The short answer: keep your mum cool, dry, out of direct sun, and uncrushed. Store it flat or hanging, dust it gently, and never leave it in a hot car. Do that, and a homecoming mum can stay bright for years, whether it's on the wall or tucked away in a box.
One of our families put it best: their mum was “a treasure to hang on the wall for decades to come.” Here's how to keep it that way.
Right after homecoming
- Take off the strap carefully. Take it off slowly.
- Let it rest flat. Lay it on a clean surface overnight so the ribbon skirt and braids settle back into shape.
- Fluff the loops. Gently reshape any ribbon loops or flower petals that got pressed during the day.
- Check the details. Make sure charms, bells, and letters are secure before you store or hang it.
The three things that damage a mum
Heat
A closed car in Texas gets hot enough to soften adhesives and wilt ribbon loops. Bring your mum inside right after the game, and never store it in an attic or garage.
Sunlight
Direct sun slowly fades satin ribbons, especially bright school colors. Hang your mum on a wall that doesn't get strong daylight, away from windows.
Moisture
Keep your mum dry. Don't hang it in a bathroom, and never wash it. If something spills on it, blot it gently with a dry cloth.
How to store it
- Choose a box bigger than the mum, so nothing gets bent or folded. A garment box or a large flat storage box works well.
- Lay it flat with the flower facing up, and tuck acid-free tissue paper around the crown and between the ribbons.
- Wrap the bells and charms in tissue so they don't scratch or tangle the ribbons.
- Skip plastic bags for long-term storage. A breathable box keeps moisture from getting trapped.
- Store it somewhere climate-controlled, like a closet shelf, with nothing heavy stacked on top.
How to display it
- Hang it on the wall. A sturdy hook or nail at the top lets the ribbon skirt fall naturally. For heavier senior mums, use a hook rated for the weight.
- Use a shadow box. A deep shadow box frame keeps dust off and makes it a true keepsake. Measure the crown's width and the mum's full length before you buy one.
- Add a photo from the night. A picture of her wearing it, tucked into the frame or hung beside it, makes the display.
- Collect all four years. If she gets a mum every year of high school, hang them side by side, freshman to senior, and they tell the whole story.
- Display the pair. If there's a matching garter, hang it next to the mum.
Keeping it clean
Dust is the most common problem for a mum on display. Every few months, brush it lightly with a soft, clean makeup brush, or use a hair dryer on the cool, low setting from about a foot away. Don't use water, cleaners, or a vacuum.
Garters and graduation leis
The same care works for garters. For a graduation lei, hang it loosely over a hook or alongside the cap, tassel, and diploma, or coil it gently in a box with tissue.
Something come loose?
If a ribbon, letter, or charm comes loose, don't use a hot glue gun near the ribbons. Reach out to us at (325) 725-5057 and we'll take a look.
Planning next year's mum?
Whether it's her next mum or her senior mum, we'd love to make it.