiber cloth or a makeup brush to gently remove dust from crevices. For ornaments with glitter or painted details, avoid rubbing too hard, as it can cause the finish to flake.

If you have ornaments with intricate designs, a can of compressed air can blow dust out of hard-to-reach areas without touching the surface. This is especially useful for ornaments with small details or delicate parts.

• Never use feather dusters—they can snag on delicate parts.
• For ornaments with loose glitter, consider a gentle shake to remove loose particles.

Wet Cleaning for Glass and Plastic Ornaments

For glass or plastic ornaments that need more than dusting, mix a small amount of mild dish soap with lukewarm water. Dip a soft cloth into the solution, wring it out well, and gently wipe the ornament's surface. Avoid soaking the ornament, especially if it has a metal cap or painted design.

Rinse with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue, then dry immediately with a soft towel. For glass ornaments, hold them securely to prevent drops—they can be slippery when wet.

Never submerge ornaments in water, as it can damage the interior finish or loosen the cap. Also, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can strip paint or dull the shine.

• Test a small, inconspicuous area first if you're unsure about the finish.
• Dry each ornament thoroughly before storing to prevent mold or mildew.

Handling Sentimental and Specialty Ornaments

Ornaments made of wood, paper, fabric, or with photos require special care. For these, skip wet cleaning and use a dry, soft brush to remove dust. If needed, use a slightly damp cloth on non-porous parts, but avoid getting the material wet.

For ornaments with sentimental value, like those from a child's first Christmas, consider storing them in individual boxes with extra padding to protect them from bumps. These are often irreplaceable, so extra care is worth it.

• For fabric ornaments, use a lint roller to pick up dust.
• If an ornament has a battery-operated light, remove the batteries before cleaning and storing.

Step-by-Step Ornament Care

1. Prepare your workspace: Lay down a soft towel on a flat surface. Have your cleaning supplies (soft cloths, mild soap, water) and storage containers ready. A clean, organized workspace prevents accidents.
2. Sort and inspect: Group ornaments by material and fragility. Check for damage and remove hooks. Catch problems early to avoid further damage.
3. Dust gently: Use a soft brush or microfiber cloth to remove loose dust. For intricate areas, use compressed air. Dusting first reduces the need for wet cleaning.
4. Wet clean when necessary: For glass or plastic, use a damp cloth with mild soap. Wipe, rinse, and dry immediately. Never soak ornaments—moisture can damage them.
5. Dry completely: Lay ornaments on a towel to air dry, or pat dry with a soft cloth. Ensure they are fully dry before storing to prevent mold.
6. Wrap individually: Wrap each ornament in acid-free tissue paper or bubble wrap. Place them in compartmentalized boxes or use cardboard dividers. Individual wrapping prevents scratches and breaks.
7. Store properly: Keep boxes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and temperature extremes. Label boxes for easy next-year setup. Proper storage extends the life of your ornaments.

Ornaments That Deserve Extra Care

• 80s Night Sci-Fi "Weirder Thangs" Replica On-Field Jersey: Officially licensed Reading Fightin Phils replica on-field jersey, 100% polyester jersey mesh for breathable comfort. While not an ornament, this jersey is a fun piece of fan gear that can be displayed during the holidays. Its polyester mesh is easy to clean—just follow the care label—and storing it properly will keep it looking sharp for game days.
• Phillie Phanatic Clinger: No catalog description supplied. If you own this clinger, it may be a fun addition to your tree or desk. Without specific care instructions, it's best to dust it gently and avoid water to prevent damage.

With these steps, you can keep your Christmas ornaments clean and well-protected, ensuring they bring joy for many holidays to come. A little time spent on care now will save you from disappointment next year.