Plants will be healthier and live longer with 30-second microwave trick

An expert has revealed a surprising tip for cleaning plant leaves that involves using a microwave. Everyone knows that houseplants need the right amount of water and sunlight to flourish, but they also can also benefit from a clean every now and again.

When dust builds up on leaves it can hinder photosynthesis, the process by which plants turn light into energy. People often simply opt for damp cloth to clear away away the particles and help their leafy lodgers breathe.

But Diego Fernández, a chemical engineer and author of the "Manual of Uses and Applications of Domestic Chemical Products", claims making use of the kitchen appliance and a natural ingredient you may not have thought of can be highly effective.

Glycerine is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol and can be derived "either from animal and vegetable fats and oils, or from petrochemical feedstock", according to The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI).

It's often used to reduce the symptoms of sore throats or soothe chapped and rough skin, and is available in pharmacies.

Mr Fernández says it can also be a great tool for the green-fingered among us, and revealed a surprising hack in video on his Instagram profile.

"Don't clean your plant leaves without first learning the sponge trick," he told his followers, as reported by Spanish news site El Confidencial.

"Take half a litre of water and put it in the microwave for 30 seconds," he continued. "To the warm water, add a small spoonful of glycerine and mix very well.

"Once the water has cooled, take a sponge, moisten it and use it to clean the leaves."

The author says the natural compound "attracts moisture, repels dust and makes leaves shine". However, you should always follow the guidance on the packaging of any glycerine products.

Meanwhile, The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) recommends against home remedies in favour of simply using a damp cloth in tap water.

In a video on their , houseplant expert Tony Le-Britton recommends wiping over the leaves gently, "place your hand underneath to support the leaf, and wipe it off".

"You do the top and the bottom, and that is literally all you have to do." Mr Le-Britton says wiping down the leaves is "also a great way to manage pest numbers, so I tend to check my plants one a week when I'm checking whether they need watering".

He then gives them a wipe down if he sees "any dust, dirt, or evidence of pests".