Those mineral deposits, as well as algae growth, can be detrimental to plants.
Getting Started
Regular upkeep of terra-cotta pots will help to preserve their color.
Mineral deposits, in particular, can sap plants of water, leading to dehydration or burning.
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How to Clean a Terra-Cotta Pot
Cleaning a terra-cotta pot is similar to washing dishes.
Donning a dust mask and protective gloves is recommended for this job.
Alternatively, use a garden hose to dislodge caked-on dirt.
Fill the sink with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap to make a detergent solution.
Place the terra-cotta pots in the detergent solution.
Rinse Pots
Drain the detergent solution and rinse the pots very well in clean water.
If signs of either remain after cleaning, follow the instructions in Step 5 for disinfecting the pots.
Alternatively, terra-cotta pots can be disinfected by washing them in the top rack of the dishwasher.
Store terra-cotta pots rim side-down indoors, and avoid stacking them inside one another, if possible.
Disinfecting Terra-Cotta Pots
Cleaning and disinfecting, or sterilizing, terra-cotta pots are two different things.
Before disinfecting a pot, it is important to first clean it by removing dirt and debris.
Once it is clean, the pot can then be disinfected, using one of two methods.
The first method is to soak the pots in a disinfecting solution.
