🪴The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning and Dusting Your Houseplants

Your plants breathe through their leaves — but when dust builds up, it’s like trying to breathe through a dirty window! Regular cleaning keeps them healthy, shiny, and photosynthesizing at their best.

🌿 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

Dust blocks sunlight and clogs pores (stomata), making it harder for plants to absorb light and release oxygen. Clean leaves = happier, healthier plants.

🧽 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟏: 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩

Before cleaning, check for pests like spider mites or aphids. If you spot any, treat those first. Then gently support the leaves with your hand to avoid breakage.

💦 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟐: 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐑𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐞

* For sturdy plants like palms, ferns, and philodendrons:

* Place in the sink or shower.

* Rinse gently with lukewarm water.

* Let drain and air-dry out of direct sun.

🌱 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟑: 𝐖𝐢𝐩𝐞 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲

* For delicate or fuzzy-leaved plants (like African violets):

* Use a soft cloth or paintbrush to gently remove dust.

* For smooth leaves, wipe with a damp microfiber cloth.

🍋 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝟒: 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲

* Skip harsh leaf-shine products! Instead, use a natural solution:

* Mix 1 part milk or vinegar with 10 parts water.