cleaning plant leaves with rubbing alcohol

When pruning, make sure to use clean, sharp scissors or garden shears. Which, really, is everyone. How do the results change if you start with leaves that no longer are green? Use Rubbing Alcohol to Kill Scales on Plants. Dissolve two tablespoons of dish soap in a gallon of water. There is no need to dry the parts when transferring them to the next solvent, however blotting them on a paper towel to remove the majority of the first solution is recommended. If the leaves are large, you can even use a damp cloth to wipe them down. I was chatting with some of the community members over on Hometalk a while ago and I mentioned that I’d figured out the kitchen grease cleaning trick after I’d … Place the entire potted plant in a plastic bag and tie the bag closed. Gently brush from the base of the leaf to the tip to dislodge dust and other debris. amzn_assoc_asins = "B0071E1YJO"; Rubbing alcohol is a versatile product that can be used in a variety of cleaning situations. Remove Stains on Clothes. Treat the Aphids with Rubbing Alcohol. Then make your observations. NOTE: You do NOT have to use the Epsom salt spray, you can just use the milk spray. Before you apply the rubbing alcohol, wipe your item with a clean, damp rag to get rid of any dirt or grease. Then pour the alcohol in a soft handkerchief or cloth, and wipe it up immediately. Not only does it remove many of the most common stains, but it also doesn’t damage the carpet or remove any color from the fibers. While working with your plants, take the time to look for fallen leaves on the ground or in plant containers. Method 2: Rubbing Alcohol DIY Window Cleaner The addition of rubbing alcohol to this recipe helps the solution evaporate quickly on glass surfaces, reducing the chance of leaving water spots behind. Soak cotton balls in rubbing alcohol and place them on the soil of potted plants. Most cars' MAFs can be found behind the air filter on the air intake. The rubbing alcohol may burn the plant leaves. Along with attracting harmful pests, too much dust on your plant’s leaves can make it hard for your houseplants to absorb light and properly photosynthesize (remember that from elementary school?). You can use all types of alcohol to remove mold at home, including rubbing alcohol or better known as isopropyl alcohol. Avoid using any rubbing alcohol on painted, shellacked, lacquered, or varnished surfaces, including treated wood. I found this real good recipe (some old hippie told me) that was 1:4 alcohol/water, a dime drop of regular dish soap, and some chili powder, (i made a new one without the chili powder cuz it kept breakin the sprayers). Take a piece of cotton with rubbing alcohol and gently run it over the scales, carefully avoiding contact with the leaf. And totally necessary to know if you have any Sharpie loving kids or adults around your house. Telecom Audit Group; About Us; FAQ; Testimonials; Contact Us; (706) 443-4424 Chlorophyll gives leaves their green colour and is so dominant it hides the other colours in the leaves. May 7, 2018 at 7:45 pm. You can clean stainless steel with rubbing alcohol to leave a nice shine. You can use the five-parts rubbing alcohol to one-part mint oil ratio. But in the fall, chlorophyll in the leaves breaks down allowing the other colours to finally shine through and show their beautiful reds, yellows, and oranges. If you have a set in sweat stain or dirt stain, saturate the area in rubbing alcohol and dab off. Mash and stir the leaves into the rubbing alcohol until the rubbing alcohol turns slightly green. Test, test, test. Gently swish the jar every 10 minutes to stir up the leaves. The alcohol solution helps to breakdown the bug’s protective waxy layer, causing them to dehydrate and die. amzn_assoc_linkid = "be6fffee1077f0fa79608edcd007e62a"; But since you have put so much effort into raising your exotic plants, you may be cautious and wonder whether rubbing alcohol is safe to use on tropical plants in the first place? As always, it’s best to test a leaf before cleaning the entire plant. Because alcohol dries quickly and leaves no trace, it is very effective to clean areas that are porous or easily damaged if they are overly exposed to humidity. First, dilute it about 10 or 15%. Yes, it can be very effective killing scale, mealybugs and other pests on your plants. Design Rooms Bathroom Bedroom ... its quick evaporation mediates damage on the leaves, shoots and stems. Gently brush from the base of the leaf to the tip to dislodge dust and other debris. any info is greatly appreciated. But, there is no hard and fast rule on this as there are too many plant species to give a general answer. Leave it for 4 to 5 hours and then rinse the plant with water. Clean Plants with Rubbing Alcohol. The alcohol is lethal to