Helpful tips for keeping flowerpots and vases clean

A beautiful flower in a dirty pot is like a beautiful cake on a food-encrusted plate. You don't clean flowerpots just for aesthetic reasons, though. Plants and their soil may contain viruses, bacteria, fungi or insect pests, which can be passed along to the next plant that's put in the pot.

• Clean your flowerpots using the same method, whether they're made of plastic, glazed or unglazed clay, ceramic, or other materials.
• Wash with dishwashing liquid and water, as you would dishes.
• Scour with a stiff brush to remove algae and mineral deposits, then wash again with a solution of 10 parts water to one part chlorine bleach.
• Rinse with fresh water and dry in the sunshine, which is a great steriliser.

• If you'd prefer to avoid scrubbing, soak the pots for about an hour in a solution of two parts water to one part white vinegar. The minerals and algae should wash off completely.
• To avoid a crusty, white build-up of mineral deposits around the top inner edge of the pot, rub an old candle around the rim. The wax will seal the surface, making mineral build-up less likely.
• You might also take note that the white scaly stuff is a sign that you're giving your plants too much fertiliser. Many keen gardeners do that, so consider taking a more minimalist approach and also get a good book on caring for house plants to check advice on fertilising.
• To keep soil from spattering out of the flowerpot when it rains or when you water the plant, put a layer of pebbles on top of the soil.

• Cut off any leaves below water level.
• Wash the vase and change the water frequently; daily if necessary.
• Use a simple preservative in the water, such as 30 ml (2 tbsp) of white vinegar and 10 ml (2 tsp) of sugar to 1 litre (1 quart) of water. Sugar feeds the flowers while the vinegar inhibits the growth of unwanted mould or fungus.
• Or, use one part tonic water to two parts water.
• Keep the flowers cool and out of direct sunlight to avoid wilting.
• Cut off stray ends periodically to keep the arrangement looking neat.