How to Clean a Rubber-Tree Leaf With a Home Remedy

A rubber tree is a hardy plant that requires little care and thrives in a humid, indoor climate. A member of the Ficus family, rubber tree plants can grow up to 50 feet tall but are typically grown to 6-to-9 feet indoors. The rubber tree plant has broad leaves that, similar to other flat surfaces in your home, can get dirty or dusty. A number of homemade cleaning treatments, starting with water, can be used to clean and even add shine to your rubber tree plant's leaves.

Soft clean cloths

Liquid dish soap

Bowls

Sponge (optional)

Lemon juice

Mayonnaise (optional)

Use a damp cloth on the top and underside of each rubber tree leaf to remove dust and light coatings of dirt and grime.

Add 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap to a quart of water into a bowl. Mix well until the water is sudsy. Use a sponge or a soft cloth to wipe each leaf gently -- on top and underneath -- to remove any dried dirt. Use a clean damp cloth to remove any remaining soap residue.

Add a teaspoon of fresh-squeezed lemon juice -- or 1/2 teaspoon of reconstituted lemon juice -- to a pint of water in a bowl or other container and mix well. Apply the lemon-water mixture to rubber tree leaves that have dirt that cannot be removed with plain or soapy water. Wash the leaves underneath and on top. Use a clean, damp cloth to remove any lemon-water residue, which could cause the leaves to burn if placed in direct sunlight.

Add a tablespoon of mayonnaise mixed with a pint of water in a bowl and applied with a sponge or soft cloth to give your rubber tree plant leaves a natural shine. The mayonnaise residue will require more frequent cleanings, however, due to the sticky nature of the mixture.