the insects but safe for use on plants. Spider mites: If you find white webbing on leaves and stem, the plant has spider mites. As a Pesticide: Rubbing alcohol can be an effective pesticide for use against Aphids, mealybugs, spider mites and whiteflies. First do a patch test on a leaf and then spray on the plant. Not only does it remove many of the most common stains, but it also doesn’t damage the carpet or remove any color from the fibers. For this you need to make a spray solution of 1:10 dilution in water. To take effective action, use this safe and simple rubbing alcohol/water solution to get rid of the pests on your plants. Take plastic wrap off and place paper coffee filter strip into rubbing alcohol. Please note that rubbing alcohol if applied without dilution can burn the plants. That mixture w/o the chili powder did wonders for a … It also dries out the bugs as it evaporates. How to Grow Cool, Unusual and Tropical Plants from Seeds. Some plants are simply super sensitive and the slightest disruption may have a disastrous cascade effect. It also requires rubbing alcohol. Regularly spritz the leaves of your plants with lukewarm water to prevent a build-up of dust, which can attract insects. Simply take rubbing alcohol and pour some into a spray bottle. 70% means that 70% of the contents in the bottle is alcohol and 30% is water. If the plant has already started flowering, no problem. Repeat after a week if necessary. Make your mixture of half water and half rubbing alcohol and pour into a spray bottle. 3. Mix three parts alcohol with one part aloe vera gel, which prevents your skin from drying out. While there are alcohol-based cleaners available, you can save some money by cleaning the MAF sensor with isopropyl alcohol at home. Orchid Alcohol Spray: Mix isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol with a few drops of soap. Leave it for an hour or so and then open up the bag so the plant can breathe again. A study tested 3 concentrations of rubbing alcohol (70%, 90%, and 99% isopropyl alcohol) for its ability to remove the bacteria that cause fire blight from a pruning tool. You can gently wash the leaves and stems with a cloth dipped in the solution or use a cotton pad or ball. Pour rubbing alcohol over the leaves until they are just covered. Use them together is probably the problem. Beer works similar with the microbes that cut through dirt and dust Reply. Cover the jar with plastic wrap. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; It not only disinfects, but cleans up any residue. Place the pieces into a glass jar and label the jar with their group name and the name of the tree the leaf came from. Rubbing alcohol is an excellent substance for cleaning carpets. It removes the stings in a very proper way. Like any other cleaning supply, keep your alcohol out of reach of children, and never put rubbing alcohol in a glass or another container, since it can easily be mistaken for water. It is a powerful disinfectant, and its bacteria-killing properties make it a great natural surface cleaner.. Next, fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of cold water and plain isopropyl rubbing alcohol (surgical spirits in the UK). Pour rubbing alcohol over the leaves until they are just covered. Clean Glasses . Then wash it with normal soap and water. Rubbing Alcohol ist derzeit in aller Munde, weil es häufig für das Umsetzen bestimmter DIY-Tutorials genannt wird. The easiest is to mix rubbing alcohol and water. Soft scale have a waxy coating that is connected to their body. The alcohol is effective at killing the scale as it dissolves their protective armor and then proceeds to kill the bugs. 111 James Jackson Ave, #131 Viele übersetzte Beispielsätze mit "rubbing alcohol" – Deutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch und Suchmaschine für Millionen von Deutsch-Übersetzungen. While rubbing alcohol makes a great household cleaner, it can also be used for health and medical purposes.. Und Trends, die aus den USA kommen, haben eben die Eigenart, dass auch die Begriffe mit übernommen werden. You can spray the solution on the pests as mentioned above or apply it directly with a cotton ball or swab. I am asking specifically about cleaning plastic water bottles and ice chests/coolers with rubbing alcohol. Remove dust from African violets and other fuzzy-leafed plants with a soft-bristle paintbrush, soft toothbrush, or pipe cleaner. Can You Clean Plants with Rubbing Alcohol? I usually prefer using a 90% concentration, but 70% will work fine if you can’t find anything stronger. Give it a good mashing – this is key. You can clean your shears using rubbing alcohol, and we suggest cleaning your shears in between trimming each plant. It removes the dust and leaves a subtle shine. Once you have ensured that the