How to Preserve Clay Pots

Washing your clay pots helps preserve them.

In spring, terracotta pots are great containers for planting. They are made from low-fired clay that is porous and absorbs a lot of water. Because they hold water within the clay, they can also be damaged or disintegrate. Proper care of your pots is very important, especially when they are not in use through the colder months.

Things You'll Need

• Stiff scrub brush
• Bleach
• Baking soda

Instructions

1. Remove all of the dirt from your pot. Rinse the inside and outside of the pot while scrubbing with a stiff brush.

2. Wash each pot with a solution of warm soapy water and a 10 percent bleach solution added. This will kill any bacteria or fungus that may have formed on your pots. If you would like, you can do a more intensive sanitizing process by placing each pot in a bleach solution for a total of 30 minutes.

3. Allow each pot to thoroughly dry. Remember that the surface is porous, which means that water can remain inside, even if the pot looks dry. Water inside the pot can cause permanent damage, such as cracks or break as the water expands and freezes in cold temperatures.

4. Store your pots in a clean, dry place throughout the winter. Do not stack the pots for storage, as it may be difficult to get them apart for your spring planting.

Tips & Warnings

• If there has been a buildup of white stuff on your pots, you can make a solution of baking soda and water, until it forms a thick paste. Scrub the pots with the paste with your thick scrub brush until the white stains are gone.

References

• Gardenguides: How to Preserve Terracotta Fower Pots