Should You Soak Clay Pots Before Use?
Clay pots are containers made from baked clay that are porous and allow air and water to pass through. Terracotta pots are a common type of clay pot used for cooking and gardening. The purpose of soaking clay pots before use is to hydrate the clay so it does not draw moisture away from the contents too quickly. This is especially important for gardening, as dry clay pots will absorb water from the soil and cause plants to dry out faster. For cooking, soaking allows steam to pass through evenly and prevents cracking from temperature changes. Proper soaking helps clay pots perform their function better.
Citing https://www.housedigest.com/1384902/soak-clay-terracotta-pot-plant/ and https://safetouseit.com/do-you-need-to-soak-clay-pots-before-cooking/ for additional details.
Pros of Soaking Clay Pots
One of the main benefits of soaking clay pots before use is that it prevents cracks and breaks. Clay is porous and prone to cracking if subjected to sudden temperature changes or if water is added too quickly. When a dry clay pot is watered, the clay expands rapidly as it absorbs the moisture. This sudden expansion can lead to cracks or breakage. Soaking allows the clay to absorb water slowly, giving it time to expand gradually without damage [1]. Soaking for at least 30 minutes prior to the initial watering allows the clay to become saturated so that it won’t crack when planted.
Soaking also allows the pot to absorb water more slowly when watered. Dry terracotta wicks moisture away from the soil and plant roots rapidly. This can lead to the need for frequent watering. When soaked prior to use, the clay becomes saturated so moisture is drawn out of the soil less quickly. This allows the plant to access water for a longer period before the next watering is needed [2]. Soaking helps moderate the moisture level in the pot.
Cons of Soaking Clay Pots
While soaking clay pots before first use provides some benefits, there are also a few potential downsides to keep in mind:
It takes extra time. Thoroughly soaking pots requires leaving them submerged for an extended period, often overnight or longer. This can be inconvenient compared to simply using a clay pot right away.
Over-saturation is possible if soaked too long. Clay is porous and will absorb water when soaked. But leaving pots to soak for multiple days can lead to oversaturation, making pots heavier, more fragile, and prone to algae growth. The optimal soaking time is usually 12-24 hours.
Proper drying is important afterward. Once removed from soaking, pots should be allowed to completely air dry before using or planting. Insufficient drying can cause cracks when exposed to heat.
The shape may distort slightly. Extended water exposure can cause subtle changes to the dimensions of terra cotta pots. Round pots may ovalize slightly.
Not ideal for decorative pots. The soaking and drying process can fade decorative finishes and paint on the exterior of pots.
Requires space to soak properly. A tub, basin, or bucket large enough to submerge pots is needed.
Only a one-time process. The initial soaking prepares the clay but doesn’t eliminate the need for ongoing watering care.
How to Soak Clay Pots
Soaking clay pots properly before using them for plants is straightforward, but there are some key steps to follow:
First, fill a container such as a sink, bucket, or bathtub with room temperature water. The container needs to be large enough to fully submerge the clay pots you want to soak. Avoid extremely hot or cold water.
Next, fully submerge the clay pots in the water, ensuring they are completely covered. Let the pots soak for the recommended amount of time, which can range from 30 minutes up to overnight, depending on the pot size and thickness.
As noted in this Apartment Therapy guide, ideally you should soak terracotta pots overnight, but at minimum 30 minutes to 1 hour for smaller pots. Thicker, more porous pots may require longer soak times up to 12 hours.
The key is to allow enough time for the clay to become fully hydrated, absorbing water throughout the material. This helps prevent the pot from pulling moisture away from the soil and plant roots after potting.
Soaking Times
The recommended soaking time for clay pots depends on the size of the pot.
For small clay pots, a soaking time of 30 minutes to 2 hours is typically sufficient. The clay will absorb water during this time and become saturated.1
Larger clay pots may require an overnight soak to fully saturate the clay. Leaving pots immersed for 8-12 hours allows the water to penetrate deep into the pores.2 Overnight soaking helps prevent the rapid drying out of soil in bigger pots.
In general, the larger the clay pot, the longer the recommended soaking time for proper saturation before using it for plants.