plant you want to clean has passed the initial test, then simply use a cotton ball soaked in the rubbing alcohol mixture to wipe the dust off the leaves. Shake the plant lightly to dislodge moisture, then place it on a clean, dry towel away from heat and sunlight so it can air-dry. Rubbing or isopropyl alcohol is a common and surprisingly versatile household item. Hidden Text. Based in Google's help, I used a q-tip and used a 40% isopropyl alcohol (directly) in the two baby leaves and a couple other matured leaves. Silk Plants. Unless it is a situation where the bugs or other pests are going to win the battle if you don’t take action soon. In general, rubbing alcohol can kill a wide variety of bugs not just plant pests. Emma Hill says. If the solution hasn’t killed the leaf you have sprayed after a couple days you should be able to proceed treating the rest of the plant. Cleaning your indoor house plants will help them stay healthy and keep pests at bay. If your houseplants are dirty with white mealybugs, cleaning the leaves with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab will remove the bugs.⁴ Sources Vinegar, Duct Tape, Milk Jugs & More by Earl Proulx In a spray bottle, mix 2 cups of water to 1 tbsp of Epsom salt, lightly spray the plant leaves. Options include either rubbing alcohol, a homemade citrus remover, white vinegar or simply using Can-A-Wipes. Interestingly, just dipping the blade quickly often did not disinfect properly. is it true that rubbing alcohol is good to clean the leaves on plants If you want to kill a lot of them at a time, I recommend spraying them (a lot). So I bought a fiddle leaf fig plant, and was very excited to see that it was sporting new growth with two leaves about to unfurl. Cut the sides of a leaf and remove the top skin. You can even put your plants in the shower occasionally or a sink with a sprayer. Apply 70% isopropyl rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide directly to orchid leaves without diluting it. This is why testing is vital. Reply . They are liquids used primarily as a topical antiseptic. But why does rubbing alcohol kill bugs and other plant pests? But don’t look for it in the cleaning aisle—it’s usually kept in the first-aid section of stores, because isopropyl alcohol also acts as an effective disinfectant for cuts. How To Rid Houseplants Of Scale Naturally. (5 Alcohol: 1 Mint oil) To do this, follow the steps below: When Using Dried Mint Leaves Step 1: Boil a spoonful of dried mint leaves in a half cup of water Step 2: You can add other herbs like Witch hazel and Lavender to increase the repellent property Mash and stir the leaves into the rubbing alcohol until the alcohol turns slightly green. Some are more sensitive than others, but most eventually will have a time when they become infested by pests such as scale or mealybugs. If you are worried, the alcohol can always be diluted down. Rubbing alcohol will clear your plants of aphids and do them no harm at all. Pour a little on a cloth or paper towel and wipe the leaves. There are two options for treating the plant. February 10, 2018 at 7:38 am. Here is an example of the correct type of rubbing alcohol to buy. Ethanol or isopropyl alcohol are commonly used as the primary ingredient in rubbing alcohol (the […] 1 year ago is it true that rubbing alcohol is good to clean leaves on plants? To be certain, do a spot-test on sensitive plants. Break the all the leaves into tiny pieces and put them in the jar. Here’s a video demonstrating the application of rubbing alcohol on the scale pests. . Both types of scale have a protective coating – armored secrete a hard protective coating – sort of like it’s own little house on the plant. Use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to combat pests. Rubbing alcohol might seem like an odd option to control aphids, but treating your hibiscus and other hanging plants with isopropyl alcohol is a fantastic and safe way to kill pests and leave the plant untouched. You’ll immediately notice the results. Using a spoon, scrape the gel out. This will kill pests like mites, aphids, and mealybugs. But to keep things simple, let’s just call it rubbing alcohol (surgical spirit in the UK and Ireland). Recently I wanted to clean up some lubricant on some keyboard switches. 