How to Clean Deposits From Flower Pots

Clean mineral deposits from flowerpots with bleach.

Flowerpots, especially clay flowerpots, have a tendency to develop chalky white mineral deposits on their surfaces with use. Because some gardeners consider these deposits unsightly, cleaning the flowerpots is a common chore. With a little effort using basic household supplies, you can restore the outer surface of your flowerpots and make them look almost new again. Use this technique to prepare flowerpots for holding new plants or before you apply decorative finishes to the flowerpots.

Things You'll Need

• Chlorine bleach
• Small bucket
• Scrub brush

Instructions

1. Measure 2 tbsp. chlorine bleach and 1 qt. cool water into the bucket. Mix the ingredients well to incorporate them.

2. Dip the scrub brush into the diluted bleach solution and scrub the pots with the brush. Continue scrubbing with the brush until you remove all remnants of the white mineral deposits from the flowerpots.

3. Rinse the pots with clear water to remove remaining bleach and the mineral deposits.

4. Leave the pots to dry outside. Once they dry, they should be clean of mineral deposits and the surfaces should appear almost new.

Tips & Warnings

• If the mineral deposits still show on the pots after they dry, soak the pots in a mild bleach solution overnight. Mix 1 part chlorine bleach with 10 parts cool water and submerge the pots in the mixture. Alternatively, soak the pots in a diluted vinegar solution overnight. Mix 1 part white vinegar to 2 parts cool water and submerge the pots in this solution. Rinse the pots thoroughly after soaking and allow them to dry completely.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: The Green Line