How can "clean" my african violet leaves?

Question

I have this african violet that is growing nice and big, well since the leaves are kinda furry they seem to be collecting dust or stray cat hairs. I dont want to rub them but they dont look very nice. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

You can try brushing them with a soft paintbrush, this will help remove the dust while not damaging the leaves.  The trick is to be gentle.

Answer 2

Having bought dozens of violets from a true "violeteer," I was instructed (successfully!) to give up the fussy attitude about violets. WARM water...and feel free to really soak them. Hold them by the base of the plant, covering the soil with your hand, and dunk them in a bowl of warm water. Your faucet sprayer with warm water is also fine. You can do this once a month. A good soaking of the entire plant (soil, too) is fine, once in a while. And then let the plant dry in a shady place. You don't want a windowsill's sun to cook the plant while it's wet. And remember: keep crowns (those other "tops" of the plant) from growing in the side nodes. Pluck those out. And consider wicking your plants instead of watering them occasionally: that's placing a string in the bottom of the pot and placing the pot in a second pot with water: suspend the first in the second and allow the wick to draw water up into the soil steadily. Check out other Web info if you need more info. One link below. Good luck.

Answer 3

I put mine outside when it rains - does a good job and seems to perk up the leaf color as well. Put in shady area when you take them back inside until they dry.

Answer 4

Occasional light shower in the kitchen sink with the spray attachment.  cool not cold water and not too strong pressure.

Answer 5

Use a mist-er or spray bottle. Don't rub them, let the dirt and dust drip off with the water.

Answer 6

i always brushed them with an old paintbrush.  a small watercolor brush. it was soft and did the trick. it's is time consuming though.