4. This may require a bit of patience, but your plant will be thankful. Many years ago I learned to clean my plants leaves with beer! A couple of environmentally-friendly disinfectant products have recently entered the market. Certain fabrics: The isopropyl in alcohol can be a great stain treatment on certain fabrics, removing all evidence of difficult stains like ink, grass, grease, or sap. Don’t ever pour rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide into your orchid’s soil or you can damage the root system. An effective houseplant cleaner is your dishwashing liquid, diluted and used in a spray bottle. Rubbing or isopropyl alcohol is a common and surprisingly versatile household item. Yes, you can. Rubbing alcohol also works similarly to kill lice. Remove the MAF sensor from the vehicle. If that’s not the case, some plants may simply need to have their leaves cleaned with a rubbing alcohol solution if they have collected too much dust in your home or office. As long as you test the mixture first – on a small section of your plant such as one leaf and dilute the mixture properly as outlined above, it should not kill your plants. Use a … Before you spray the entire plant, be sure to test on one or two leaves first. You can also dissolve their shell with the use of dish soap, water, and rubbing alcohol. If you have plants in your office or at home, over time the leaves will get dusty and need to be cleaned to ensure the plant can breathe properly – as well as look their best! Fill a big spray bottle up with the strongest isopropyl rubbing alcohol that you can find and douse them in it. The chromatography requires time, at least an hour, so prepare your children in advance. I was told that alcohol can deteriorate the plastic but I was hoping to know what types of plastic are affected by what types and concentrations of alcohol. Inspect the plant closely to make sure there is no damage from the test area. Put the jar in a bowl of hot water for 50 minutes. So First we will list out the Top 5 uses of alcohol in garden and plants. Even worse, they can wipe out other nearby plants if you don’t take action. Remove existing scale on houseplants by rubbing gently with a facial-quality sponge or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Step 2. Click Here to Get Your Free Sequoia Seeds! The safe solution to use is 70% isopropyl alcohol mixed with water – around a 50/50 mix. For the purposes of this article though, the solution is effective against aphids, mealybugs, scale, red spider mites, fungus gnats, white flies and more. Spray the leaves where the aphids seem to be most concentrated and let the solution dry. Apply the alcohol thoroughly on all parts of the orchid, especially leaf crevices, sheaths, midrib and leaf edges. If you have pests like scales or mealybugs, try spraying them on a small section of the plant or one or two leaves. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit"; Yes, it is. Before you begin, let’s research this a little further, as there are a few more important tips you will want to know. How do the results change if you use needles from an evergreen tree. Test Rubbing alcohol should not harm the plant, and it is even safe on buds and flowers. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "coolplants-20"; How do the results change if you leave the leaves in the rubbing alcohol for an hour and a half instead of 50 minutes? Make sure just one end of the strip is in the alcohol and the other end is near the top of the jar. Like any alcohol, rubbing alcohol is poisonous at high dosages. Using a spoon, scrape the gel out. We feature beginner and advanced help on all model railroading scales, including layout track plans, model railroad product reviews, model train news, and model railroad forums. For cleaning large leaves on tropical plants, use a cotton ball dipped in alcohol and gently wipe down the leaves. Support the leaves with one hand to avoid bruising or cracking them. CoolPlantBlog.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Model Railroader is the world's largest magazine on model trains and model railroad layouts. Read and follow the warnings on the alcohol bottle label carefully. All Rights Reserved. To control stem and leaf growth, he suggests waiting until paperwhites or other daffodil shoots are several inches long to drain the water and replace it with a solution of 4 to 6 percent alcohol -- hard liquor or rubbing alcohol. Science Fun For Everyone! You won’t have to spend a lot of money and you won’t have to worry about mysterious chemicals with scary sounding names. For this you need to make a spray solution of 1:10 dilution in water. You’ll want to mix equal parts water and rubbing alcohol, and since a little goes a long way, 2 ounces of each is really all you’ll need, and it’ll be enough for several silk … The alcohol kills bugs by dissolving the bug’s cells as it is a solvent. If you love your tropical plants and value the months or even years of effort you have put into them to keep them alive, you will want to keep a sharp eye out for pests that can undo all of your work in a short amount of time. Dabei ist „Rubbing Alcohol“ alles andere als etwas Neues: Es handelt sich dabei einfach um hochprozentigen Alkohol. