Houseplants can make any room more inviting. Not only are they pleasing to look at, but they’re also great for curbing stress and anxiety, boosting concentration and productivity, and improving overall mental well-being, according to several academic studies.
Over time, however, our plants can end up looking a little dingy, as dust particles and pet hair settle onto their leaves. Fortunately, that’s nothing a quick cleaning can’t fix. Here’s a useful hack that will not only restore some shine to your plant’s leaves but also nourish them with essential vitamins and minerals.
Why Are My Plant’s Leaves Looking Lackluster?
Even the cleanest houses collect dust over time. We remember to wipe down our electronics, our tables, and even our baseboards, but houseplants are often overlooked. Outdoor plants benefit from natural cleaning elements, such as wind and rain, but those living indoors need some assistance.
An Easy Milk Mixture for Plants
Help your plants’ stalks and leaves find their shine by mixing equal parts milk and water in a bowl. Dip the corner of a soft towel in the mixture and gently wipe the leaves with it, taking care not to leave any excess behind. Alternatively, you can apply the solution with a spray bottle, but be sure to immediately wipe the leaves with a clean, dry towel to prevent spots, uneven distribution, or buildup. You can also invest in microfiber dusting gloves to clean the leaves with ease.
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Any type of dairy milk will work (except chocolate, of course), but we recommend using skim milk if you plan to use this hack often. This is because 2% and whole milk have higher concentrations of fats and oils, which can clog the leaves’ pores over time. This makes it harder for the plant to take in air and photosynthesize.
What makes this hack so effective? Milk is packed with vitamins, including vitamin A and B12, which have been shown to reduce disease in some plant varieties. It also delivers essential minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium — all of which improve plant and soil health.
Other Shiny Solutions
Not into using milk to help your green friends glisten? No worries — oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, and neem oil are great alternatives. Just be sure to use a super thin layer and don’t overdo it. Applying fatty oils too often can lead to residue on the leaves. Another option is to use plain old soapy water and a soft cloth to safely remove dust and other buildup.
