Terra-cotta pots are a popular choice for plant lovers and can be found in almost every garden—not just for their rustic charm, but also for their functionality.

These clay pots allow air and moisture to pass through, preventing waterlogged roots and giving plants the well-aerated environment that they love and need to thrive. But with time, they can collect salt deposits, mold, and even pests, which could harm your plants if left unchecked.

If you don’t already know, we’re here to help! Regular cleaning of terra-cotta pots is essential to maintain the pots’ beauty and function. And I know the thought of cleaning your terra-cotta pots might seem as a daunting task but with the right tools (things you probably already have in your home) and a few easy steps; you’ll have clean pots and happy plants in no time!

How often should you clean terra-cotta pots?

It’s best to clean your pots between planting cycles to eliminate old soil residue, pests, or salt buildup. Even if you aren’t repotting plants, aim for a deep clean at least once or twice a year to prevent unwanted residue. Keep an eye out for white salt crusts or mold—these are signs your pots need a good scrub. A clean pot means healthier roots and happier plants.

Image credit: Pexels

A guide to cleaning your terra-c0tta pots:

Materials:

  • Mild dish soap
  • Warm water
  • Soft sponge or brush
  • Clean towel
  • White vinegar/ Bleach (optional)

Instructions:

Remove any old soil: Start by getting rid of any leftover soil or plant debris inside the pot.

Rinse thoroughly: Use warm water to wash away loose dirt before applying soap.

Scrub with soap and water: Apply a small amount of mild dish soap to the pot and use a sponge or soft brush to scrub all areas. Be gentle to avoid scratching the surface.

Rinse and dry: Rinse the pot thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue, then pat it dry with a clean towel.

READ MORE: CREATIVE WAYS TO USE TERRA-COTTA IN YOUR GARDEN

Image credit: Pexels

Disinfecting terra-cotta pots for a little extra care

For stubborn stains or algae growth, a vinegar solution works wonders.

  1. Vinegar solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a container.
  2. Soak the pot: Let the pot soak in the mixture for 30 minutes to loosen dirt and stains.
  3. Scrub and rinse: After soaking, scrub with a soft brush, rinse well, and dry completely before reuse.

Alternatively, you can use a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) to disinfect your pots. Soak them for 10 minutes, scrub gently, and rinse thoroughly.

Tip: Just remember never to mix bleach with vinegar—it can create harmful fumes!

Easy tips to main your pots

Clean between uses: Always clean pots before replanting to remove residues that could harm new plants.

Dry thoroughly: After cleaning, dry pots completely with a towel to prevent mold from forming.

Store smart: When not in use, store terra-cotta pots in a dry place, upside down, to avoid moisture buildup.

Be gentle: Avoid using abrasive tools that could damage the surface of the clay.

Image credit: Pexels

With just a little TLC, your terra-cotta pots will stay looking as gorgeous as the day you bought them for a long time. Regular cleaning not only keeps them looking beautiful but also ensures a healthy environment for your plants – and all we want is a happy garden anyway.

 

ALSO SEE: 8 WAYS TO ARRANGE YOUR POTTED PLANTS INSIDE AND OUTSIDE YOUR HOME

8 ways to arrange your potted plants inside and outside your home

Feature image: Pexels