How to Clean Peace Lily Leaves

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Things You'll Need

  • Cloth

  • Plastic bag

Proper cleaning keeps peace lily foliage glossy.

A common indoor flowering plant, the peace lily sends up tall stalks with white, single-petaled flowers. These tropical plants tolerate the lower-light conditions in most homes well. The broad evergreen leaves provide year-round color, but they also attract dust and dirt. Peace lily foliage is normally deep green and glossy, but it begins to dull as dust collects. The dust eventually interferes with the ability of the leaves to take in sunlight and oxygen. Weekly cleaning keeps the plant both healthy and attractive.

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Step 1

Dampen a soft cloth in warm tap water. Use a lint-free or microfiber cloth so you don't transfer more dust onto the foliage.

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Step 2

Wrap the cloth around the leaf so it is in contact with both the top and bottom of the foliage. Wipe the leaf from the stem end to the tip with gentle pressure, so you don't pull the leaf from the lily.

Step 3

Rinse the cloth in clear water between each leaf. Wring out the excess moisture from the cloth so it is damp but not soaking wet.

Step 4

Once monthly, rinse the foliage with a gentle spray of water, either in a kitchen sink or in the shower. Wrap a plastic bag around the pot to keep the soil from washing out, then spray down the plant with water. Allow it to dry in bright, indirect light so fungus doesn't grow on the wet foliage.

Tip

Spray the plant with an insecticidal soap wash if you find mites or aphids on the foliage when cleaning the plant.

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