Reusing Clay Pots

[D&S Mabel]

Good Evening:

I would like to reuse my clay orchid pots.

What is the best way to clean and sterilize them?

Thanks All

[Ray]

I have heard that a good soak in water containing Epsom Salts is a good way to loosen up the mineral deposits so they can be easily scrubbed off. After that, a soak in a Physan or bleach solution will be effective for disinfecting them (1 tsp/gal or 1 ounce/gal, respectively).

[D&S Mabel]

Thanks Ray, they are soaking as I type! I figure to soak them in the fungicide, let them dry out then soak them in the epsom salts.

[Oscarman]

I would do all of the above, allow to thoroughly dry and bake in the oven at 300° F for 30 minutes.

[Tommyr]

I put mine in a 3-5 gal. bucket of water and add a cup of bleach. They almost clean themselves!

Forgot to add that I let them soak for about 24 hours.

Tom

[cb977]

I clean mine in a bleach solution without soaking at all (other than the bleach solution)...haven't had any problems

[flhiker]

Originally Posted by Oscarman

I would do all of the above, allow to thoroughly dry and bake in the oven at 300° F for 30 minutes.

If you decide to use this method let me recommend that you put the pot's in a cold oven and allow to heat up with the oven, it will prevent cracking. They are made with the same material as Mexican tile (taracota) which I use as a pizza stone. I have broke many before I figured it out

[Lagoon]

Yap, bleach soak for me too. Although I'm starting to think the dish washer might be a good idea

[cneos]

I've used dishwasher for plastic and clay pots. Just be sure that you don't have soap or a regular dish liquid residue from pre-washing the pots. If dish liquid gets into your dishwasher, you'll never get rid of soap foam and bubbles. I learned the hard way.

Also it's best to let clay pots heat up with your oven, 'bake' at 325 for 1/2 hour then turn oven off and allow cool down as oven cools down.