How to Kill Bacteria in Terra Cotta Flower Pots

Many gardeners prefer terra cotta flower pots because of their density, porosity and natural appearance. Terra cotta pots are comprised of kiln-fired clay, which enables moisture and air to permeate plant roots, and allows water drainage. Like plastic flower pots, terry cotta pots require disinfection with each use as their clay surfaces acquire mineral deposits and soil debris. Aside from appearing dingy, this mineral and soil buildup often contains bacteria that potentially damage plants. Kill bacteria in terra cotta flower pots before reusing them.

1 cup white vinegar
1 cup rubbing alcohol
Bucket
Spoon
Spray bottle
Wire brush
Garden hose
Chlorine bleach

Instructions

- 1
  Remove soil and salt deposits from the terra cotta pot before disinfecting it. Begin by pouring 1 cup of white vinegar, 1 cup of rubbing alcohol and 1 cup of water into a bucket. Thoroughly mix the solution.
- 2
  Fill a spray bottle with the homemade solution. Spray the entire flower pot liberally with the solution.
- 3
  Scrub the entire flower pot with a wire brush, loosening all soil and salt deposits.
- 4
  Rinse the solution and loose deposits off the flower pot using a garden hose.
- 5
  Prepare a bleach solution to kill any bacteria in the pot. Begin by refilling the bucket -- first make sure it’s clean -- with 1 cup of household bleach per 1 gallon of cool water. Add enough bleach solution to completely submerge the pot in, then thoroughly mix the solution.
- 6
  Submerge the entire pot in the bleach solution. Leave the pot in the bleach solution overnight.
- 7
  Flush the bleach solution off the flower pot. Let the pot air-dry.

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