How to Care for a Deco Mesh Wreath So It Lasts for Years

A well-made deco mesh wreath is not a one-season decoration. With a few minutes of attention a couple of times a year, the same wreath can greet visitors for five or more seasons. The materials themselves are durable; what wears them out is ultraviolet light, moisture, and being crushed in storage.

Where to hang it

Deco mesh, faux florals, and wired ribbon are made for indoor spaces and covered outdoor areas — a porch under a deep overhang, a breezeway, or the inside of a storm door.

• Avoid west-facing doors with hours of afternoon sun; UV fades ribbon faster than anything else.
• Avoid spots that catch driving rain. Wet mesh holds water in its folds and can spot the florals.
• In high wind, add a second anchor point with clear fishing line so the wreath does not slap the door.
• Behind glass on a storm door, heat builds quickly. Crack the storm door open on very hot days if you can.

Routine cleaning

Dust is the most common complaint and the easiest fix. Never wash, hose, or submerge a deco mesh wreath — water loosens hot glue and mats the florals.

• Hair dryer on the cool, low setting, held about 12 inches away, clears most dust in two minutes.
• A can of compressed air reaches deep into mesh folds and around berry clusters.
• A soft makeup brush or clean paintbrush lifts dust off petals without bending them.
• For a smudge on ribbon, dab with a barely damp cloth and let it air dry fully before storing.

Reshaping mesh and bows

Deco mesh is wired, which means it is fixable. If a section flattens, work your fingers into the pouf and pull it outward and upward, then fluff the neighbouring poufs so the fullness looks even. Ribbon tails that have curled can be smoothed by running them gently between your thumb and forefinger, or briefly warming them with a hair dryer and holding the shape until they cool.

Off-season storage

• Store in a wreath bag or an oversized box — never compressed under other decorations.
• Hang it from a hook in a closet if you have the space; hanging beats boxing every time.
• Choose a climate-controlled spot. Attics and garages swing between heat and humidity, which warps mesh and dulls color.
• Stuff crumpled tissue paper under the bow to hold its loops open through the off-season.

When to refresh instead of replace

If the base and mesh are intact but a few florals have faded, the wreath is worth refreshing rather than replacing. Susan takes on refresh work on a case-by-case basis — send a photo through the custom order page and she will tell you honestly whether a refresh makes sense.