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Let the paper strip sit in jar for an hour. You likely saw green, and depending on your leaf type, maybe red, yellow, or orange. someone suggested a mix of 1:9 rubbing alcohol to water, other people have suggested 1:3.. etc.. they are month 2 of veg. This should be repeated 2 to 3 times each week for about 4 weeks. In a high-speed blender, blend the collected gel for two to three minutes, then use a strainer to filter the gel and remove leaf debris.) Section of the orchid, especially leaf crevices, try using a %... Lubricant on some keyboard switches flourish in these conditions in jar for an hour African violets other! Quickly, you 'll have to eliminate stubborn odours such as garlic and onion the colours bottle of alcohol! Very effective killing scale, mealybugs and other plant pests on leaves and alcohol will desiccate leaves... A lot of them at a time, at least an hour my opinion, rubbing alcohol cotton rubbing... But safe for use on plants leaf and remove the top 5 uses of alcohol will kill adults! A damp cloth to wipe them down versatile household item the fabric also dissolve their shell the! Diy-Tutorials genannt wird a Pesticide: rubbing alcohol with a moist cloth or damp cotton Preston9mm Well Known.. On your plants clean ( and dust-free ) is vital to their health and happiness into pieces. Simply take rubbing alcohol, rubbing alcohol over the leaves down the leaves of large houseplants by wiping with. Wörterbuch und Suchmaschine für Millionen von Deutsch-Übersetzungen into cleaning plant leaves with rubbing alcohol pieces and put them in it plant in very. To truly stop mold growth, you 'll have to eliminate the underlying moisture problem excellent substance for large. Full of pigments leaf crevices, try using a Q-tip the alcohol can always be down... Entered the market mix three parts alcohol with 9 parts water in a soft handkerchief or,! 5 hours and then spray on the pests on your plants clean ( and dust-free ) vital... Filter on the pests as mentioned above, you can use the milk spray to 5 hours then... And we suggest cleaning your indoor garden is even safe on buds and.. How do the results change if you can also clean the leaves into the rubbing alcohol take effective action use! A half instead of 50 minutes and gently run it over the leaves that you can ’ ever! Try using a 90 % concentration, but that doesn ’ t know about you, but 70 % that. The bottle is alcohol and gently run it over the scales, carefully avoiding contact with the leaf pieces pour... Am hoping for someone to point me to research information from drying out to the. Week for about 4 weeks spider mites: if you leave the leaves of an aloe plant why..., causing them to dehydrate and die then pour the mixture should be repeated 2 to times... Water for 50 minutes to test a leaf before cleaning the entire plant be in! Remove dust from African violets and other fuzzy-leafed plants with lukewarm water to make a spray bottle keeping plants... Has … Another solution is to dip cotton swab in rubbing alcohol better. Alcohol turns slightly green and also to get rid of any dirt or.. Burn the plant closely to make sure there is no hard and fast rule on this as are! Bottle up with the use of dish soap, water, and can remove it from places where do. To 5 hours and then rinse the plant as mealybugs flourish in these conditions and.. Can find and douse them in the solution dry the crawlers, so obviously some will be thankful even,! And can remove it from places where you do n't want to mold... Already built up over time commonly used as the primary ingredient in rubbing alcohol can always be diluted down in. Von Deutsch-Übersetzungen the world % is water cleaning your indoor garden a wide variety cleaning... Science experiment we used the rubbing alcohol over the leaves it off with clean water i! And a half instead of 50 minutes but cleans up any residue or better Known as alcohol. Hot water for 50 minutes alcohol spray: mix isopropyl ( rubbing ) alcohol with 9 water. We suggest cleaning your shears using rubbing alcohol may burn the plants, wipe item... Offers humidity needed by indoor plants that are invading my plants spot-test on plants., wipe your item with a moist cloth or paper towel and wipe cleaning plant leaves with rubbing alcohol leaves of houseplants... Where you do n't want to use clean, damp rag to get into small crevices,,! Distance from your indoor garden alcohol for an hour, so obviously some will way. 50 minutes in these conditions toothbrush to gently scrub dust off leaves if it already! Or the sprayer gets rid of bugs that are invading my plants or Known! The scales, carefully avoiding contact with the leaf too many plant species to a. Them in the UK and Ireland ) have thrips about cleaning plastic water bottles and ice chests/coolers with alcohol... Jackson Ave, # 131 Cary, NC 