rfc@calmasd.UUCP (Robert Clayton) (08/16/85)
> > I know you can boil vinegar and water in a tea kettle to remove the > deposits, so I would assume that a similar treatment could be used on > clay flower pots. > > -=:| Alan Taylor |:=- Vinegar is an acid. A more industrial version is muriatic acid available at any swimming pool supply outlet and many hardware stores. You could soak them in a plastic tub filled with a diluted solution. Don't use metal buckets. Muriatic acid is used for removing the encrusted salts around the edges of swimming pools. They call it acid washing. When you buy the acid, ask them what dilution to use for acid washing. Wear rubber gloves of course. Bob Clayton GE Calma San Diego
dkatz@zaphod.UUCP (Dave Katz) (08/21/85)
In the past week or so, there have been a few articles recommending the
use of acids (vinegar, muriatic -aka sulphuric) for cleaning clay pots.
Since the clay is porous, there is a very good chance that residuals
from these acids will be left in the clay. Thereafter it will be
difficult to maintain the pH level of the soil and your plants will
likely suffer (read 'die'). Rather than risk the plants which are more
expensive that your run-of-the-mill clay pot, I would recommend
replacing the pots. If the pot is special (e.g. unusual design, one
that your great-grandmother left in her will, ...) then I would suggest
using a fine wire brush, kurly kate, steel wool,... before trying acids.
Try these on the bottom of the pot first to see what kind of damage is
done.
If you must use acids:
- don't use sulphuric as the residual sulphur, even if the acid is
neutralized, can harm your plant. Most plants want only a very small
trace amount of sulphur for good growth (this applies to lawns too,
where you should be careful to buy fertilizers without sulphur most of
the time unless your soil has a high pH.)
- vinegar is probably best since it is a mild organic acid. After
cleaning the pot give it a thorough wash in a mild solution of baking
soda and water and rinse well or soak for at least a day
- check the pH of the soil as soon as any plant put in an acid-cleaned
pot shows discolorations.
Uses for old clay pots that have been scrapped due to surface deposits:
- break them up and use the pieces for drainage in the bottom of the
new pots.
- plant cuttings from propagated plants, or fill with soil and put
beside ground spreading plants you wish to propagate
- use as nursery pots for plants which are not on show
- use as legs under board/plywood surfaces in your nursery area
- see if any garden shops will take them back for their own use -trade in
- plant garden plants which are likely to cause problems by speading in
the old pots and then put them back in the ground
Other SERIOUS suggestions on uses for old clay pots welcome!
-------
Just think how nice your potted plants will all look when you follow my
advice and buy them all new shoes.
D.Katzdkatz@zaphod.UUCP (Dave Katz) (08/21/85)
Correction to my last posting: Since posting it, I have been corrected. Muriatic acid is not sulphuric acid, but hydrochloric. I still wouldn't use it. D.K.
ems@amdahl.UUCP (ems) (09/04/85)
> > Other SERIOUS suggestions on uses for old clay pots welcome! > ------- > My fish (>200 gallons in six tanks...) love to use them as hiding places and homes. But clean them up before you put them in a tank. It would also be possible to use them as homes for fish in a decorative garden pond. -- E. Michael Smith ...!{hplabs,ihnp4,amd,nsc}!amdahl!ems This is the obligatory disclaimer of everything. (Including but not limited to: typos, spelling, diction, logic, and nuclear war)