One of the best ways to liven up a room indoors is with some houseplants. In addition to purifying the air, they bring a sense of nature into an artificial setting. Indoor plants typically only need watering once every seven days, if that. However, like any household object, indoor plants can become dusty over time. In an otherwise verdant and lively houseplant, this may make it seem lifeless and unclean. However, what should you do if dust begins to accumulate on your houseplants?
Because dust can harm plants and stunt their growth, it’s important to clean your houseplants as soon as they accumulate dust. You can either carefully shower the plant with your garden hose or bring it outside to soak up the rain. For cleaning leaves, you can use either a moist towel or a hand spray bottle. To clean little plants, you can immerse them in water or, alternatively, use a damp cloth to dust them off.
Immediate action is required in the event that you discover dust on any of your houseplants. An indoor plant is more susceptible to harmful effects the longer dust accumulates on it.
Top 6 Ways To Remove Dust From Your Indoor Plants
There are different ways to clean different plants. Read on to find out how to effectively remove dust from houseplants and how to keep them dust-free going forward.
1. Use Spray Feature On Your Garden Hose
Taking your houseplant outside is a great, easy, and fast technique to remove dust. This approach could work very well for those who own a garden hose that can be attached to a shower nozzle and who have access to a backyard.
Transfer your potted plant from the house to the grass if it is lightweight and easy to move around. To clean the plant, choose the rain or mist setting and spray it from different angles. In addition to rinsing off the dust, this will also water the plant thoroughly. Keep in mind to let it sit in the sun for a while. The plant will get some sunshine and its leaves will dry out this way. Mold can form on damp plant parts, therefore it’s best not to bring the plant indoors when its leaves are damp.
2. Use A Squirt Bottle or Shower Attachment Over The Sink
It may be more convenient to water your plant in the sink rather than in the backyard if you don’t have access to a hose or if transferring it outdoors is too much of a hassle. You can carefully rinse the plant of dust if you have a shower nozzle attachment for your sink.
Just like your outdoor hose, but on a smaller scale, your sink can clean just as well. Follow the length of the dusty branches and leaves with the spray nozzle. When the majority of the water has evaporated, let the plant air dry and wipe the leaves down with a fresh cloth. Not only will this keep mold at bay, but it will also keep water from seeping into other areas of the house.
3. Wipe The Leaves With A Damp Cloth
It could be quite a hassle or even impossible to move some houseplants. Use a clean, moist cloth instead of watering the plant if you’re unable to move it to the sink or out into the garden. Carefully use it to wipe away the dust from your houseplant’s leaves and stems.
Since it takes more time and you have to be cautious not to damage any leaves, this method is a little more laborious. However, if you approach the task with care and patience, it can be an excellent method for dust removal from plants. So that you are never wiping away dust with a dirty towel, make sure to clean the cloth frequently.
4. Use A Clean Duster To Remove Hard To Reach Dust
Certain plant species have leaves and stems that should not be exposed to moisture. Diseases and molds that love damp environments tend to be more common in these plants. A duster could be more appropriate for this type of plant. Clean your plant thoroughly, beginning at the top and working your way down. Be sure to trace the large leaves and stems with equal care.
Although dusters may not be able to eliminate all dust, being careful with your houseplants can help them to retain their healthy appearance.
5. Put The Plant Outside When It Rains
Taking advantage of this could be a good idea if you happen to reside in an area where rain is regular. Just before it starts to rain, shift your dusty houseplants outdoors, and oftentimes, mother nature will take care of the rest.
In addition to washing the plant, persistent rain will soak the soil. Rainwater is superior to tap water for the health of plants. So, when it rains, you’ll be doing your houseplants a world of good by taking them outdoors.
6. Dunk Smaller Plants In A Water Bath
Dunking smaller, hardier houseplants in a big basin of water is another option. When it comes to dusting smaller houseplants, this is a quick and effective method. The trick to this technique is to keep the soil from escaping while you submerge the plant. To avoid soil loss, submerge the plants while the soil is still damp rather than when it is dry.
Why Dust Is Harmful To Your Indoor Plants
Dust Clogs A Plant’s Sun Receptors
Not only does dust reduce the aesthetic value of your houseplants, but it can also be harmful to them. This is due to the fact that the leaves of your houseplant are frequently its primary photosynthesis organs. By inhibiting the activity of these receptors, you cut off the plant’s supply of crucial nutrients. If you want your houseplants to thrive, you should clean their leaves regularly.
Dirt And Dust Can Attract Some Bugs
Many plants can die because of bugs. To keep pests from making your plants their home, you should take every precaution. Some insects really enjoy living in dust, therefore it’s best to keep your plant clear of it.
Over Time It Can Make Your Plants Susceptible to Disease
The longer dusty plants are left unattended, the more disease-prone they get. The reason behind this is that it will start to lose nutrition and strength compared to when it was clean and dust-free.
Ways To Prevent Dust From Collecting On Your Indoor Plants
Keep Your Plant Away From HVAC Vents
The amount of dust that settles on your houseplant is directly related to its location. To reduce the quantity of dust that your houseplant collects, it’s best to keep it away from HVAC vents and fans, particularly a return vent.
Get Your Plants Outside From Time To Time
A little TLC goes a long way with houseplants. Let them bask in the sunshine on sunny days and soak up the rain on wet ones. A sunny day or a rainy afternoon will do wonders for your plant, allowing it to remain dust-free for much longer.
Clean The Leaves When You Water
You can clean your houseplant at the same time you water it if it doesn’t require frequent watering. Plants are easier to clean when they aren’t covered in dust, whether you’re using a duster or simple cloth.
Final Thoughts On How To Remove Dust From Indoor Plants
The moment you see dust on your houseplants, you must act swiftly. Plants can be watered outdoors using the shower nozzle. To clean the plants, you can either run water over them or use a damp towel or duster. If you want your plant to be healthy and happy, you should wipe down its leaves regularly.