Cleaning terra cotta pots

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Home > Forums > Gardening Other > > Current Topic: Cleaning terra cotta pots Cleaning terra cotta pots

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Netty
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Joined: 04 Nov 2006
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Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 8:06 pm Post subject: Cleaning terra cotta pots
I have some large terra cotta pots that have a white film on them. I've tried several cleaners but as soon as the pots dry out the stains re-appear. Does anyone have a secret they could share with me?

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toni
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Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 8:21 pm Post subject:
According to this article, soak them 24 hours in a mixture of bleach and water then scrub well. Afterwards soak for 15 minutes in plain water to remove traces of the bleach. http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/gl_containers_pots/article/0,1785,HGTV_3562_1374367,00.html

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Frank
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Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 8:22 pm Post subject:
Netty I believe this is a calcium deposit and because it's alkaline a vinegar solution should help in removing it (acidic). Maybe get a wire brush to them _________________ PlantStew is new and needs your help, please contribute what you can. It will benefit members and visitors alike. Thanks!

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Netty
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Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 9:58 pm Post subject:
Thanks guys! I'll try it and let you know!

stratsmom
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Posted: Thu Mar 15, 2007 10:48 pm Post subject:
I think the wire brush works best!!! Deanna

CritterPainter
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Posted: Fri Mar 16, 2007 3:29 am Post subject:
I look forward to hearing your results too, I had always assumed it couldn't be removed ( my teacher in college said so, but I've found them to be wrong every once in awhile!) _________________ Mary I have a mind like a steel...sieve

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Gizmo
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Posted: Sun Mar 25, 2007 4:24 pm Post subject:
Frank I was also told Vinegar. I wouldn't use cleaners because some pots will not rinse all of the chemicals out (in the grain were u cant see it) and hurt your plants. _________________ G!zMo

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