Treat the plant, pot and furniture as separate parts
Before cleaning a planter, find out where the water goes. An outer decorative vessel may hold a removable nursery pot, while another has a drainage hole and needs a suitable saucer. Neither shape nor a glossy finish proves a vessel is watertight.
If you arrived from a former Paterson + Steele product link, this is an independent Simply Maid reference and care guide. We acquired the domain, not the former retailer’s product range or obligations. We do not sell those items or handle its orders, warranties or returns. Start with the homewares directory to identify the relevant product family.
Moon Pots and other ceramic planters
A 2014 archived Moon Pot listing identifies the former product. Use that as a historical reference, then inspect your own pot: check for a drainage opening, existing cracks, repairs and a removable insert. Matte decoration and unglazed areas may react differently from the glazed interior.
Move the pot to a stable work area before dealing with water or loose soil. Support its body rather than lifting by a delicate rim. Follow the maker's instructions for cleaning; avoid acids or abrasive scrubbing on unidentified glaze, decoration or repairs. For ceramic objects more generally, use ceramics care.
Timber Boxcar and Sandbox vessels
The archived Revolution Design House collection includes ash and walnut Boxcar designs and an ash Sandbox planter. It does not establish that every timber vessel can be filled directly with wet soil. Confirm the intended insert and watering arrangement for the actual piece.
Keep standing water away from an uncertain timber finish. Remove the inner pot for watering where its instructions permit, allow it to drain, and inspect the outer vessel before replacing it. If a finish feels soft, flakes or transfers to a cloth, stop cleaning and ask the maker or a suitable restorer. See timber furniture care for identifying finish-related decisions.
Check beneath the pot
Check | Practical response |
|---|---|
Dampness under the base | Move the planter, dry the support surface appropriately and resolve the source |
A leaking or overflowing saucer | Replace or change the watering arrangement before returning it |
A rough base | Use a suitable stable protector that does not trap moisture |
A heavy vessel | Plan a supported lift; do not drag it across furniture |
A hanging strap or fixing | Check its intended load and condition; arrange appropriate installation |
A decorative tray is not automatically waterproof. Test the arrangement away from valuable furniture using the maker's instructions, and make the base easy to inspect. Keep cleaning products away from plant material unless their label specifically permits the use.
Build inspection into watering day
Use watering day as a reminder to check the base, saucer and surrounding surface. Wipe up ordinary splashes promptly using the surface's instructions. Return a planter only when its support area is dry. Keep photographs of cracks or finish changes so you can tell whether a problem is progressing.
For leather hangers, use the separate leather care guide. For arranging a small collection, use decorative homewares care. This guide covers household placement and upkeep; it is not a structural installation or gardening service offer.
About this guide
Original Simply Maid guidance prepared with AI assistance. Sources checked on 15 October 2026. No independent practitioner review or product testing is claimed.
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