Artificial plants can be cleaned with water. Very dirty plastic plants can be removed from the pot, turned upside down and swished lightly in a sink filled with diluted dishwater or salt water. Shake excess water from the plant and repot. Plastic plants can also be put in the shower or sprayed with a garden hose on a light setting. Some silk plants can be cleaned with water; test one inconspicuous leaf for color-fastness first. Water will spot and damage most decorative paper plants.

On the Other: Dry Cleaning

"Dry" cleaning methods can be used safely on all artificial plants. Plastic plants can be dusted with a soft cloth. Silk and paper plants can be cleaned with an air can, sold for cleaning electronics, large paintbrush, or hairspray to remove dust and light dirt from leaves and flowers. An alternative is to place the silk or paper plant in a large paper bag with one cup of table salt and shake vigorously.

Bottom Line

Artificial plants made from plastic, silk or paper loose their luster and begin to look tired and "artificial" as they collect dust and dirt. Gently cleaning artificial plants, with the method least likely to damage them, every few months will preserve their beauty.

Source:

Dollar Stretcher: Cleaning Silk Plants

Plants Enhance: Cleaning of Artificial Plants

General Housekeeping: How to Clean Silk Plants