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- Beginner Discussion (http://www.orchidboard.com/community/beginner-discussion/)

- - Cleaning leaves (http://www.orchidboard.com/community/beginner-discussion/74894-cleaning-leaves.html)

Hi! What do you use to clean the dust and mineral deposits off your orchid leaves?

I heard it was lemon juice. I use water.

If I remember correctly someone says used mayo.

Milk is another thing that is used.

I have read about some issues with bugs that might be attracted to mayo or milk, but I haven't tried them. I used lemon juice, and maybe I used too much, but that left stains on my orchid leaves as well???? I have had good luck with "Rise and Shine" from First Rays Rise & Shine - Quart Spray Bottle $10.00 Other First Rays I grow orchids for myself and don't show them, so I don't absolutely have to have orchids with clean leaves, but, I can't imagine dust on the leaves is a good idea. I have a fireplace insert (also a humidifier) and burn wood leaving lot of dust that I have to clean up; and in the spring and summer there is pollen and dust from heaven knows where. I clean my orchid leaves every couple of weeks or if they look really dusty. I don't spray the whole plant though, I think that would use a lot of spray and leave a mess in my living room. I spray some on a small piece of clean paper towel and clean the leaves of one plant at a time adding a little more spray as needed--then I use a new paper towel for the next plant. This takes a while but is well worth the effort. I get to inspect each plant, and I love the clean slightly shiny leaves. If only they would stay that way for a while!

Thanks for the tip, Judy :waving

Seriously...I have it from a well known grower they use beer! I don't drink it myself but if I need to have a plant look really good for displaying I swipe one from the fridge and hope the hubby doesn't notice since he likes the good stuff :biggrin:

Leaf Shine. Get it at most larger stores like CVC, Mall Fart, Lowes, Home Cheapo, ect.

I use RODI water.
Just wish it would also take the stupid hard water stains off my fish bowl.

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I have had great luck for Phals. and Catts. by rubbing squeezed lemon juice with a paper towel, letting it sit a minute and then flushing with water. If stains are stubborn I repeat the process. Lemon juice is gently acidic and it's natural. The key is to rinse the leaves (and I flush the plant too) with water afterwards. I haven't tried it with thinner leaves orchids but I don't think it would hurt them.