Plant containers should be cleaned regularly to ensure that the plants growing inside them are not exposed to bacteria, salt build-up, or other diseases passed on through dirt and chemicals left in these containers. Cleaning a plant container is simple, just follow these steps. • Set up a time before planting season begins. • Remove visible dirt from the inside and outside of the planter with a brush. • Scrub salt residue with soap and water and a stiff brush. • Soak the containers in a 10% bleach solution for ten minutes. • Rinse the containers thoroughly. Terracotta containers should be soaked in clean water for an extra ten minutes before rinsing. • Set the containers in a place where they can air dry in the sun.