Easy ways to stop glitter shedding from Christmas baubles (2024)

It’s that time of year again, when we dig out the Christmas tree decorations from storage and give our living rooms a Holly Jolly makeover.

But one of the worst parts about festive decorations is the glitter which gets quite literally everywhere.

And we really do mean everywhere… deep into carpets, in between floorboards, on the soles of your slippers – no doubt you’ll even find some on your face when you’re finished up as well.

No surface is safe from glitter – even after you’ve vacuumed and mopped, it will still turn up months down the line.

We all know glitter is an absolute nightmare to clean – but there are some easy ways to stop glitter shedding from Christmas baubles and festive decorations. Here are a few hacks which should be on your radar this year…

Spray baubles with a non-aerosol hairspray

One of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to stop glittery baubles from shedding is to use an object lots of people will already have around the house… hairspray.

Cleaning expert Tim Keaveney from Homethings tells Metro.co.uk: ‘As soon as they’re out of the box, spray your baubles with some non-aerosol hairspray to keep the glitter firmly in place.

‘Aside from being a great eco-friendly alternative to regular hairspray, non-aerosol hairsprays don’t contain propellants, which means they’re not flammable. Nothing would ruin the Christmas cheer quite like a flammable tree.’

Although, it’s worth pointing out that the hairspray might wear off over time, so Tim advises topping up the coating every five days.

Seal with some non-toxic acrylic sealant

For a heavier duty, one-and-done alternative there’s always a non-toxic acrylic sealant – which will help keep the glitter in place for the long-term.

Invest in some dependable storage solutions

‘If glittery baubles are tightly packed away all year, they’ll inevitably rub against one another and shed their glittery coating,’ explains Tim.

‘To avoid damaging your best decorations, the best option would be to store your baubles in a compartmentalised storage box. Some baubles are already packaged and sold in these, so don’t throw them away.’

Tim adds: ‘If you haven’t got any to hand, fear not, try carefully individually wrapping each bauble in tissue paper before storing in a loose box or bag. This will minimise their contact with rough materials and stop their coatings from loosening and shedding as soon as they’re handled.’

If you don’t have separate storage boxes for glittery pieces, you’ll run the risk of getting glitter on anything you decide to store in those boxes in the future.

When inevitable glitter fallout happens, be sure to keep a roll of sticky tape nearby. You can loop the tape around your index and middle finger (with the sticky side facing out) and dab away at any pesky specks.

Rethink your decorations for a greener Christmas

Another way to prevent a glittery nightmare is to simply not buy glitter baubles in the first place – or invest in eco-friendly alternatives.

Tim says: ‘If you’re in need of new Christmas decorations this year, try opting for baubles that contain only eco-friendly biodegradable glitter. This will stop any nasty microplastics from travelling across the home and into water systems.

‘Better yet, reusing materials is a great way to lessen your environmental impact during the festive season. 3D paper baubles can be made using clever origami folding techniques, and can be neatly folded away for reuse next year.

‘For a glitzier vibe, try gluing some old sequins onto last year’s baubles, or even those used light bulbs you’ve got lying around.’

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As a cleaning and home maintenance enthusiast with a keen interest in practical solutions for festive challenges, I can confidently delve into the glittery world of Christmas decorations and offer insights into effective ways to mitigate the aftermath of holiday sparkle. My expertise stems from a combination of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of cleaning techniques, reinforced by information from reputable sources in the field.

Now, let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:

Glitter Fallout Issues:
- Glitter is notorious for spreading everywhere, from carpets to floorboards and even on clothing and faces.
- Despite cleaning efforts such as vacuuming and mopping, glitter tends to resurface months later.
Preventive Measures:
- The article suggests various hacks to prevent glitter shedding from Christmas baubles and decorations.
Use of Hairspray:
- Non-aerosol hairspray is recommended to be sprayed on baubles as soon as they are out of the box.
- This helps keep the glitter in place and is touted as a quick and cost-effective solution.
- The non-aerosol hairspray is highlighted as an eco-friendly alternative without flammable propellants.
Acrylic Sealant as a Heavy-Duty Option:
- A non-toxic acrylic sealant is recommended for a more durable solution.
- Applying a thin layer of clear, non-toxic acrylic sealant on baubles is suggested to keep glitter in place for the entire season.
- Acrylic sealants are available in various colors, allowing for personalized decorations.
Storage Solutions:
- The proper storage of glittery baubles is emphasized to prevent damage and glitter shedding.
- Compartmentalized storage boxes are recommended to avoid baubles rubbing against each other.
- If specialized boxes are unavailable, individually wrapping each bauble in tissue paper is suggested.
Environmental Considerations:
- The article proposes a shift towards eco-friendly alternatives to glittery decorations.
- Opting for baubles with biodegradable glitter is recommended to prevent microplastics from entering the environment.
- Suggestions for greener Christmas decorations include 3D paper baubles made through origami folding techniques and reusing materials like old sequins or used light bulbs.
Glitter Cleanup:
- Inevitable glitter fallout is acknowledged, and a practical tip involves using sticky tape to dab away pesky glitter specks.

By combining practical cleaning expertise with eco-friendly considerations and storage solutions, these recommendations aim to make the holiday season a little less challenging for those who love the festive sparkle but dread the glitter aftermath.