Ever wanted to bring a slice of the jungle into your home? The Monstera deliciosa, or Swiss Cheese Plant, might just be the answer. With its huge, heart-shaped leaves sporting those quirky splits, it adds instant personality to any room. But did you know, beyond its trendy looks, this plant works hard for you? It cleans the air around you, naturally! Of course, to keep your Monstera looking fabulous and breathing easy, those leaves need some TLC. Regular cleaning is key – think of it as a little spa day for your leafy friend!

Understanding Your Monstera

Those iconic Monstera leaves aren’t just for show – they’re little powerhouses! Think of them as giant solar panels designed to soak up rainforest sunlight. That’s why they’re so big and broad – more surface area to capture those precious rays for photosynthesis.

And those fancy splits?

They let dappled light through, so even the lower leaves get their energy boost. Plus, check out those delicate veins running through each leaf… they’re like tiny rivers bringing water and nutrients from the roots to the leaf tips. But the coolest part, to me, has to be those hidden pores called stomata. They’re like the plant’s breathing system, taking in carbon dioxide and giving us back fresh oxygen!

The problem is, that all that household dust loves to settle on those leaves, clogging up those little pores. Imagine trying to breathe through a dusty mask – not fun! That’s why cleaning is so important: you’re helping your Monstera breathe easy, so it can do its plant magic and make your home feel fresher.

Signs Your Monstera Needs Cleaning

A Lot of Dirt on Monstera Leaf Caused Damages to its Structure
Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Okay, picture this: You’ve got this gorgeous Monstera, with those giant, glossy leaves… you know, the ones that made you fall in love with the plant in the first place. But lately, something seems off. The color isn’t as vibrant, and they just look kind of… blah. If this sounds familiar, dust might be the culprit! Here’s how to tell:

The “glow up” test: Remember how those leaves used to have a healthy sheen? A layer of dust will steal that natural glow.
Touchy-feely time: Healthy Monstera leaves are smooth, almost like they’ve been waxed. If yours feel gritty when you touch them, it’s probably dust making things rough.
Bling in the sunlight: Check your plant on a sunny day. See those tiny sparkles on the leaves? Yep, that’s dust. Time to grab a cloth!
The droopster: Watered your Monstera, but it still looks sad and droopy? Clogged-up pores could be preventing it from soaking up enough sunlight for energy.
Creepy crawly alert: Ugh, pests. Spider mites especially love dusty leaves. Yuck! A good cleaning can help prevent an infestation.
Uh oh, yellow: While yellowing can have different causes, sometimes it’s as simple as those pores being blocked, preventing your plant from getting its greens on properly.

Preparation for Cleaning

Let’s get your Monstera ready for its little makeover! We want to be kind to those fabulous leaves, so here’s a checklist of eco-friendly supplies to grab:

Gentle touch: Microfiber cloths are perfect for dusting plants – they’re super soft and won’t scratch. But honestly, in a pinch, a clean old t-shirt or sock can do the trick!
Pure and simple: To avoid leaving spots, skip regular tap water. Go for distilled or filtered water instead.
Optional shine booster: If you want those leaves extra glossy, try a tiny drop of mild dish soap (the stuff you use on your hands, not for the dishwasher) or neem oil mixed into your water. Neem oil even has a bit of pest-fighting power as a bonus!
Helping hand: Does your Monstera have huge leaves? You might want a friend to help support them while you clean, or grab some soft ties to prop up delicate stems.

Before we start, give your plant a quick “hello”:

Where to clean: Think about whether you can move your Monstera to a sink or shower for the easiest cleanup. Otherwise, lay down some towels or newspaper to catch any drips.
Bug check: A quick scan for pests is never a bad idea – if you see any critters, now’s the time to deal with them.

