Christmas ornaments and decorations are something to be cherished and kept year after year for generations. Because of this they need proper care and organization. On this page we hope that you'll find useful ideas for how you and your family can better store and keep safe your favorite christmas decorations and tree ornaments.
Cleaning
Smooth ornaments made of glass, crystal, resin and ceramic can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. If you encounter stubborn dirt you can use a gentle dish soap or liquid laundry detergent diluted with a little water. Use very little water and soap. Wipe away any cleaner residue with a clean slightly damp towel. Dry thoroughly before storing for the year.
Anything with lights or that uses electricity requires special care when cleaning. Dust with a DRY cloth. Never mix water and electricity, even if the item is made to stay outside in foul weather. For stuck on dirt on electrical decorations try a dab of rubbing alcohol on a cloth. Allow any residue to evaporate entirely before use or storage.
To clean artificial trees or intricate garlands use reverse air pressure. You'll need a can or two of compressed air. These can generally be purchased in any store that sells computer mice and keyboards. They are good for cleaning them as well.
Take your tree or other decoration outside or to a garage or basement. Use the air pressure to gently loosen any stuck of debris or dust. If it's something sturdy you can also try giving it a good shake or flogging it softly with a fluffy towel.
Storage
Store artificial christmas trees in their original boxes. Disassemble per the directions and put it back the same way it came. It's advisable to create your own diagram when you first get the tree. Draw pictures that will help you remember how the tree comes apart and how it fit in the box.
For lights coil them in long U shaped bundles and secure at the center with reusable plastic wire ties.
You don't need to purchase fancy uni-tasking christmas storage organizer. You can easily make your own from those standard plastic storage cases sold at all discount stores.
You'll need some of those boxes and a bunch of cardboard you can cut up. For tree ornaments cut several strips of cardboard the length and width of your storage container. You want to form a grid of small square openings.
Cut slits in the strips of cardboard so your grid with fit together and be more sturdy. Place all your small ornaments, at the bottom, one inside each square you've created. Cover with a large piece of cardboard. Lay bundles of lights on top of that. Cover again with another large piece of cardboard. Gently coil any garlands in circles over that. seal your box. Repeat as needed depending on how many decorations you need to store.
Label all containers so you know what's inside them without having to drag them out and open them.
