terrracotta flower pots

Does anybody know how to remove the white buildup, I assume it's salt from a terracotta flower pot. I've tried to soak it, but it still doesn't come off.

Is a plant in the pot or is it empty?

Vinegar and water, and a soft scrubbing brush, should get rid of it. I'm told this works, but haven't tried it because I'm too lazy to care...lol. And it should work fine, when I get a shoeshine in the winter, the shiner always uses white vinegar to get the salt off of the shoes.

The pots are empty.I guessed and I tried vinegar but it didn't work. What worked som is using a soap free scouring pad when it was dry.

Since they are empty you can use Calcium/Lime remover products

Before you replant in the pot, you may want to paint the inside with Black Jack roofing compound (or something similar). This will seal the pot so it doesn't wick moisture to the outside and cause more mineral staining. It will also allow you to water less frequently. I recommend this to all my clients, not only for terra cotta, but also for any statuary pots (to keep the lime from leaching into the soil and changing the ph).

K

When I did mine I just used dish soap and a scrubbie sponge. Worked for me.

That's what I used the firdt time. It removes some of it but it was too stubborn to all come off. Tried lime and calcium remover, still nothing. I put it in the sun for half a day and most of it baked off. I wonder what would happen in the oven.

As for the lime and calcium remover, you'll need to have the pots submerged in the solution for about a day or two to get an effect.

I've always been leery of using anything non-organic on terracotta pots. Dilute soap is normally okay, but wouldn't the chemicals be soaked up by the pot, and in turn poison anything planted in that pot - assuming one did not want to paint the inside of the pot for whatever reason?

Yes I think so too. Terracotta is so porous it is hard to spray it top seal it, so it very absorbant.
I found trying to remove it when it is dry with a dry, plain,
(no soap) scouring pad works best when the pot is very cold or very hot.
The salt either flakes or becomes a powder when you scrub.

Good plan, thanks. When I transplant a plant, I'll scrub the old pot inside and out with a brush, holding it under running water. That usually gets rid of the build-up, but if that doesn't get it all, I just live with it. Its good to know that there's a solution that doesn't involve chemicals or soap, or painting the pot.

The "chemicals" used in lime removers are diluted acids which are easily neutralized with baking soda or washed out with clean water (allow to soak). Vinegar does the same job just takes a little longer. Then again scrubbing is a good excercise :)

Milan< who should use spell checker before sending


This message was edited Apr 25, 2005 8:42 PM

Thanks Milan for clarifying the best of both options! I'd still rather take the "exercise" route 8-)

Christine.

ceedub,PanamonCreel scrub but do it when the pot is dry- you get better results. When you do it when it is wwet it doesn't seem to come off aswell.
I've done it wet several times before I discovered it was easier when it was dry, and does a beter job.

Thanks jordung, I have some transplanting to do this weekend and will remember your advice.

Me too, my pots are a mess!

Glad I coiuld help, but remember I asked for help first, then made a discovery. When transplanting if you still find that all the salt won't come off, try putting it somewhere where it will get cold or put it in the oven for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. The heat loosens up the salt. It's okay to put it in the oven because my daughter gave me a terracotta roasting pan and I use it often.

Jordung, that's true, I also use a clay baker. I've been examining pots of plants that need transplanting, and I've got my work cut out for me. I'll let you know how it all works out. Thanks.