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Do you repurpose old Christmas decorations or purchase ornaments yearly to keep the yuletide spirit alive? No matter which camp you belong to, we’ve rounded up the best tips, tricks, and techniques to help you keep your tree ornaments in good condition.
Whether it’s the garlands, wreaths, balls, or any other stocking stuffer you have, some of these budget-friendly strategies can help maintain your Christmas decorations and keep them in the best shape for years to come.
Pack Them Away Carefully
Pack up your decorations carefully and store them in their original boxes or wrapping paper. This will make it easier to find everything next season and ensure that they are kept safe from dust, dirt, and other elements that can affect the quality of the decorations.
If you throw away original containers, boxes, or bags, find replacements or wrap them up in tissue paper. When storing holiday ornaments properly, note the materials they are made of so you can keep them in the right type of container.
For example, wooden ornaments should be stored in boxes lined with Styrofoam, as this will prevent any cracking and scratching. If they are glittery ornaments, enclose them in air-tight plastic bags to protect against dust and dirt.
Clean Your Ornaments
Clean dirt off your Christmas ornaments regularly. A simple solution will do: mix a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent with warm water and use a soft cloth to scrub off the dirt and dust gently.
Test any cleaning solution in an inconspicuous area before applying it over the whole ornament, as some solutions can damage certain materials.
For ornaments made of glass, you can opt for a milder solution, such as white vinegar and water. This is great for removing residue build-up or discoloration that can occur over time.
Put Them In Air-Tight Containers
Use air-tight plastic containers or zip bags to store your Christmas decorations. This will protect them from moisture in the air and keep all the items inside safe from any potential damage caused by insects or rodents.
Make sure to use containers of different sizes, depending on the size and shape of your decorations. This will make it easier for you to find specific ornaments in the future.
Keep Them Away From Heat Sources.
Direct heat may cause your ornaments to fade, discolor, and crack. Keep them away from direct sunlight, radiators, fireplaces, and other heat sources to prevent this.
It’s also a good idea to store them in a cool and dry place such as an attic or basement. This will help avoid any damage caused by extreme temperatures that can easily ruin your decorations.
Label Accordingly
There’s no better and easier way to stay organized than to label your decorations and ornaments accordingly. This will make it easier for you to identify what each ornament is when looking through your storage boxes.
You can also write some details about the item, such as material, country of origin, and year of purchase so that you can easily track all your decorations. For instance, write “Silver Star Ornament from Germany, 2021” or “Santa Claus Figure from USA, 2020″.
Remove Batteries For Long-Term Storage
If you have Christmas decorations that use batteries, it’s best to take them out before storing them away for an extended period. This will help prevent any malfunction or damage due to battery acid leakage.
Invest In A Quality Storage System.
A good storage system can save you lots of time and effort. For instance, an ornament storage container is a great way to organize and store your decorations in one place.
This will make it easier for you to find what you need and keep all your items safe from dust, dirt, moisture, and other elements that can damage them over time.
Use Hangers To Protect Ribbon Decorations
Ribbon decorations are beautiful but can easily get tangled and damaged when stored in boxes. To prevent this, you can use hangers to store them up high and away from any potential damage.
This will also save you space, as you won’t need to find a large container or box for your ribbons and can store them neatly and in an orderly fashion.
If hangers won’t work, wrap each ribbon in tissue paper and store them in the same container. That way, they won’t move when you shake the box and will remain as good as new for next year’s celebrations.
Refresh Your Ornaments
If your decorations are dull, refresh them with some basic materials. For instance, if the color of your ornaments is fading, you can paint them with acrylic paint.
You can also use glitter to give them a sparkly look or add ribbons to make them look more festive.
Check For Damage Before Hanging
It’s always a good idea to check your decorations for any damage before hanging them on the tree or around the house. This will help you easily identify broken pieces and prevent any potential harm to anyone who might be handling them.
If fixing them isn’t an option, you can always buy new ornaments to replace the broken ones.
Vacuum Sealers
Vacuum sealers are great for storing holiday ornaments. They will protect your decorations from moisture and other elements that can damage them over time.
It’s also a great way to store fragile items such as glass or porcelain ornaments, as they will be kept secure in vacuum-sealed bags wrapped with bubble wrap and padding.
Final Words
The yuletide season is fast approaching, and getting your ornaments in tip-top shape is essential for creating a festive atmosphere. With these cost-effective tips, you can protect your decorations and keep them looking new for years.
Remember to clean them regularly, store them properly, and label them accordingly for easy identification. That way, you can enjoy the beauty of your holiday decorations for a long time.
