Cleaning terracotta pots whitened by limescale
Are your pretty terracotta pots covered in white marks? It's the limescale from the watering water coming out. Here is how to renovate them.
Recommended Materials
- White vinegar
- Hard brush
- Basin of water
- Linseed oil (optional)
Steps to follow
Step 1
Empty the pot of its soil and brush off dry soil residues inside and out with a hard brush.
Step 2
Prepare a descaling bath in a large basin or sink: mix 1 volume of white vinegar for 3 or 4 volumes of water.
Step 3
Immerse the pots completely in this mixture. You will hear a little sizzling and see bubbles rising to the surface: it is the chemical reaction of the vinegar dissolving the limescale embedded in the pores of the terracotta.
Step 4
Let soak for at least 24 hours. If the pots float, weigh them down with a stone.
Step 5
Take them out and scrub vigorously with a hard brush or abrasive sponge to remove white residues that have been softened by the acid.
Step 6
Rinse thoroughly with clear water to remove all traces of vinegar.
Step 7
Let dry in the sun until complete evaporation of moisture.
Step 8
To revive the brick red color and protect the pot: wipe a cloth soaked in linseed oil on the outside of the pot. It nourishes the terracotta, makes it shinier and slightly water-repellent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should pots be disinfected ?
Yes, imperatively if the previous plant died of disease or parasites. Add a little bleach to the rinsing water to kill fungal spores and eggs.
Why do my pots break in winter ?
Terracotta is porous, it soaks up water. If this water freezes, it increases in volume and bursts the pot. Bring them in from the frost or empty them and turn them upside down in winter so they don't hold water.
Precautions
- Rinse the vinegar well before repotting a plant (acidity can harm roots).
- Handle large pots with care (heavy).
