A Complete Guide for Cleaning Your Houseplants

Having plants in your home is a wonderful way to bring a touch of nature indoors, keep the air pure, and add life to any space. But just like any other item, houseplants can get quite dusty or dirty. This means they’ll need some cleaning to stay healthy and vibrant.

Whether you’ve been nurturing plants for years or are just starting your indoor jungle, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ll share the best ways to clean your indoor plants and their surroundings, plus some tips on how to make this a regular part of your routine for house cleaning here in West Palm Beach.

What is the best method to clean plants?

Plants may be tough, but they’re also delicate. They are living organisms – harsh cleaning chemicals and rough handling can easily damage their leaves or stems. Remember, cleaning your greenery requires a gentle touch. The good news is there are simple and effective ways to keep your plants fresh and their places pristine. Here are the most important ones.

Dust those leaves

A light dusting is just what your leafy plants need for a quick refresh. Grab a soft cloth or feather duster and gently brush away the dust that accumulated on the leaves. Don’t forget to dust both sides of each leaf to help plants absorb sunlight better and prevent pests from hiding. This simple step can make all the difference in how your plants look and feel.

Give them a shower

Many plants love showers! Research whether this is a good idea for your specific plants, and if it is, take them to the sink, shower, or bathtub. Use lukewarm water to rinse the leaves, just be careful to keep the water pressure light. This method effectively removes dust and dirt without the need for wiping. 

Thoroughly rinse all leaves, and then allow your plants to drip dry in a well-ventilated area before you return them to their usual spots. Just be careful not to expose them to direct sunlight before they’re dry! Showering is particularly useful for larger plants or those that are difficult to dust and wipe individually.

Wet-wipe the grime

Sometimes, your plants may collect tougher buildup or stains, and dusting them just isn’t enough. This means it’s time for the next level of cleaning – wiping. Dampen a soft cloth with lukewarm water and gently wipe each leaf while supporting it from underneath to prevent breakage.

Alternatively, you could spray water on them and then wipe them, but always be gentle so as not to remove their natural protective wax. However, some plants with fuzzy or hairy leaves shouldn’t be exposed to water like that. For those, dusting with a soft brush is the best option.

Spruce up their spaces

Houseplants are not just passive recipients of dust and grime. They can also shed leaves, pollen, and other organic matter, and tidying up the area around them is as vital as maintaining the plants themselves. 

It keeps them looking fresh and healthy, promotes better light absorption, prevents the buildup of pests and diseases, and also helps your home stay spotless. You should dedicate time to wiping down pots, saucers, and shelves, and for vacuuming or sweeping the floor around your plants to keep everything tidy.

Update your routine

The best way to keep your houseplants in shape is to include cleaning them in your regular routine. How often you tackle these tasks will depend on the type of plant you have and how dusty your home gets. As a rule of thumb, you should dust them every or every other week, with a more thorough treatment every month or so. Remember, consistency is key to happy and healthy plants!

Where can I schedule a professional house cleaning in West Palm Beach?

Feeling overwhelmed trying to keep your home in tip-top shape? Tired of spending all your free time scrubbing the kitchen spaces, polishing the bathroom until it shines, or cleaning up after your pets? Let Custom Cleaning of the Palm Beaches take the reins with our top-notch, detail-oriented cleaning services that’ll leave your whole residence sparkling.

Whether you’re just a stone’s throw from Palm Beach Outlets or anywhere else in the West Palm Beach area, we’ve got you covered. Leave the home maintenance to us, and enjoy more time for yourself and your leafy friends. Get in touch with us today!