A rubber tree is a hardy plant that requires little care and thrives in a humid, indoor climate. A member of the Ficus family, rubber tree plants can grow up to 50 feet tall but are typically grown to 6-to-9 feet indoors. The rubber tree plant has broad leaves that, similar to other flat surfaces in your home, can get dirty or dusty. A number of homemade cleaning treatments, starting with water, can be used to clean and even add shine to your rubber tree plant's leaves.
Step 1
Use a damp cloth on the top and underside of each rubber tree leaf to remove dust and light coatings of dirt and grime.
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Step 2
Add 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap to a quart of water into a bowl. Mix well until the water is sudsy. Use a sponge or a soft cloth to wipe each leaf gently -- on top and underneath -- to remove any dried dirt. Use a clean damp cloth to remove any remaining soap residue.
Step 3
Add a teaspoon of fresh-squeezed lemon juice -- or 1/2 teaspoon of reconstituted lemon juice -- to a pint of water in a bowl or other container and mix well. Apply the lemon-water mixture to rubber tree leaves that have dirt that cannot be removed with plain or soapy water. Wash the leaves underneath and on top. Use a clean, damp cloth to remove any lemon-water residue, which could cause the leaves to burn if placed in direct sunlight.
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