How To Clean Terra-Cotta Pots For A Garden Refresh

As you're preparing for the next growing season, don't neglect gardening equipment and planter maintenance. While plastic planters are pretty easy to clean, terracotta pots may require a bit more time and attention. Terra cotta doesn't just provide an earthy aesthetic, the porous material actually helps absorb excess moisture from soil thereby giving your plants' roots room to breathe. These planters can also aid in plant pest control.

This beneficial gardening feature is also a part of what can make terracotta challenging to clean. Over time, terracotta pots can harbor diseases, salt, and even bacteria. Dirt and grime can even clog pores and drain holes, which can lead to a buildup of water. This could have a negative impact on your plant, and during the winter, it could even cause the terracotta to crack. Regularly cleaning these pots can prevent contamination of future plants while preserving the pot's structural integrity.

In general, you should plan to clean terracotta pots once a year, and between uses. You can clean terracotta with a simple mixture of mild dish soap and warm water. You can also use castile soap to keep your terracotta planters fungus-free. Simply remove your plant from the pot and dump excess soil and debris. Rinse the pot with warm water to remove any loose dirt, and then add the mild dish soap and warm water mixture. Use a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub away any built-up dirt and salt.

Mineral deposits typically form along the soil line, so pay careful attention to these areas. For pots with particularly stubborn mineral deposits, you can use a wire brush or scouring pad. There are also several disinfecting solutions that you can use — including vinegar, bleach, and alcohol.

To disinfect with vinegar, mix one part white vinegar with one part water. Soak your pots in the solution for at least 30 minutes. Give them a good scrub and rinse with warm water. You can also use a 10% bleach solution (or a one-to-nine ratio of bleach to water). Allow the pots to sit for several hours before scrubbing and rinsing. Or, you can spray 70% isopropyl alcohol on the pots, after rinsing with soap and water, and wipe them clean. Let your pots dry completely before using them again. When gardening with terracotta, you should saturate the pot with water a day before repotting or planting new plants.