7 tips for storing holiday decorations
December 30, 2010
EHOW.COM
After a month of decorating and merrymaking, the holiday season is winding down. Here’s how to organize an effortless holiday cleanup.
1. Unplug and take down all holiday lights. Leaving lights attached to a house, trees, bushes or other outdoor fixtures will slowly break them. Store them in a box inside where weather will not crack the bulbs and tangle the wires.
2. After removing holiday wreaths from indoor and outdoor locations, make sure they are clean. Remove any cobwebs, leaves or bugs. Use canned air to remove any dust. Store wreaths in plastic wreath bags or wrap them in large plastic garbage bags to keep them clean until next holiday season.
3. Place ornaments in their original boxes. Ball-shaped ornaments often come in boxes with wells for each individual bulb, which prevents them from breaking. If the original box is no longer available, wrap each ornament in a few layers of paper towels or newspaper and store in a plastic storage box.
4. Clean up holiday candles. Trim the burned wick. Wipe off any excess wax drippings, and place holiday candles in an airtight box for storage to preserve the fragrance and prevent your cabinet from smelling like several scents mixed together.
5. Wash and store holiday table cloths, placemats and runners. Take the time to hand wash them, or use the delicate cycle on the washing machine to freshen holiday linens. Remove food, wax and other stains before storing them for the holiday season.
6. Remove decorations from trees. Take all ornaments, tinsel, lights and candy off the tree before placing it into storage if it is artificial. Cover the tree with plastic, or fit it back into its original storage box or case so it doesn’t get dusty during the off-season.
7. To dispose of a real Christmas tree, check to see if your city or local organizations collect trees. Additionally, dumps or recycling centres often accept old trees. Lastly, you can chop your tree into logs and kindling to use as firewood throughout the rest of the winter season.