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Thursday, May 6, 2021

Reclaiming a Dingy and Stained Garden Pot


I should've taken a "before" photo. I've had this pot for about 25 years. It's had indoor as well as outdoor plants in it. For the last 7 or 8 years, it's been a outdoor pot and really took a beating in our damp weather. The pot was stained by mildew and looked very dingy. It was actually looking kind of gray instead of its original almond/beige.

I needed a large pot for 1 tomato plant to gift to my son and daughter-in-law for their porch. I thought I'd be able to scrub the plastic clean. When that didn't work, I decided to soak it in my oversized sink with bleach and water. After about a 2-hour soak (with me turning it over periodically to get all sides bleached), the pot came out very clean. It's now presentable enough to offer to someone else.


I was just really thrilled with this and wanted to share. After the fact, I looked up removing mildew stains from plastic outdoor furniture, and sure enough, bleach and water is one of the recommended methods. Garden Axis recommends a mixture of half bleach/half water in a pump spray bottle. Spray the furniture piece, wipe with the scrubby side of a sponge or a rag, and then rinse well with the hose. I'll be trying this on our plastic patio chairs this weekend. 


4 comments:

  1. The pot looks good as new. :) I gave my son a planting box for his balcony for his birthday this year with a tomato and pepper plant in it. He's not really into plants, but seems to be enjoying it so far. Yesterday, he sent me a picture with the first blossom. I on the other hand, haven't planted any tomatoes yet. But the last frost date is rapidly approaching, so soon.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Live and Learn,
      That's sweet that your son would send you a photo of the first blossom. Even if he's not into plants, I'm sure he will appreciate some free fresh veggies. My son and daughter-in-law are not really into gardening either, but I thought they might enjoy some free fresh tomatoes later in summer.

      Delete
  2. Before I read more than the title, I thought, huh, the pot looks fine to me! Then I realized it was the after picture. This is good info! We don't like to toss old pots and it's good to know a way to freshen them up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kris,
      Yeah, I really should have taken a "before" photo. It was a remarkable transformation. I have some fiberglass-type pots that have faded badly that I'm looking into painting. I'll see if that works, soon.

      Delete

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