How To Clean The Leaves Of Potted Plants

Cleaning should also include the smallest corners or objects in the house, including plants. Did you know that you only need to follow a few simple steps to make them “flawless”? In the rows below we show you how to clean the leaves of potted plants to keep them in optimal condition, with the wonderful colors that delight your eyes.

Is it important to clean the leaves of plants?

Yes, it is important. Keeping the leaves clean and healthy helps the plant breathe. Dust or air pollutants deposited on the leaves significantly reduce the amount of light to which they are exposed.

As you well know, the lack of sunlight translates into reduced chlorophyll, which leads to plant disease. Thus, the leaves turn yellow, growth is stopped, and the plant may even wither.

Given the above, it is very important to clean the indoor plants, which are not occasionally washed away by rain. Cleaning should be done at least twice a month.

How to clean the leaves of potted plants: effective methods

1. Water as the main resource

Of course, you don’t have to be an expert to realize that water is an excellent solution for cleaning leaves. 

One option would be to put the plant in the shower and gently clean it with warm water. In this way, the plant is watered delicately, not being “hit” by a stream of water that damages its leaves. Other good methods are to use a hose or spray spray.

If you think the plant is extremely dirty, you can mix a liter of water with a little shower gel. Gently wash the leaves and rinse with clean water. In this case, it is recommended to cover the ground or lightly place the plant on its side so that the mixture remains only on the leaves.

2. Natural shine

This method is effective, but not in the case of plants with wrinkled leaves or down on their surface. For a natural shine, gently wipe the leaves with a sponge and water with detergent.  You can also use olive oil. Both options are effective.

3. How to clean the leaves of plants with milk or beer

It may seem hard to believe, but milk is the ideal product to give plants a healthy look. It’s simple: soak a cloth in milk and wipe off dirty leaves. The results are immediately visible. You can also use a little beer instead of milk.

4. Banana peels for clean plants

Peeled with the inside of the banana peels, the leaves will become clean and shiny. As with milk, you will notice an immediate improvement in the appearance of the plant. The leaves will be greener and brighter.

5. How to clean the leaves of plants with a toothbrush

Above, in the second method included on our list, we mentioned that you have to be careful with the silky leaves or those that have fluff on them. To clean them, you need an old toothbrush.

The cleaning method is very simple: take the leaf in your palm and gently wipe it with a toothbrush. It starts at the base of the leaf and continues to the top. Rinse your toothbrush from time to time and make sure it is completely dry before brushing the leaves with it.

Other items you can use instead of the toothbrush are a paintbrush with soft brushes or a pipe cleaning brush. Another option would be to use one of the leaves of the plant to clean the others.

Other recommendations

Now that you have learned how to clean the leaves of potted plants, we must point out that it is necessary to take care of them in other ways. Among other things, it is essential to eliminate unhealthy parts of the plant. All withered, dry, yellowed or weakened leaves should be removed. In this way, the plant will direct all its resources to nourishing and growing healthy parts.

Take into account the characteristics of the plants to take good care of them. For example, the leaves of some of them should not be watered. Two examples would be cacti and succulents. These plants must be cleaned without water.

It only takes a few minutes to clean the leaves of the plants, but the effects on their health are remarkable. If you keep flowers in the house to decorate the house, healthy and beautiful plants will considerably change the atmosphere of the space in which they are placed.