How to Clean Monstera Leaves? Step-by-Step Guide

Time to get cleaning! Let’s figure out the best way to tackle those dusty leaves, depending on the size of your Monstera:

Method 1: The Dunk (Perfect for smaller plants)

Think of this like a little spa day for your compact Monstera! It’s a super quick and gentle way to get rid of dust. Here’s the rundown:

Prepare your bath: Grab a big bowl, or a bucket, or use your sink. Fill it with lukewarm water – either distilled or filtered is best. If things are particularly grimy, a tiny drop of dish soap (the gentle kind!) can help.
Time to get wet: Carefully tilt your plant upside down. Dunk the whole leafy part into the water and gently swish it around for a minute or two. This works wonders for dislodging dust.
Shake it off: Let the extra water drip off (over the sink is good!), then set your plant somewhere with good air circulation so it can fully dry. Don’t stick it in direct sun while it’s still damp, though.

Tip: If your plant’s soil is really loose, cup your hand over the top of the pot when you dunk it – this helps stop the soil from washing out.

Method 2: The Shower Treatment (Suitable for Medium-Sized Plants)

Okay, if your Monstera’s a bit bigger and won’t fit comfortably in a sink, the shower method is your friend! Just a note – this can get a little splashy, so maybe clear some space. Here’s what to do:

Water works: Set your shower to a gentle spray and make sure the water is lukewarm. Plants, just like us, don’t love being blasted with ice-cold or super hot water!
Protect the roots: If the soil in your pot is pretty loose, tie a plastic bag loosely around the plant’s base. This should help keep everything contained.
Rinse and repeat: Pop your Monstera in the shower stall (carefully!). Give all those leaves a gentle rinse, letting the water wash away the dust. Big leaves? Support them with your hand from underneath so they don’t get bent awkwardly.
Drip and dry: Once clean, give your Monstera a shake to get rid of extra water. Leave it somewhere protected to dry off totally before it goes back to its usual hangout.

Method 3: Leaf-by-Leaf Wipe Down (Ideal for Large Monsteras)

If you’ve got a Monstera that’s more like a leafy roommate than a potted plant, it’s time to break things down a bit – we’re going leaf-by-leaf! Here’s how to handle those giant beauties:

Gentle touch: A couple of microfiber cloths are perfect (old t-shirts work too). Dampen one with lukewarm water – distilled or filtered is best to avoid spots. If things are extra dusty, a tiny drop of gentle dish soap will help. Leave the second cloth dry.
Support system: Gently cup the leaf from underneath with one hand. Those splits make the leaves beautiful, but also a little delicate, so this helps prevent bending or tearing.
Wipe time: With your damp cloth, carefully clean the leaf, moving in the same direction as the veins. Just a little pressure is enough to do the trick.
Dry it off: Right away, use the dry cloth to soak up any extra water. This helps avoid water spots, keeping those big leaves looking their best. Now repeat on every leaf!

The Splits: Those signature Monstera splits need some extra TLC! Clean small sections at a time, working your way around the edges of the holes. Go slow and don’t pull on the leaf – we don’t want any tears!

Water Temperature Matters

Think of yourself stepping into a shower – neither ice-cold nor scalding-hot temperatures are enjoyable. Your Monstera feels the same! Always use lukewarm water for cleaning. Extreme temperatures can shock your plant and cause damage.

Cleaning Frequency

How often you should clean depends on your environment. Dusty homes will warrant more frequent sessions. As a general guide, a good cleaning every month or two will keep your Monstera looking shiny and happy. If you notice leaves looking particularly dull or grimy, it’s time for a refresh! Of course, you can always give individual leaves a quick wipe-down as needed.

Drying it Right

Excess moisture lingering on leaves can promote fungal issues. After any cleaning method, thoroughly dry your Monstera. For smaller plants, let them air dry in a breezy spot away from direct sunlight. For leaf-by-leaf cleaning, ensure that you immediately wipe up any water with a dry cloth.

Household Items for Cleaning Monstera

Forget store-bought leaf shine sprays! For a touch of extra glow on your Monstera leaves, take a peek in your pantry or fridge. Here are two surprising things you might already have that work wonders:

Milk: This old-school trick really works! Mix a tiny bit of milk (like a teaspoon) into a cup of water. Dunk a soft cloth in the mix, then gently wipe your Monstera’s leaves. The milk leaves a subtle, healthy shine. Just don’t do this too often, or it could go sour on the leaves (ew!).
Coconut oil: A teensy dab of coconut oil on a soft cloth will make those leaves look super glossy. Rub it in with small circles until it’s evenly spread. But less is more! Too much can clog up the leaf pores, so go easy and wipe off any excess.

