This Simple Cleaning Habit Could Be The Key To Thriving Houseplants

From maintaining the proper growing conditions to keeping up with the right watering schedule, there's no limit to the amount of effort plant owners put in to care for their house plants. However, some of the best houseplant care tips are the simplest ones that are often overlooked. For example, there's one easy cleaning habit that could be the key to thriving houseplants — washing your windows and window screens. Why is this so important? According to the NYBG LuEsther T. Mertz Library Plant & Research Guides, dirty windows can block up to 50% of sunlight from entering your home.

Plants convert sunlight to energy when combined with carbon dioxide and water during photosynthesis. This process keeps them alive and healthy. As a result, it's important to keep your windows and window screens as clean and clear as possible so that maximum sunlight makes its way through the glass. If your houseplants haven't been thriving and you've been skipping out on window cleanings, those dirty windows may be the reason why. Luckily, this is a pretty simple chore to tackle. You should be able to get your windows clear again in no time to benefit the health of your indoor houseplants.

Dirty windows are a bigger threat to your houseplants' health than you might think. When dirt and grime cloud your windows, the lack of sunlight can do some real harm to your plants that may result in physical damage. For example, plants that don't get enough light can develop leaves that are smaller than they should be. The leaves can also become discolored and eventually fall off. Your plant may not even flower if it doesn't receive adequate sunlight. Not only do dirty windows block out light, but they also lower your indoor air quality, attract pests, and hinder a plant's respiration process. As for the pests, bugs that harm plants, like spider mites and aphids may be attracted to dusty windows. Clean, clear windows help you avoid these problems. This is why washing the glass and your window screens makes a difference in the health of your plants.

To effectively clean the glass on the windows in your home, add a cleaning solution with 1 part vinegar and 10 parts warm water to a spray bottle. Next, spray down the microfiber cloth and use it to wipe away the grime on the glass. Once you're done, grab a clean microfiber cloth and use it to wipe away any residue. To clean your window screen, simply remove it, rinse it, and wash it with your vinegar solution and a gentle scrubbing brush. Dry it thoroughly and then reinstall it.