Do I Need to Clean Houseplant Leaves?

If you’re a plant lover, you might be wondering if it’s really necessary to clean your houseplant leaves. With your ever-present green thumb, you may be an expert at growing healthy plants but might be a novice at cleaning them properly. After all, they’re just sitting there minding their own business. But as it turns out, there are a few good reasons to give them a regular cleaning. Here’s what you need to know!

Why Cleaning Houseplant Leaves Is Important

While most people think of houseplants as little green adornments that only require a bit of water and attention, an often-misunderstood aspect of plant care is how to clean plant leaves naturally. As leaves collect dust and grime from being inside our homes, they may go from lush and vibrant to dull and lifeless.

Fortunately, cleaning the leaves can give your precious plants the boost they need! And how great does it feel when something brightens up your living space? Now you can enjoy not one but two different types of greenery – indoors and out!

The Benefits of Cleaning Houseplant Leaves

• Promotes cleanliness – Cleaning your houseplant leaves can do wonders for the overall health of your plant! Giving your houseplants a deep cleaning from time to time can help keep their leaves free of dust and reduce any pests or mold issues.
• Encourages better air quality – When dust and dirt collect on various surfaces, it can negatively impact your indoor air quality. Removing dust particles from plant leaves keeps pollutants from entering your air ducts and circulating throughout your home.
• Improves your plants’ appearance – Cleaning may help increase air circulation and photosynthesis and make all those green leaves shine like nobody’s business!
• Helps relieve stress – Cleaning (regardless of when, where, or how) is a great way to relax, destress and show your houseplants that you care.

What Cleaning Products Are Useful for Cleaning Houseplant Leaves?

Cleaning houseplants can be a lot of fun, adding to the sense that you’re giving your indoor plants additional TLC. It can also help fight a build-up of dust and debris, making your home look neater and air quality healthier. So, what should you use to clean indoor plant leaves?

Generally, it’s best to keep it simple and use a mixture of water, mild dish soap, or even just water alone. If you have an especially heavy dust build-up, wiping with a damp cloth or an old soft-bristle toothbrush might do the trick. Just remember not to scrub too hard, as the leaves may suffer some damage.

Additionally, a bit of distilled white vinegar mixed with warm water can help to make your foliage look brand spanking new without overly interfering with its delicate balance. Doing this every 3-4 months or so can leave your beloved houseplants looking just like how you purchased them.

Tips for Keeping Your Houseplants Healthy and Happy

Taking care of healthy houseplants is an enjoyable activity that can help you relax and may make your home look more vibrant. With the following simple tips, you can ensure that your beloved houseplants flourish.

• Provide enough sunlight – Start by positioning your plants in areas where they’ll receive enough light; this will depend on what type of plant it is, as some need direct sun, while others prefer indirect sunlight.
• Give plants plenty of water – You should also water them often but not too much. Be sure to test the soil before every watering and only give it H2O when needed.
• Use fertilizer – Don't forget to fertilize your plants from time to time! Now that you’ve got these tips in mind, get ready to show off those healthy houseplants and bask in their beauty.
• Dust leaves monthly – Keep dirt and debris off your plant leaves and the soil’s surface to help promote growth and decrease the chances of disease invading the root system.

Merry Maids® Can Help Get Your Home Spick-and-Span!

Regularly cleaning your houseplant leaves comes with several benefits that help keep your plant and home healthy and looking their best. Not to mention, it’s satisfying to see all the dirt and dust come off something you take care of day in and out.

Now that you know how to clean houseplant leaves and why it’s important, there’s no excuse not to add this simple cleaning task to your monthly routine. And if keeping your plants clean is starting to feel like a full-time job, Merry Maids is always here to help!

Contact us today for a free cleaning estimate and learn more about our comprehensive services!