How to Clean and Store Christmas Decorations the Right Way
The holidays are full of magic—twinkling lights, cozy décor, and the warm feeling that comes with transforming your home into something festive. But once January rolls around, many of us face the not-so-magical task of taking it all down. The good news? With a little care now, next year’s decorating can be so much easier.
Here’s your step-by-step guide from Fresh Nest on how to clean, organize, and store your Christmas decorations the right way.
1. Start With a Quick Sort
Before you begin deep cleaning or packing, take a few minutes to sort everything:
Keep items still in good condition
Donate decorations you no longer use
Toss broken or unsafe items
A quick edit now prevents clutter creep for years to come.
2. Clean Décor Before Packing It Away
Dust and grime can cause discoloration, damage, or musty smells after months in storage. Here’s how to clean everything safely:
Christmas Ornaments
Glass or delicate ornaments: wipe gently with a microfiber cloth
Plastic ornaments: a quick warm, soapy water bath works wonders
Fabric ornaments: spot clean using mild detergent and allow to fully air dry
Garlands & Wreaths
Shake outdoors to remove dust
Spot clean greenery with a damp cloth
For pinecones or natural elements, use a soft brush to remove debris
Stockings, Tree Skirts & Fabric Décor
Wash on a gentle cycle
Let fabric fully dry to avoid mildew
Lights
Wipe bulbs and cords with a soft, dry cloth
Check for broken bulbs or frayed wires before storing
3. Store Everything With Proper Protection
How you pack items makes all the difference when you pull them out next year.
Ornaments
Use ornament storage boxes with dividers
Or DIY it with cardboard dividers, egg cartons, or plastic cups
Wrap delicate pieces in tissue paper or bubble wrap
Christmas Tree
For artificial trees, invest in a tree storage bag
Avoid the original cardboard box—it weakens and traps moisture
Garlands & Lights
Wrap lights around a piece of cardboard to prevent tangles
Store garlands loosely in a labeled bin to keep their shape
Fabrics
Store in breathable containers
Add a dryer sheet or cedar block to prevent odors
Candles
Store upright in a cool place
Keep away from heat sources to prevent melting
4. Label Like a Pro
This is where next year’s sanity kicks in!
Use clear labels such as:
“Tree Ornaments – Living Room”
“Outdoor Lights”
“Mantle Décor”
“Fragile – Glass Ornaments”
You’ll thank yourself later.
5. Choose the Right Storage Location
To keep your décor in great shape:
Avoid damp basements if possible
Avoid hot attics where candles and plastics can warp
Aim for a cool, dry storage spot
If basements or attics are your only option, airtight bins work best.
6. Bonus Tip: Keep a ‘First Out’ Bin
Create one small bin with:
Tree topper
Stockings
Command hooks
Extension cords
December 1 décor
This makes decorating next year faster and more fun.
Make Cleaning & Organizing Easier With Fresh Nest
Packing up holiday décor can be a big job—especially after a busy season. If you’re ready to start the new year with a fresh, clean home after you put your holiday decor away, Fresh Nest is here to help.
✨ “Start fresh. Stay fresh. Live happy.”
Let Fresh Nest take care of the mess so you can enjoy a clean start to the year!
