Should you use vinegar to get rid of residue buildup on plant leaves?

Sometimes when you’re watering your houseplants or checking on them, you may notice residue build-up on the leaves. This usually means mineral deposits have built up over time. Although it’s not outright harmful to your plant, you’ll want to clean the leaves so there isn’t any blockage preventing sunlight from reaching them. A layer of mineral buildup could prevent the leaves from photosynthesizing, which isn’t beneficial to your plants. 

We spoke to horticulturists on why residue buildup occurs, how to remove it, and why using an acid is helpful. 

Why Houseplants May Have Residue 

Houseplants are exposed to dust in the house that may accumulate on the leaves, along with spots of water that may drip on the leaves when you’re watering. “As water on the leaves evaporates, minerals such as calcium are left behind and show up and a white or gray residue that’s sometimes mistaken for pests or pest damage,” says Justin Hancock, consumer horticulturist and Director of Research & Development at Costa Farms, and author of The New Complete Guide to Houseplants.

Why You Want To Remove Mineral Residue On Plant Leaves

Mineral residue can act as a barrier that can limit the plant’s ability to take in sunlight. Residue won’t directly harm the plant, but it’s not helpful, either. “Dust, hard water deposits, and mineral residue can accumulate on houseplant leaves over time and create a film that blocks sunlight and can reduce the plant’s ability to photosynthesize efficiently,” says Anton Ledin, a trained gardener and Plant Expert at Planta. Sunlight is a plant’s energy source, so receiving less light can weaken the plant, says Hancock. 

Residue buildup could also make it more difficult to know if there are pests lurking in your plants or causing damage. “Residue can also mask the early signs of pest damage—allowing an infestation to spread more widely and be more difficult to contain,” says Hancock. 

How To Clean The Leaves

Wipe down the leaves with a cloth to remove dust, or dampen a paper towel or cloth. “For routine leaf cleaning, a simple dry dusting is usually enough to remove buildup,” says Ledin. “If the leaves need a bit more attention, plain room-temperature water and a soft cloth are all you need.”

For mineral buildup that is trickier or harder to remove, mix vinegar and water. “A solution of one part regular white vinegar to ten parts water is a great way to help get rid of residue,” says Hancock. “The acidity in the vinegar can help dissolve minerals so that the residue doesn’t appear again after the leaves dry.” Make sure to dilute vinegar first as the acidity can damage plant leaves, he adds. Avoid using other types of vinegar, such as apple-cider or balsamic vinegar, Hancock says. 

What’s the best type of cloth to use to wipe down the leaves? “A microfiber cloth is preferable over a paper towel because it’s gentler and less likely to scratch or damage the leaf surface,” says Ledin.

Experts agree that a mixture of vinegar and water should be used sparingly and for mineral deposits on leaves that can’t be wiped away with water. You don’t want to use vinegar every time you clean the leaves. 

Why Is An Acid Helpful 

Wiping down the leaves only with water may not remove the residue, so using an acid, such as vinegar, can help. “A lot of the common minerals that cause buildup in water are alkaline in nature, so applying something with some light acidity helps dissolve those minerals, allowing the residue to be removed,” says Hancock. Hard water stains are often from deposits of calcium and magnesium, says Ledin. Using vinegar can help break down alkaline buildup. “Vinegar contains acetic acid, which helps to dissolve these alkaline mineral deposits so they can be wiped away more easily,” says Ledin.

Read the original article on Southern Living