What Can I Put on a Clay Pot to Restore the Finish?

Elbow Grease

• Elbow grease is the first ingredient in clay pot care. Remove the visible mineral deposits by scraping them with a dull knife. Once the majority of the buildup is gone, you can scrub the surface of your clay pot with a steel wool pad or wire brush.

Soap and Water

• Soap will remove the rest of the debris clinging to the outside of the pot. Scrub the inside and outside of the clay pot with a mixture of dish soap and water, using a scrubbing sponge. Rinse the pot under cool water.

Bleach

• Bleach acts as a sterilizer while it also lightens any stains on the clay. Submerse the pot in a solution of bleach water, nine parts water to one part bleach. Continue soaking in the bleach for 15 to 30 minutes or until all stains are gone.

Water

• Water dilutes any impurities or toxins left behind in the clay from the cleaning process. Rinse the pot and submerse it in a bucket of clear water for at least 24 hours or until you are ready to plant.