Important: These little hacks are a fun bonus after giving your Monstera a proper cleaning. It’s always best to do a test on one leaf first to make sure your plant doesn’t react badly. Keep a close eye on the leaves afterwards too! Let me know if you try it out – I’m curious to know how it goes!

How Milk Might Help (a tiny bit)?

Okay, let’s get nerdy about why people put milk and coconut oil on their Monstera leaves! Full disclosure: the benefits are mostly about giving those leaves a glossy makeover, not making your plant dramatically healthier. But here’s how these household tricks work:

The ‘glow up’: Milk has a little bit of fat and protein in it. If you wipe it on a leaf (super diluted!), those things leave a subtle, shiny coating. Kind of like when your skin looks its best after using a nice moisturizer.
Snack time? Milk has tiny traces of calcium and stuff plants like, maybe some gets absorbed through the leaves. I wouldn’t rely on this instead of fertilizer though! Think of it as the plant equivalent of a sip of your milkshake.

How Coconut Oil Works?

Super shiny: The fats in coconut oil create a much more noticeable shine than milk does. Imagine putting lip balm on your Monstera’s leaves (except way, way less!).
Dust repellant: This is kind of sneaky – the layer of oil might make it a tiny bit harder for dust to stick. Similar to those commercial leaf sprays, but more natural.

Important stuff to remember

Pores need to breathe: The biggest worry with both milk and oil is that they can clog up the little pores on your plant’s leaves. No pores = no breathing. A clogged-up Monstera is not a happy Monstera. So, only use this as a special occasion thing, not every time you clean.
Not that nutritious: Compared to real plant food, milk and oil just don’t have enough good stuff to make a huge difference.
Keep an eye out: Milk can go bad on a leaf (smelly…), and too much oil can get messy. It’s best to just try this on a single leaf at first, see if your plant has a bad reaction.

Basically, these are plant hacks, not plant miracles. Do you ever use anything fun on your leaves? I’m always curious to hear about DIY plant care tricks! 😊

Store-bought Leaf Shine Sprays – Health Risks for Your Plant

Okay, honestly? Store-bought leaf shine sprays for your Monstera… kind of a waste of money. Here’s why I think it’s best to just skip them entirely:

Bad for your plant

Suffocation alert: You know those super shiny leaves when you first use the spray? Yeah, that’s a coating on top of the leaf, and a lot of them end up clogging the pores your Monstera uses to breathe. Imagine trying to take deep breaths with a plastic bag over your face – not great! This basically sabotages your plant over time.
Gross buildup: Oils, silicone, random stuff… it doesn’t just disappear after you spray. All that gunk attracts dust and can eventually mess with your plant’s leaves. Not healthy!
Mystery ingredients: Some leaf shines might even have chemicals that hurt your plant, especially if you use them a lot. Do you really want to take that risk?

Does it actually work?

Pretty, but pointless: Sure, that initial super-shiny look is fun for about five minutes. Then dust starts to collect again, and what was the point? Better to make the leaves truly clean!
Healthy isn’t the same as shiny: Leaf sprays give a fake healthy look, but if you neglect proper cleaning to make them clean underneath, your Monstera could still be struggling. Clean leaves from good care always look nicer than spray-on shine.

Other (important) stuff

Save your money!: Leaf shine sprays usually cost more than what you actually need – plain water and a soft cloth, that’s it!
Eco-friendly fail: All those plastic bottles are definitely not great for the environment. Natural cleaning for the win!
Nature did it better: Think about plants in the wild… do they ever get some dude with a can of leaf spray coming by? Nope! Healthy monsteras are meant to clean themselves with a little help from rain and humidity. Why mess with a good thing?

