cleaning terracotta

[queen of the cobs]

hi all,

(not sure if this is the best foruum to put this on, so perhaps it will get moved)

I have some large terracotta pots which were given to me by a friend. They have lovely camellias in them but are covered in a greenish fur. I've tried cleaning them with a wire brush but with little effect - has anyone got any hints and tips for cleaning them up, or suggestions for a product that would help me out?

many thanks.

[rustylady]

Hot soapy water for the outside of the pot, applied with a stiff brush and rinsed off with clean water. If they are growing algae I would suggest that they are too wet and in a shady position??

[Creemteez]

If you can get hold of a pressure washer, that'll "do for" the algae. You have to be a bit carefull that you don't damage the plant in the pot though! Otherwise, as already suggested, hot soapy water and elbow grease!