The Affordable Household Essential To Put Under Potted Plants That Protects Your Floor

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Houseplants come with the added chore of finding the perfect plant pot to hold them. There are many things to consider, such as the right pot size, the needs of the plant's roots, and how often you'll need to repot your favorite plants as they grow. For many houseplants that need pots with drainage, however, you can quickly create a big mess of water and soil seeping onto your floor. Putting your pot inside another container can work, but it could also overflow and cause a spill if you happen to overwater it. The affordable household essential you can put under potted plants and protect your floors is microfiber cloths.

Microfiber cloths are used primarily for cleaning and wiping down surfaces. However, they also work well for drainage cleanup and absorbing excess moisture. If you don't already own any in your home, you can easily order a 12 Pack Colorful of Microfiber Cleaning Cloths to use for your potted plants. 

Even if your floors are water-resistant, exposure to too much water over time can put them at risk of warping, breaking, or discoloration. Additionally, when moisture gets under floor boards, it can accumulate and form mold, which, if it spreads, can pose health risks. That's why hardwood floors need moisture barriers, but even with a barrier in place, there's a risk of water seeping through.

To use the microfiber cloths for pot drainage, you simply cut the cloths to size, and place them under the pots (directly underneath the tray) to catch the excess water that drains out. Other pads you might be tempted to use under plant pots, such as felt, bath mats, or rugs, easily get moldy and are challenging to wash thoroughly. That's what makes the microfiber cloths an excellent choice — they are easy to clean since they are washable, so they won't hold onto any moisture, bacteria, or mold. Microfiber can soak up to seven times its weight in water and their soft, gentle fibers are also an excellent way to protect your floors from scratches when moving a heavy pot.

Since microfiber cloths are not waterproof, once they become wet from absorption, you should immediately remove them (then wash and dry them) to further protect your floors from any water damage. For best results, you should pair them with a dish or tray as a secondary barrier to help catch any standing water and further protect your floors. Sliding a microfiber cloth under your pot and saucer isn't something to set and forget. Make sure you check the cloth every couple of days or shortly after watering, and if it feels damp, smelly, or shows some discoloration, toss it in the wash. When you wash it, be sure you don't use any highly scented soaps or fabric softeners, which can mess up the fibers. You should also wash it separately from other fabrics. By staying on top of the cloth underneath your potted plant, you'll keep your floors dry and your plants happy.