![]() That’s caused by the acidity of the vinegar as it dissolves the residue and gets absorbed into the terracotta. You may see or hear bubbling and fizzing when the pot hits the water. Otherwise, use a bucket large enough to submerge your terracotta pot completely.Īllow the pot to soak in the mixture for about 20-30 minutes or longer if needed. You can mix this solution in a plugged sink or bathtub if you don’t mind them getting a little dirty. Room temperature to lukewarm water is ideal. To do this, you’re going to want to create a mixture of one cup of white vinegar for every three to four cups of water. Now, it’s time to start the chemical reaction that will remove that white residue. The more dirt you remove, the less mess you’ll have to deal with in the next step. Do your best to get rid of the big clumps and to loosen and remove dirt that is caked onto the terracotta. You don’t need to remove every speck of dust, here. You can also use this step to remove any other debris like cobwebs or leaf litter that has also made its way onto your pot. Start by brushing away any dirt left over on the inside or outside of your pot. The full process can take up to a few hours but the good news is that a lot of this time is just a waiting game, rather than active cleaning. a small pot brush or other rough-bristled brush.We’re going to tell you how to clean your terracotta pots in three simple steps. How to Clean Terracotta Pots the Right WayĪlright, let’s get down to it. What if a pot that is currently in use has that same residue on it? Consider repotting your plant in new soil (and a new pot) so that you can clean the old one before reusing it. That buildup of residue can actually become a breeding ground for bacteria and harmful diseases that can infect and kill your plants. The reality is that if you’re going to reuse a terracotta pot for a new plant, you should clean it whether it looks dirty or not–but especially if it does. What does it matter if your pots look clean or not? It’s easy to decide you’re not going to clean your terracotta, especially if it’s outside. However, we often don’t realize that this is a good idea until it’s too late and the pots are already getting a little funky. One way to avoid this is to use organic fertilizers and rainwater to care for your plants. Even if you don’t use fertilizers, your tap or hose water likely contains a variety of minerals like salt, which can create that same hazy look. What is causing that residue? If you use any fertilizers on your plants, the pot is going to absorb some of the chemicals or substances used in the fertilizer. This residue tends to make the pots look older and hides the natural reddish hue that gardeners love. When we talk about dirty terracotta pots, we’re usually talking about an accumulation of white film or residue. ![]() This is what creates that porousness, which allows the pot to “breathe” while absorbing moisture from the dirt or substrate your plants are growing in. The clay used to create terracotta pots is coarse. ![]() Why? Glazing terracotta can produce a beautiful effect, but it will also make the pot less porous, which is one of its best features. Terracotta is a type of fired clay, typically left unglazed. This will help you to understand why you don’t want to use harsh chemicals like bleach to clean your terracotta pots. What Is Terracotta Made Out Of?įirst, let’s talk about what terracotta actually is. Read on to learn how to clean terracotta pots once and for all. We’re here to offer some terracotta cleaning tips that will truly change the game. Many gardeners want to throw in the trowel and accept that their pots are going to look dingy with age. Learning how to clean terracotta pots the right way can seem frustrating at first. If there’s one thing we know at Detail Cleaning Services, it’s that the little details matter. Terracotta pots can get a little grimy-looking over time. There are tons of benefits of using terracotta pots, ranging from their porousness that prevents root rot to their versatility in indoor and outdoor gardening. Terracotta is a material that most plants love.
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