How to Clean Pine Cones for Crafting

If you’re looking for an easy, eco-friendly way to bring a little nature into your holiday decorating, look no further than pine cones! These natural beauties are perfect for everything from wreaths to centrepieces, even my wedding bouquet! They are free, sustainable, and 100% plastic-free. Before you start using them, though, it’s important to know how to clean pine cones for crafting to ensure they are free from dirt and pests.

Here’s how to find, clean, and dry your pine cones so they’re ready to shine in your holiday home.

Foraging for Pine Cones

Every year, I see plastic bags of pine cones being sold as holiday decor and I just can’t understand it. While it’s tempting to buy decorative pine cones, they are often coated in synthetic finishes (glitter is just fancy plastic), sprayed with synthetic scents, and packaged in plastic. Why pay for something that has been packaged and shipped when they are just lying on the ground for free?

Foraging for pine cones is simple – get outside! Grab a basket or reusable bag and head to a local park, wooded trail, or even just walk around your neighbourhood. Foraging is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and explore the environment in your area. Take your kids or a friend and see what else you can find – I love adding bits of cedar and a few dogwood twigs to my sustainable holiday decorations.

Cones come in many shapes and sizes depending on the species of evergreen tree. Look for fallen cones that are intact, fairly dry, and free from rot. Gently brush off any loose dirt or needles before placing them in your basket. Got sap on your hands? No problem! Use a little rubbing alcohol (even hand sanitizer) for a quick cleanup.

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How to Clean Pine Cones for Crafting

Once you’ve gathered your pine cones, it’s time to give them a good clean. This step also prepares the cones for drying and opening up to their full beauty.

1. Brush and rinse
   Submerge your cones in a sink of cold water and swish them around to loosen any dirt. You may want to use an old toothbrush to give them a gentle scrub if needed.
   • Soak in vinegar
     In a sink or large bowl, soak the pine cones in cold water and a good splash of vinegar. Let them soak for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain and rinse thoroughly in cold water.
2. Air dry
   Spread the pine cones on an old towel to air dry for a couple of hours. This will help them to open up a little and drain excess moisture before popping them in the oven. You can also just leave them out at this stage for a few days and they will open on their own.

Drying and Opening Pine Cones

To make sure your pine cones are clean, dry, and fully opened, you can leave them out to air dry or speed up the process in the oven. Baking them also hardens the cones so they are less fragile to work with and last for years. As an added bonus, your house will smell AMAZING!

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F or use residual heat after cooking.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or reused aluminum foil (to collect any sap) and arrange the pine cones in a single layer.
3. Bake for 20-30 minutes, occasionally giving the baking sheet a shake.
4. Let them cool completely before handling.

Ideas for Holiday Decorations with Pine Cones

Now comes the fun part! Pine cones are so versatile and fit into every decorating aesthetic for a nearly effortless holiday vibe. These are just a few of my favourite things to do with them!

• Create a pine cone garland with some twine and other bits and bobs like beads or dried orange slices.
• Use smaller cones as embellishments in your gift wrapping.
• Loop yarn through the large end to create tree ornaments or add to a wall hanging.
• Use floral wire and attach them to a wreath frame.
• Fill an antique glass bowl with pine cones and delicate twinkle lights for a simple, rustic look.
• Add large cones to your holiday tablescape.

There are so many possibilities! I love decorating with pine cones so much that I have them out in some fashion all year long. Pine cones are a simple reminder that natural decor doesn’t come in a package with a price tag.

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Related Podcast Episodes

Want more ideas for creative reuse? Check out my conversations with artist and author Sibia Torres Padilla (@sibster) and upcycling creator @SustainablyAmber on the Sustainable in the Suburbs podcast. Both episodes explore simple, meaningful ways to use what we already have and find joy in making.

What are your favourite natural elements for holiday decorating?