Home > Projects >

How to clean your pots

You will need: Large container, Disinfectant/Sterilant, Waterproof gloves

No matter how fastidious you are with your plants, there will be a residue of pests and/or diseases in your pots at the end of the season. Many of these come equipped with protective mechanisms that allow them to survive the winter and rise to infect your plants next year. Cleaning everything ready to make a fresh start in spring is time-consuming, but worth the effort.

Best time to do it:

Step 1

Use a stiff-bristled brush to get rid of all the loose compost and debris.

Step 2

Add a measure of disinfectant or sterilant to a large container of clean water.

Step 3

Submerge the pot in the water and leave to soak for several hours.

Step 4

Smaller pots can be done as a batch. When you take the pots out of the water, turn them upside down and leave to drain and dry. Then you can pack them away under cover until you need them.

Related FAQs

Ask a gardening question:

Latest Gardening News

Gardening and Flower Shows 2026

How to Make a Christmas Wreath: A Step by Step Guide

Why Poinsettias Mean Christmas: The Festive Flower's Surprising History and Symbolism

Essential Gardening Jobs for Early Winter

Gardening Projects for January

---

How to: Maintenance Pruning

How to Make a Bird Feeder

How to take Hardwood Cuttings

How to pH Test Soil

Latest Gardening Videos

---

How do I insulate my greenhouse?

How to Grow Orchids

When and how should I prune a jostaberry?

Why are there brown / black marks on my Hellebores?

Five Essential Tips for Growing Lemons

Moving House and Taking the Garden with You | Garden Ideas | Val Bradley

All Videos

Explore Gardens from Around the World

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
Cape Town, South Africa

Nongnooch Tropical Garden
Pattaya, Thailand

Majorelle Garden
Marrakesh, Morocco

The New York Botanical Garden
New York, United States

Lalbagh Botanical Garden
Bangalore, India

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Richmond, United Kingdom