With this quick and easy method, you can restore this plant’s natural shine. Sansevieria, better known as ‘mother-in-law’s tongue’, is one of the most popular plants to have at home because it is easy to care for and hardy. However, over time, its leaves can lose their natural shine due to dust build-up.
There is a correct way to clean them to keep them looking impeccable. All you need is white vinegar, and it can be done in a few minutes.
Why use white vinegar?
This kitchen ingredient, in addition to its use in cooking, is a perfect ally for cleaning the home. Its disinfectant and cleaning properties help remove dirt accumulated on different surfaces, in this case, on the leaves of the mother-in-law’s tongue. It also disinfects them, eliminating any bacteria.
How to clean your mother-in-law’s tongue with vinegar, step by step
- In a bowl, pour a cup of water and add a tablespoon of white vinegar. Mix well.
- Dip a soft cloth in the mixture and then wring it out well so that it does not drip.
- Carefully wipe each leaf with the cloth, removing any dust and accumulated dirt.
- If the leaves are very wet, wipe them with another dry cloth to dry them well and avoid water marks.
How often should you clean the mother-in-law’s tongue?
Gardening experts recommend cleaning the leaves once a month if the plant is indoors and accumulates dust frequently. However, if it is in a very clean place, you can do it every two months, always ensuring that the leaves can breathe properly.
Keeping this plant in good condition is good for your health. According to NASA, mother-in-law’s tongue purifies the air because it is capable of absorbing common toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and xylene. This improves the air quality in enclosed spaces.