So, what to do instead? Learn those simple Monstera cleaning tips – gentle washing, humidity tricks, all that makes SUCH a bigger difference than some spray ever could. Trust me, shiny, fake-clean leaves versus actually healthy, vibrant leaves is no contest! 😊

Expert Tips for Maintaining Shine

My Monstera Leaf is Ready for Cleaning - It's Full of Dust! — My Monstera Leaf is Ready for Cleaning – It’s Full of Dust!

Ready to make those Monstera leaves so glossy they practically blind you with their shine? Okay, maybe not blinding… but still fabulous! Here are some tricks to keep that sparkle and avoid dust without harsh chemicals:

Jungle vibes: Monsteras are rainforest babies, so they love humidity. Give yours a boost with a humidifier, especially when the air gets dry. Regular misting with distilled water helps hydrate the leaves (bonus – this discourages dust too!).
Bad locations: Keep your Monstera away from vents or drafty spots. Air blowing on the leaves all the time dries them out, which leaves them dull and more likely to catch dust.
The milk trick: This is an old-school gardener secret: Mix a tiny bit of milk into some water (like, one teaspoon in a cup). Gently wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth – the milk leaves a subtle, healthy-looking shine. Don’t use this all the time though, or the milk could go bad on the leaves.
My secret weapon: I use a clean, fluffy makeup brush! So soft and easy to get in all the nooks and crannies. Great for a quick dust-off – just remember to be gentle.
Not-so-shiny products: Lots of “leaf shine” sprays exist, but honestly, they get gummy over time and block the leaf’s pores. Stick to natural tricks as much as you can!

These simple tips take an extra minute or two, but they’ll keep your Monstera looking like a magazine cover shoot – with barely any effort! ✨

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Okay, let’s be honest, even with the best intentions, plant parenting can have its hiccups! Here are some common Monstera mishaps and how to steer clear of them:

The Drowning: We all love our plants, but giving your Monstera too much water is a recipe for disaster. Soggy soil = root rot = a very sad plant (and plant owner). Before watering, poke your finger in the dirt – if the top couple of inches are dry, it’s good to go. And of course, a nice drain hole in your pot is never a bad thing!
Dust bunny paradise: I get it, cleaning leaves isn’t always the most fun. But those layers of dust aren’t just ugly, they can clog up your Monstera’s pores, making it less efficient and attracting pests. Think of it as a spa day, not a chore 😉
Too rough: Monstera leaves might look tough, but too much pressure or scratchy cloths can actually hurt them. Be gentle, like you’re dusting a prized antique! Microfiber cloths are perfect.
Tap water woes: Ever try to wash your hair in “hard” water? Not great. Same for plants! The minerals leave those annoying white spots. Stick to distilled or filtered water to keep your Monstera’s leaves blemish-free.
The sunburn: It’s true – plants can get sunburned too! Monsteras like bright light, but harsh, direct sun can give them crispy brown patches. Position yours a little further back from super-sunny windows.

These might seem like little things, but they make a big difference in your Monstera’s happiness! Got more plant dilemmas? Have a look at my cheat list of possible problems below:

What Can Go Wrong	How to Spot It	How to Avoid It
Physical Leaf Damage	Tears, scratches, or bruising on leaves	Handle the Monstera gently, especially when supporting large leaves. Use only soft cloths or your fingers for wiping.
Overwatering During Cleaning	Mushy brown patches on leaves, presence of fungus gnats, foul odor from soil	Allow the plant to drain and completely dry after cleaning. Avoid splashing excessive water onto the soil.
Water Spots	Whitish marks on leaves	Use distilled or filtered water for cleaning and misting. Dry leaves immediately after cleaning.
Spread of Pests or Diseases	Infestation of pests, signs of disease like unusual spots or yellowing	Inspect the plant for any issues before cleaning. If present, treat the infestation prior to cleaning.
Residue Buildup	Dull appearance, sticky or rough surface on leaves	Avoid commercial leaf shine products. If using dish soap, use the tiniest amount diluted in water.

Important: Always use clean tools and hands, and observe your Monstera carefully in the days following a cleaning session for any signs of stress or distress.

Conclusion: Let Those Leaves Shine!

