How to Keep Your Houseplants Clean

As much as we love sunny days, warm weather, and spending more time outdoors, summer can bring some unique challenges for our houseplants and our homes. Many of the most common houseplants are tropical or subtropical plants, meaning they thrive in warm, humid environments. With longer days and more sunlight, summer can be an ideal time for many plants to grow.

However, summer also means increased humidity, open windows, outdoor pests, pollen, and more frequent watering. If you move your houseplants outside to enjoy the warmer weather, they can also bring dirt, insects, and plant debris back inside when it’s time to return them indoors.

A little preparation and regular maintenance can help keep your plants healthy while preventing them from creating extra cleaning work around your Asheville home.

Here are a few green cleaning tips for houseplants to help you enjoy a clean, healthy home all summer long!

Check for Pests Regularly

Warm summer weather in Western North Carolina can be great for plants, but it can also be great for unwanted pests. Aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and other insects can become more active during the warmer months.

If you move your houseplants outdoors for the summer, inspect them regularly for signs of pests. Check both the tops and undersides of leaves, along stems, and around the soil. Catching an infestation early can help prevent insects from spreading to your other plants or eventually making their way back indoors.

If you notice pests, gently rinse the plant with lukewarm water. A garden hose can work well for larger plants, while smaller plants can often be rinsed in a sink or shower.

For an additional green cleaning step, you can use a mild soapy-water solution that is appropriate for the specific plant. Always test the solution on a small section of the plant first, and avoid harsh household cleaners that can damage leaves.

Keep Leaves Free of Dust and Pollen

Summer brings plenty of pollen and outdoor debris, which can settle on your plants just as easily as they settle on your furniture, windows, and other household surfaces.

Dust and pollen buildup can make leaves look dull and can interfere with the amount of light reaching the plant. Regularly cleaning your plants can help them stay looking fresh while keeping accumulated debris from becoming a larger cleaning problem.

For larger leaves, use a soft, clean cloth or microfiber rag dampened with lukewarm water. Gently wipe the surface of each leaf, being careful not to bend, tear, or otherwise damage the plant.

Smaller plants can often be rinsed gently with water. Allow the leaves to dry naturally in an area with good air circulation.

Avoid using furniture polish, oils, or other household cleaning products on your plants. These products aren't designed for plant leaves and may cause damage or leave behind a residue that attracts even more dust.

Be Careful With Leaf-Shining Products

Summer is a great time to enjoy beautiful, vibrant houseplants, but you don't need commercial leaf-shining products to make them look their best.

Some leaf-shine products and oils can leave a coating on the leaves. This coating may interfere with the plant's natural functions and can cause dust to stick to the surface.

Instead, stick with a simple green cleaning approach: water and a soft cloth. Removing dust and pollen regularly can help your plants maintain their natural appearance without introducing unnecessary chemicals or residues into your home.

Healthy plants will have plenty of natural shine on their own!

Choose Green Cleaning for Your Plant Care Routine

Taking care of houseplants doesn't have to involve harsh chemicals or complicated cleaning products. In many cases, simple green cleaning methods, such as water, microfiber cloths, gentle rinsing, and regular maintenance, are all you need to keep your plants and their surrounding areas clean.

By regularly inspecting plants for pests, wiping away dust and pollen, cleaning pots, adjusting watering habits, and keeping plant areas tidy, you can enjoy your houseplants without adding unnecessary mess to your summer cleaning routine.

A clean home and healthy houseplants are a perfect combination for enjoying the warm summer months!

Until next time, happy cleaning!