Drying Clay Pots
After soaking clay pots, it’s crucial to allow them to air dry completely before use. As this source suggests, place a layer of rags or paper towels between the clay and any plastic coverings to allow airflow and absorb excess moisture. Trying to use clay pots before they have fully dried can lead to cracking or damage.
Make sure not to let the clay pots freeze while they are still wet, as this can also cause cracking or breakage. Ideally, clay should be dried slowly at room temperature in a frost-free space. Rushing the drying process with heat sources like ovens or direct sunlight can cause uneven drying and hairline cracks. Patience is key for properly air drying soaked clay pots.
It typically takes 1-3 days for soaked clay pots to dry fully, though larger or thicker-walled pots may require longer. Test for dryness by feeling for any cool or damp areas. When clay is ready for use, it will feel dry, firm, and room temperature throughout.
Using Soaked Clay Pots
After soaking and drying your clay pots, there are a few things to keep in mind when using them for the first time. Clay is porous, so it’s important to check the pots carefully for any leaks or cracks that may have developed during the soaking process before using them.
Fill the pots slowly with soil and water to prevent any potential cracking from happening. The clay will be more vulnerable after soaking, so a gradual introduction of weight is best. According to Guide to Potted Plants, “Your plant will likely become root-bound if kept in a small container too long, so when repotting into a larger vessel, go up just one or two sizes at a time.” This gradual increase in size will help prevent cracking or damage.
Position the pots properly so they don’t wobble or tip over when filled. Use pot feet or sturdy stands if needed. Monitor newly soaked pots closely at first to ensure no leaks develop that could damage furniture or floors.
Caring for Clay Pots
Properly caring for clay pots is important for maintaining their longevity and appearance. Here are some tips for caring for clay pots:
Avoid extreme temperatures – Clay is susceptible to cracking if subjected to sudden temperature changes or extreme heat or cold. Do not leave clay pots out in freezing weather or set hot pots straight on cold surfaces. Bring pots indoors before the first frost.
Seal periodically – Applying a sealant to the outside of clay pots creates a water-resistant barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the terracotta. Reapply sealant once a year or as directed by the product instructions. Popular sealants for clay pots include varnish, linseed oil, and commercial waterproofing products.
Check for cracks – Inspect pots regularly for any hairline cracks or damage. These can expand over time with water exposure. Repair small cracks with terracotta putty before they worsen.
Protect from direct sun – Prolonged sun exposure can cause clay pots to fade and develop a whitish mineral deposit on the surface. Keep pots in a shaded spot or move indoor pots away from bright sunny windows.
When Not to Soak
There are some cases when soaking clay pots before use is not necessary:
If the clay pots were pre-soaked by the manufacturer before packaging and selling, they do not need to be soaked again before using. Many mass-produced terra cotta pots are pre-soaked to stabilize them prior to transportation and sale. Check the product details or packaging to see if they were pre-soaked.
For very small or shallow clay pots, soaking is often not needed. Tiny pots or saucers made from terra cotta clay tend to be quite thin and porous enough that excess water will evaporate quickly after watering plants. Large, deep pots are more likely to benefit from soaking before use.
It’s also unnecessary to soak glazed terra cotta pots, as the glazing seals and waterproofs the surface. Unglazed terra cotta is porous and will absorb water when soaked.
Conclusion
Soaking clay pots has both pros and cons that should be considered. On one hand, soaking clay helps the pots absorb water, reducing the risk of drying out plants. Soaking also helps remove dust and mineral deposits. However, soaking can promote mold growth, crack pots if done incorrectly, and isn’t always necessary.
The recommendation on when to soak clay pots depends on several factors:
Soak new, recently purchased pots – this helps clean and prepare them for first use.
Soak pots that will hold very thirsty plants prone to drying out quickly.
Avoid soaking pots that will hold plants sensitive to overwatering.
Soak pots that have been stored dry over winter before reuse.
Soak pots showing mineral deposits or salt buildup to clean them.
Allow even thick clay pots just 1-2 hours soaking to prevent cracking. Test water absorption by pouring water on the inside and outside to ensure the clay is hydrated.
While soaking can help, it’s not mandatory. Focus instead on watering properly and choosing an appropriate pot size.