Okay, plant people, listen up! We all know watering and fertilizer are important, but hear me out… a clean Monstera is a thriving Monstera. I’m not just talking about pretty pics for social media (though those are nice). Those leaves are your plant’s life source, and they deserve some TLC!

Here’s why it matters:

Solar power pros: When dust settles, it’s like putting sunglasses on your leaves. Clean them up, and BAM! More sunlight = energy to grow strong and luscious.
Deep breaths: Leaves have tiny pores called stomata – that’s how they breathe! Clogged with dust? Imagine breathing through a mask full of fluff. Cleaning is like a refreshing spa day for your Monstera’s lungs
Sorry, pests: Who likes a dusty house? Not you, and not bugs either. A clean plant doesn’t look like a cozy place to crash, giving you an advantage if those critters try to invade.
That healthy glow: Okay, yeah, I have no shame. I love seeing my Monstera all glossy and sparkling! But you know what’s even better? Knowing that shiny = healthy.

My own leaf cleaning journey: Confession time – I used to only clean my Monstera’s leaves for photoshoots. It looked good, but since actually prioritizing cleaning, it’s not just prettier, it’s stronger! New leaves pop up faster, and it handles dust naturally way better.

The big picture: Whether you’ve got a Monstera beginner or expert status, giving those leaves regular love pays off huge. Turns out clean and healthy makes for the most eye-catching plant anyway! So let’s get in the habit – regular leaf TLC needs to be on all our plant parent checklists! 😊

Oh… and make sure to read my Ultimate Guide – How to Care for Monstera! It’s full of great tips 🙂

Monstera Leaf Care FAQ

How often should I clean my Monstera’s leaves?

While there’s no strict rule, most Monsteras benefit from a thorough cleaning every month or two. Quick dust wipe-downs can be done as needed in between. If your home is especially dusty, or your Monstera is outdoors, more frequent cleaning will be necessary.

Can I use any type of cloth to clean the leaves?

Softness is key! Microfiber cloths are ideal since they’re gentle and capture dust effectively. Old t-shirts or socks work in a pinch. Avoid abrasive materials that might scratch delicate leaves.

Should I use tap water or filtered/distilled water for cleaning?

Always opt for filtered or distilled water. Tap water often contains minerals that leave unsightly white spots on your Monstera’s leaves.

Does the water temperature matter when cleaning?

Absolutely! Lukewarm water is best. Extremes can shock your plant, potentially causing damage. Think of it as gentle care, just like for yourself!

Are there any downsides to commercial leaf shine products?

While shiny leaves are tempting, these products usually cause more harm than good long-term. They often clog leaf pores (called stomata), obstructing essential gas exchange and photosynthesis. Natural cleaning and a dust-free environment keeps your Monstera healthier overall.

My Monstera leaves are turning yellow, could dust be the culprit?

There are many potential reasons for yellow leaves, but dust can be a contributing culprit. Excessive buildup blocks sunlight crucial for photosynthesis, and lack of energy shows up as yellowing. It could also be a sign the pores are obstructed.

Can cleaning leaves help prevent pests?

Certainly! Cleaning removes dust and debris that provide hiding spots for tiny pests like spider mites. Additionally, regular handling allows you to catch those infestations early while they’re easier to tackle.

What’s the best way to clean a giant Monstera?

The leaf-by-leaf wiping method is generally easiest for large plants. Support each leaf carefully, cleaning with a damp cloth in sections. If there’s excessive buildup, a shower (using gentle water pressure and mild water temperature) may be an option.

Worth reading:

Shanan, Nermeen T., and Emad A. Shalaby. “Influence of some chemical compounds as antitranspirant agents on vase life of Monstera deliciosa leaves.” Afr J Agric Res 6.1 (2011): 132-139.

Oberbauer, Steven F., and Moustafa Noudali. “Potential carbon gain of shingle leaves in juveniles of the vine Monstera tenuis (Araceae) in Costa Rica.” American Journal of Botany 85.6 (1998): 850-854.

Demmig-Adams, Barbara, et al. “Chloroplast thylakoid structure in evergreen leaves employing strong thermal energy dissipation.” Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology 152 (2015): 357-366.

Image sources:

Photo by David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons