Things You'll Need:
- Small bucket Mild dishwashing liquid Soft brush (like an old toothbrush) Kitchen sponge Water sprayer
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Step 1
Rule out residue from mineral or salt buildup before treating your houseplants for mold. Residue from minerals or salt will be granular in appearance and can be easily wiped away with a damp sponge. Mold, however, is typically fuzzy or powdery and may appear in a variety of colors such as black, yellow or white.
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Step 2
An aphid on a HouseplantIdentify the cause of the mold first so you will know how to prevent future occurrences. Overwatering indoor houseplants typically creates prime conditions for mold to grow. To avoid this allow the soil to dry out about an inch deep before re-watering and place houseplants in an area with plenty of sunlight. Insects like aphids or mealy bugs create perfect mold growing conditions by excreting a sticky substance that serves as a medium for colonizing mold spores. The method for removing mold from houseplants will usually eliminate these pests.
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Step 3
Fill a small bucket with 1 gallon of warm water and add six drops of mild dishwashing liquid. Mix gently with a soft brush.
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Step 4
Dip the sponge into the soapy water and wring it out slightly. Gently wipe away the mold on the larger leaves of the houseplants. Rinse the sponge occasionally in the soapy water, especially if you are also wiping away tiny insects that may be causing the mold.
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Step 5
Immerse the soft brush into the soapy water and brush away mold and insects (if any) from the stems and smaller leaves of the houseplants. Rinse the brush periodically in the soapy water.
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Step 6
Place the treated houseplants in your kitchen sink and mist lukewarm water from the sink sprayer on the leaves and stems to rinse off the soapy residue. If you do not have a kitchen sprayer, take your houseplants outside and use the mister setting on your garden hose sprayer to rinse away the soap.
