How To Preserve Your Leis

Looking to keep your leis looking fresh for as long as possible? Here are some tips on how to preserve your leis so they’ll last longer.

Checkout this video:

Introduction: Why preserve your leis?

When most people think of leis, they think of the Hawaiian Islands. But did you know that leis are actually a popular tradition in many Polynesian cultures? In fact, leis are often given as gifts to express love, appreciation, or congratulations.

If you’ve ever been given a lei, you may be wondering how to preserve it so that you can keep it as a memento. While it’s possible to dry out your lei or keep it in the fridge, these methods can damage the flowers and leaves. The best way to preserve your lei is by pressing it.

Pressing your lei will flatten it and make it more fragile, but it will help preserve the colors and shape of the flowers and leaves. You can press your lei in a heavy book or between two pieces of wax paper Place something heavy on top of the wax paper to help flatten the lei even more. Leave your lei pressed for at least two weeks before framing or storing it.

What materials do you need?

To preserve your leis, you will need the following materials:
-A cool, dark place to store them
-Cotton or silk fabric
-Gardenias or other flowers with long stems
-Floral wire
-Scissors

Instructions:
1. Cut the fabric into 12-inch squares. You will need one square for each lei.
2. Wire the flowers together, making sure to leave a long tail of wire at the end.
3. Wrap the wire around the lei several times, cinching it tight. This will help keep the shape of the lei while it dries.
4. Wrap the lei in a fabric square, tying it off with the wire tail.
5. Hang the leis in a cool, dark place and allow them to dry for two to three weeks.

The drying process

To dry your lei, start by finding a cool, well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight. A clothesline or the shower rod in your bathroom works well. Lay your lei down on a clean towel and gently pat it dry. Then, drape the lei over the line so that it can air dry completely. This can take a few days, so be patient!

After your lei is completely dry, you can store it in a cool, dark place like a closet or dresser drawer. If you want to hang it up, make sure to use a wide-toothed comb or similar object to support the lei so that it doesn’t stretch out of shape.

With proper care, your dried lei should last for many years to come!

The rehydrating process

It is important to start the rehydration process as soon as possible after receiving your lei. If you are not wearing your lei immediately, place it in a large container of fresh, cool water. Change the water daily, and add more water as needed to keep the lei submerged.

Storing your leis

One way to extend the life of your leis is to store them in the refrigerator. This is especially effective for leis made with flowers that have a short shelf life such as roses, carnations, and daisies. Simply remove any leaves that would be below the water line, and store the lei in a tall container filled with water. Change the water every few days to keep the lei fresh.

If you are not going to wear your lei right away, it is best to store it in a cool, dry place Hang the lei upside down from a clothes hanger or draped over a drying rack. In both cases, make sure the lei has good air circulation so that it does not mildew. Once again, remove any leaves that would be below the water line.

You can also mist your lei lightly with water every few days to keep it hydrated. If you do this, make sure to store the lei in a plastic bag so that it does not get too wet and mildew.

Troubleshooting

If your leis are not drying correctly, there are several things you can try:

-Make sure the leis are not too close together. They should be spread out so that air can circulate around them.
-Check the temperature of the room. The leis will dry faster in a warm, dry room.
-Turn the leis over every few hours. This will help them to dry evenly.
-If the leis are still not drying after a day or two, you can try using a hairdryer on low heat to speed up the process.

FAQs

1. WILL MY LEI LAST LONGER IN THE REFRIGERATOR?
No, actually leis will last longer if kept at room temperature in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. If the temperature is too cold, the flowers will wilt; if it’s too hot, the blooms will fade quickly.

2. HOW CAN I MAKE MY LEI LAST LONGER?
To extend the life of your lei, store it in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel inside. Place the bag in the refrigerator for no more than four hours before wearing. This will help to keep the flowers fresh and hydrated.

3. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TRANSPORT MY LEI?
If you’re traveling with your lei, be sure to keep it cool and moist by storing it in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel inside. For long distances, it’s best to pack the lei in a styrofoam cooler with ice packs.

4. SHOULD I WASH MY LEI BEFORE WEARING IT?
Yes, you should always wash your lei before wearing it. Gently rinse the lei under cool water and pat dry with a clean towel. This will remove any pollen or debris that may have accumulated on the blooms.

Conclusion

Thank you for taking the time to read this guide on how to preserve your leis. We hope that you found it helpful and that you will be able to enjoy your leis for a long time to come. If you have any questions or if you would like more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Credits

-Chop leis into small pieces and spread evenly on a baking sheet.
-Bake leis at 200 degrees for 15 minutes, or until dry to the touch.
-Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container

Credits:
-https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-preserve-leis-1388964