COST OF LIVING OVERVIEW : Our cost of living indices are based on a US average of 100. An amount below 100 means Springfield, Illinois is cheaper than the US average. A cost of living index above 100 means Springfield, Illinois is more expensive. Springfield, Illinois cost of living is 83.30. Housing is the biggest factor in the cost of living difference.
Terra-cotta pots are porous, meaning liquids and small particles travel through the material when it is wet. Water traveling through the pot carries with it salts and minerals from the soil within, leaving white, chalky areas on the outside of the pot.
Clean the terra-cotta pots thoroughly before attempting to seal them. Rinse the pots inside and out, and then scrub them with a stiff brush and a small amount of regular dish soap. Rinse the pots well, and then soak them in a solution of 10 parts of water and one part of bleach for 30 minutes.