How to Dry Flowers in the Microwave using Kitty Litter
By Jane Lake
Drying flowers for use in wreaths or floral arrangements is a satisfying nature craft, made easier and faster with the use of kitty litter and your microwave!
Did you know that you can dry flowers in the microwave using kitty litter? All you need is a microwavable bowl, dustless cat litter and an assortment of roses, daisies or other fresh flowers.
Drying Flowers in the Microwave Supplies:
4 or 5 cups of dustless cat litter
spoon
microwavable bowl with fairly deep sides
assorted fresh flowers i.e. roses, primula, pansies, snapdragons, cornflowers, statice, or larkspur.
Microwave Dried Flowers Instructions:
1. Pick an assortment of flowers at a time of day when the flowers are dry, not wet with dew or rain.
2. Bring the flowers indoors and separate into individual flowers. Check for and remove any insects that may be hiding inside the petals or leaves.
2. Put 4 to 5 cups of dustless cat litter in the bowl.
3. You should dry the flowers either singly or in pairs, as doing many more may cause the flowers to burn. For each flower, scoop out an area of the cat litter and gently place the flower in the hollow bed. Spoon cat litter over the flower until it is completely covered. Be gentle and try to maintain the flower's original shape. Repeat if you're doing pairs, making sure the flowers don't touch.
4. Microwave on High for 2 minutes. You may have to experiment a little to find the exact time that works for your microwave. The litter should be hot to touch when you take it out. Let it cool completely before removing flowers as they will still be in the process of drying.
5. Carefully blow away, or dust off with a small dry paint brush, any cat litter that remains clinging to the flowers.
6. You can spray the dried blossoms with unscented hairspray to help them keep longer, then arrange in vases or wreaths.
I have used the silica gel to dry flowers. I am interested in trying kitty litter. Do you think mixing the two together would bring the best of both together? AND...to reactivate the silica you are supposed to put it in the oven...would the same apply to kitty litter to reuse?
Pat Brown – Atlanta, GA
Jul 07, 2009 - 10:04
How can I dry my african violet blooms? My friend makes cards. I usually have 50 or so blooms in a month. She would love to use them on her cards. I've tried the microwave but with paper towel not kitty litter and I have tried silica gel. The silica gel leaves spots on the blooms. Do you have any suggestions?
Pat
Atlanta
Sheilah – Florida
Jan 28, 2009 - 06:25
Can I reuse the cat litter to dry flowers again?
Reply to Sheilah
Jane Lake – Editor at AllFreeCrafts
Jan 29, 2009 - 13:16
Yes. I've done this many times.
april – australia
Oct 14, 2008 - 00:47
Thanks for the tips shirley. I see you're from my one time home county, so they just had to be good ones eh!!! Have past these on to a friend wbeepwants to dry gum leaves then paint them gold and mount on a white canvas. I'll be interested to see how this turns out. best Regards April May. originally from Temple Cloud between Bristol and Wells.
shirley woodrow – somerset
Jun 07, 2008 - 16:54
i thank you for web site i have found it with thanks s a woodrow
Susan – Payette, Idaho
Jun 03, 2008 - 08:52
I have been drying and pressing for flowers since I was a child. I found this site, it is by far the best site I have found. Your instructions are exceptional. I teach art to the grade schools and your resources are just fantastic. Thanks GOD BLESS Susan
annette – tennessee
Apr 13, 2008 - 18:17
THESE ARE VERY NICE CRAFTS. I ENJOY MAKEING THEM ,BECAUSE THEY ARE SO CUTE.
1. Pick an assortment of flowers at a time of day when the flowers are dry, not wet with dew or rain.
