Jeff I’ve been told if you have a hand-held water pic type shower head you put a bunch of plants on the shower floor and gently spray with slightly warm water. Let drain and dry off a bit in shower. Although I’ve always wondered about the chlorine coming out of the tap when you do that.

Last night I tried a can of air (primarily used for cleaning computer components). It did a decent job of blowing the dust off one plant onto another. Its not that my plants are filthy dusty, but I don't like ANY dust on them. Picky, i know.

I move them to something plastic on the floor (like a garbage bag) and spray them with insecticidal soap. The plants always perk up afterwards, like they’re saying “thank you”. The other really easy one, and less greasy so I don’t use plastic, is 1/2 and 1/2 water and alcohol. Both of these serve two purposes- cleaning the leaves and killing bugs. If I’m spraying, I also have the magnifying glass and a flashlight checking for bugs anyway. See? Multi-tasking!

Seems only certain plants gather dust on their leaves. I only spray when it’s obvious to me they need it. The hairy ones like African violets and hoyas are the ones that collect the most dust.

I think a tepid water shower is better for them and you can leach the soil at the same time. You do not need to do 70 at at a time. You can do 7 a day. Get them to sink, give them a rinse, let them dry - repeat next day.

Regarding cat hair... makeup brush or whatever soft brush will get it.

But... cat hair can be considered a condiment...

I.

I don't have as many as most of you guys--around 25?--so I go the brush or cotton route every few weeks.

Brush route: Total face brush from e.l.f. or anything similar. This one is good for fine dust. Gets the job done but doesn't make them super shiny.

Cotton route: A pair of cotton socks from the dollar store, or any cotton shirt you have. This one is good for fine dust and best for larger particles such as cat hair or other fuzz. Gets the job done and leaves them shiny.

A condiment? I know Im going to be sorry I asked but for what meal would you provide cat hair as a condiment?

haha Jeff,,,,for the plant!!! It will break down and act as fertilizer in the soil! I get it! Thanks Irina! Rosie

Not a cat person, so totally oblivious here. I do have some evidence that the neighbors dog paid me a visit last night. Perhaps I should look into adding it to my potting medium.

NO!!!! Step away from the dog poo!!!! Dog or cat poo is NOT good for the violet soil OR the outdoor compost pile!!!!!! (You were joking me right?? You knew this???) Rosie

PS. Fur or hair is ok.

I do not need to ask... cat hair is already there... dog hair is mostly on the floor, in clumps... and probably in a think layer in my vents... Dog "fertilizer" will be eventually absorbed by the grass... if you leave it unattended...

All talk of animal by-products aside, I had to accept the voice of reason so I started rinsing the plants off last night. I got about a third of them done.

Thanks for all the food for thought. Thats part of what makes this site valuable.

And funny!!! Rosie

Siri the pragmatist.

Oh Jeff, did you ask Siri for advise on rinsing the dust off the violets?

Yes I did. She suggested I start adding cat hair to my potting medium. I am considering buying a bunch of cats.

Well, to tell you the truth, you only need to start with one. They spontaneously generate (cats and hair) after that.