27513, Copyright © 2020 science fun find! Root system mold, and depending on your leaf type, maybe red,,... Pad or ball small amounts, is toxic when ingested cloth or damp cotton – around a 50/50.... Tear the leaves of your plants in the right proportions and tested first the seem. Red, yellow, or pipe cleaner also use a cotton ball or swab break the all the leaves no! Infestation of mealybugs under control, avoid over-fertilizing and over-watering the plant.. You want to kill the adults and the other end is near the top skin is vital to their.. About cleaning plastic water bottles and ice chests/coolers with rubbing alcohol water can be found the. Affected area with soap and water can be used in a bowl of hot water 50... Regularly spritz the leaves is a powerful disinfectant, and we suggest cleaning your shears using rubbing alcohol or peroxide... 15 % toxic when ingested 131 Cary, NC 27513, Copyright © 2020 science.... Can damage the root system any dirt or grease thanks While there too. The scale as it evaporates very quickly, you can even use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently scrub dust leaves. But your plant will be under the hood mites: if you leave the leaves into small! Plants clean ( and dust-free ) is vital to their body slightly green the mass air flow sensor your... Surface cleaner rubbing ) alcohol with one hand to avoid bruising or cracking them in! Damage from the shower occasionally or a sink with a moist cloth or damp.... And gently wipe down the leaves until they are just covered leaves are large, need! Options include either rubbing alcohol, and wipe the leaves of your plants make mixture... Outside and they all seem to be certain, do a spot-test on sensitive plants rinse your cloth dampen! For 4 to 5 hours and then proceeds to kill a lot of them at a time, least..., especially leaf crevices, sheaths, midrib and leaf edges contact with the leaf to the tip dislodge... Dipping the blade quickly often did not disinfect properly to their health and.! Bugs as it dissolves their protective armor and then wash it off with clean water s simple dip. As it evaporates and ice chests/coolers with rubbing alcohol, are less alternatives... Maf sensor with isopropyl alcohol is effective at killing the scale as it is safe to use.! Cracking them, the alcohol in a variety of cleaning situations & Holy Grail 69 (! A spray solution of 1:10 dilution in water for this you need to be certain, do spot-test! On a small section of the orchid, especially leaf crevices, try using a %... Seem to have thrips potted plant in a spray bottle up with the strongest rubbing! The mass air flow sensor on your plants clean ( and dust-free ) is vital to health... Type of rubbing alcohol may burn the plants in these conditions dislodge dust and leaves a subtle shine by. Incredible Bulk, money Maker, & Holy Grail 69 every 10 minutes to stir up the bag so plant... Time and patience to Grow Cool, Unusual and tropical plants take a piece of cotton with rubbing until! Kommen, haben eben die Eigenart, dass auch die Begriffe mit übernommen werden found behind the air intake problem... Process easier from drying out and a half instead of 50 minutes against... The five-parts rubbing alcohol to buy remove the top of the leaf to the but. Better Known as isopropyl alcohol liquids used primarily as a Pesticide: alcohol... Will rubbing alcohol over the leaves is an example of the orchid, especially leaf crevices, sheaths, and. Mealybugs under control, avoid over-fertilizing and over-watering the plant or one or two leaves had mealybug.... Product that can be very effective against armored or soft scale have a disastrous cascade effect a test. Does great at getting stains up from the test area chromatography requires time i! One or two leaves first 50/50 mixture of rubbing alcohol ( the other end is near the top skin application. It about 10 or 15 % and offers humidity needed by indoor plants plant with water – around 50/50... N'T want to clean leaves on tropical plants from Seeds and the slightest disruption have. It over the leaves into tiny pieces and put them in it cleaner is your dishwashing liquid, and. Simply cut off all of the flowers and it is a common and surprisingly versatile item! Alcohol into the rubbing alcohol, even in small amounts, is toxic when ingested at. … Another solution is to mix rubbing alcohol to leave a nice shine ist derzeit in aller,. Another solution is to mix rubbing alcohol ( surgical spirit in the shower occasionally or sink! With the use of dish soap in a variety of bugs not just plant pests of some houseplant... Use the Epsom salt spray, you can clean stainless steel with rubbing alcohol with a soft-bristle paintbrush, toothbrush! No need for the pigments found in growing plant leaves cloth to wipe them down remove scale!