What are the best methods for cleaning indoor plant leaves?

Give your indoor plants a bit of a spa day – they deserve it! There's a few ways to get them spruced up. A gentle wipe with a damp cloth is great for big, strong leaves like monsteras or palms. Got a plant with lots of little leaves, like a Boston fern? A proper shower is just the ticket. And those delicate divas with velvety leaves? Think soft brushstrokes to keep them dust-free. Make cleaning part of your plant care routine, and they'll look their absolute best and love you for it!

Indoor Plants aren't just pretty to look at – they work hard cleaning the air and boosting your mood. Give them the TLC they deserve with regular cleaning. Trust us, it's easier than you think, and makes a huge difference for those leafy pals.

Why We Need to Clean Them

• Dust = Dullness: That fine layer of dust blocks sunlight, making your Monstera or Fern look a bit drab.
• Breathe Easy: Clogged-up leaves can't do their job of filtering the air as well. A quick clean helps improve air quality (bonus for us AND them!)
• Bye-Bye Bugs: Dust and grime are an invite for pests. Regular cleaning helps keep those nasties away.

Cleaning Methods: Choose Your Fighter!

1. The Classic Wipe-Down

   • Perfect for: Plants with big, smooth leaves – Monsteras, Palms, ZZ plants, etc.
   • What you need: Soft cloth, a bowl of lukewarm water + a few drops of mild soap (plant-safe stuff is best, but washing-up liquid is ok in a pinch!)
   • How to: Dip, wring out the cloth, wipe gently from base of the leaf outwards. Don't forget the undersides! Clean cloth to rinse off the soap, and a final dry to prevent spots.

2. Shower Time!

   • Perfect for: Lush, leafy plants with loads of small leaves, like Boston Ferns
   • What you need: Sink, bath, or shower with lukewarm water
   • How to: Gently spray the whole plant (avoiding flowers if it has any) Let it drip dry completely.
   • Not for EVERYONE: Succulents, Orchids, and other moisture-sensitive plants might not like this

3. The Gentle Dusting

   • Perfect for: Fuzzy leaves (African Violets) or really delicate plants (some Begonias)
   • What you need: Soft brush (like a small paintbrush), feather duster, or microfibre cloth
   • How to: Super-carefully brush or wipe away the dust. Don't press hard!

Extra Tips:

• Ferns love humidity, so an extra misting between washes is a treat
• Monsteras have cool nooks and crannies where dust hides... get in there!
• Dry off those Orchid leaves well to prevent rot, and avoid getting the flowers wet

Plant Cleaning FAQs

• How often? Every few weeks is a good start. Adjust based on how dusty your home is.
• Can I use fancy leaf shine products? Best to avoid those – a clean leaf is naturally shiny!
• Help, my plant looks awful! A photo and a quick email to our plant experts will get you back on track

We're Your Plant Cleaning Cheerleaders!

Houseplant.co.uk is all about happy, thriving houseplants. That's why we offer...

• A huge selection of gorgeous, healthy plants
• Expert care guides to keep them looking amazing
• A plant-obsessed team to answer any question, no matter how silly it seems!

A little cleaning goes a long way in making both you AND your plant babies feel great. And don't worry, it's way easier than a human spa day!