How to Clean Houseplant Foliage without Damaging Leaves

Find out how to safely clean houseplant foliage in a sustainable way that doesn’t damage the leaves. Leaves are delicate and will brown and scratch if you don’t clean them correctly. Learn the secret to cleaning your houseplant foliage so that it becomes clean and shiny, and the plant is better able to clean your indoor air.

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Video Transcript

Hello and welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, where we teach you all about gardening in the great indoors. If you’d like to support our show, please use our Amazon affiliate link below. Today, I’m going to give you a tip for safely cleaning your houseplant leaves.

Dusting your houseplant leaves is important because houseplants do collect dust, dirt, and other particles. You really want to keep them clean because houseplants breathe, and that’s how they get their nutrients. Actually, what happens is they take in toxins from the air and transform those toxins through their leaves and roots into nutrients for the soil. It’s an incredible process! I also have a video on how houseplants clean the air. As they clean the air, they also feed themselves.

Keeping your plants’ leaves clean helps them work optimally to clean your air and stay healthy. If their stomata—breathing pores located on the underside and sometimes the top of leaves—are clogged up with dust, grime, and pollution, they won’t be working at their best. Especially common in our homes, dust can hinder them significantly. So, you want to keep them clean, but it’s crucial to be gentle with the cleaning process.

The leaf surfaces of plants are delicate, especially for plants with thinner leaves. You may notice brown striations or scratches on the leaves if they’re cleaned too roughly. Even materials like paper towels, which may contain wood fibers, can cause fine lines on the leaves. Unfortunately, these marks won’t go away, and you’ll have to wait for new leaves to grow.

I suggest using a microfiber cloth, the kind used for cleaning electronics. These cloths are designed not to scratch screens, and you can use them to clean your houseplants just as effectively. If the leaves are especially dusty, you can start with a dry cloth. For a bit more cleaning power, spray a fine mist of water on the cloth.

This is my Schefflera, also known as an umbrella plant. It wasn’t too dirty, but I did manage to find some dust. As you can see, the microfiber cloth is picking up some grime, which is a good reason to clean your plants regularly. Often, they don’t look dirty until you start cleaning, just like many things in your house. You begin to clean and think, “Oh, geez, I didn’t realize it was that bad.” Plants are no different!

Microfiber cloths are machine washable, so you can use them multiple times, making them a sustainable choice over paper towels. You can wash and reuse them as many times as needed. I suggest using a light spray of water on the cloth, but if your plant is really dusty, you can soak the cloth, wring it out, and wipe down the leaves thoroughly.

I appreciate the microfiber cloth because I can rub it gently on the leaves without worrying about brown lines or spots appearing later. Some plants are so delicate that, after rough cleaning, their leaves may brown or even fall off, which can be considered a “cleaning injury.” Avoid this by using microfiber instead.

Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave any comments about indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video. And, please check the bell to be notified when new videos are released.

FAQ's - How to Clean Houseplants 101

FAQ: Cleaning Houseplant Leaves

Why is it important to clean houseplant leaves?

Houseplants collect dust and grime, which can clog their stomata and hinder their ability to breathe and clean the air. Regular cleaning helps plants stay healthy and improves their air-purifying abilities.

How do houseplants clean the air?

Houseplants absorb toxins through their leaves and roots, transforming them into nutrients for the soil. This process not only purifies the air but also feeds the plants.

What is the best way to clean houseplant leaves?

Use a microfiber cloth, as it is gentle on leaves and won’t cause scratches. You can use it dry or with a light mist of water for extra cleaning power.

Why shouldn’t I use paper towels to clean leaves?

Paper towels may contain wood fibers that can leave scratches on delicate leaf surfaces. Using a microfiber cloth is gentler and prevents these fine lines.

How often should I clean my houseplants?

It’s good to clean your plants regularly, even if they don’t look dirty. Dust can accumulate over time and affect the plant’s health.

Are microfiber cloths reusable?

Yes, microfiber cloths are machine washable and can be reused many times, making them a sustainable option for plant care.

Can rough cleaning damage my plants?

Yes, rough cleaning can cause brown spots, striations, or even leaf drop, especially on delicate plants. Gently wipe with a microfiber cloth to avoid these issues.