This denture tablet hack keeps cut flowers fresh for longer – perfect timing for Valentine's Day
Who would have thought denture tablets could be the key to a long-lasting bouquet?


There's nothing quite as sad as watching a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers wilt away in a vase far too soon. Thankfully we've just stumbled across a savvy hack to help cut flowers last longer and you might be surprised to find out the solution has been hiding in the dental aisle all along.
Of all the ways to make your bouquet last longer, we would never have thought of using denture tablets. You may have heard about their usefulness for expert cleaning hacks such as removing stains from coffee mugs, however, it turns out their power doesn't stop there.
Cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie reveals how she uses budget denture tablets to keep her cut flowers looking fresh for longer. And of course, we were keen to learn more.
Lynsey Crombie's denture tablet hack for flowers
When it comes to cleaning tips and tricks, Lynsey Crombie, aka Queen of Clean, is always on hand to provide the most unique and effective methods. So when she shared how she used denture tablets not just for cleaning but for maximising the blooms of her cut flowers, of course, we were all ears.
She says, "I have been a massive fan of using denture tablets around the home for years, and you don’t need to splurge on branded ones! The supermarket's own-brand versions work just as well. These little tablets of magic are packed with bicarbonate of soda and are incredibly versatile."
So versatile that the tablets aren't just helpful for cleaning with bicarbonate of soda, they can also provide your flowers with a longer lifespan.
A post shared by Lynsey Queen Of Clean (@lynsey_queenofclean)
A photo posted by on
"When the tablets are dissolved in water, the ingredients release oxygen and create an environment that stops bacterial and fungal growth," says Lynsey.
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
In the same way, your houseplants will suffer from mould on their topsoil, your flowers can prematurely wilt when left in their water with bacteria growth.
The method is extremely easy to do, as Lynsey explains: "Simply add one denture tablet to clean water in the vase, then cut the stems as you would normally and your flowers will last much longer."
Steradent Active Plus Denture Daily Cleaner 30 Tablets: £0.99 at Asda
Whilst you can get the own-brand versions for even cheaper at Asda, these will certainly offer a little more cleaning power and all for 99p.
Speaking to the lead gardener at Allan's Gardeners, Jane Dobbs, she says that this hack might be even more useful for cleaning the vase before you add the flowers.
"Denture tablets have some cleaning agents and contain disinfectants, these can help remove bacteria in the vase that cause fresh flowers to wilt. The cleaner the water, the more effectively stems absorb nutrients and moisture," she adds.
So the next time you're walking down the dental aisle at the shops you might think a little differently of the denture tablet offering.
Gardening is Jane's passion, having built and maintained stunning outdoor spaces for over a decade. Managing all the garden projects at Allan's Gardeners is her responsibility as lead gardener. A wide range of horticultural practices come into play in Jane's work, from landscape design to plant and lawn care.
Shop decorative vases
RRP: £38 | This vase is ideal for top-heavy bouquets as its pear-shaped design offers a sturdy base. It's also perfect for any home thanks to its effortless simplicity and organic shape.
RRP: £12 | What better colour combination for your Valentine's florals than pink and red? This confetti-style vase can hold an impressive amount of water and has a wide enough neck to fit various-sized bouquets.
RRP: £18 | If you're looking for a statement vase this is a great choice and for under £20 it's an absolute steal. Thanks to its taller design it'll easily fit in bigger bouquets and more top-heavy florals like lilies.
Jane also points out that creating a solution of water and white vinegar can have a similar effect on cleaning your vase. Cleaning with vinegar is ideal as it's a natural antibacterial ingredient so can help your flower water stay fungus-free for longer.
Emily joined woman&home as a staff writer after finishing her MA in Magazine Journalism from City University in 2023. After writing various health and news content, she now specialises in lifestyle, covering unique cleaning hacks, gardening how-tos, and everything to help your houseplants thrive.
-
Missed out the first time around? Fashion editor favourite A.W.A.K.E. Mode is back with another John Lewis collection
Shop this collection online & in-store now
By Molly Smith Published
-
Maxi skirts are the new midi dresses and Queen Mary’s floral design is utterly eye-catching
Queen Mary’s floral skirt has convinced us that maxi skirts are a brilliant alternative to midi dresses for spring and summer.
By Emma Shacklock Published
-
What is pink mould and how can you get rid of it safely? Experts share advice
While you may not have even heard of pink mould, it's relatively common and important to know how to tackle it quickly
By Emily Smith Published
-
'Meadowscaping' is the charming low-effort low-cost garden trend that attracts wildlife in abundance
Turn your garden into an endearing low-maintenance meadow with these expert tips and tricks
By Emily Smith Published
-
Welcome Italy into your home with the Amalfi decor trend – think lemons, ceramic patterns and bold colours
Dreaming of an Italian-style summer? The new Amalfi interiors trend will provide all the dreamy Mediterranean vibes you need
By Emily Smith Published
-
How often should you wash your bath mat? Cleaning experts share their advice
Are you cleaning your bath mat frequently enough? You might be surprised by the recommended regularity
By Emily Smith Published
-
Mary Berry’s new Mediterranean-inspired kitchenware is a masterclass in timeless tablescaping
What better way to celebrate Mary Berry's 90th birthday than serving her new tableware collection
By Emily Smith Published
-
Kelly Hoppen shares her interior expertise to refresh homes accordingly now it's spring
It is time to say goodbye to the winter blankets and welcome the new season into your home
By Emily Smith Published
-
Are coffee grounds good for houseplants? Here's what horticulture experts say
Could your morning caffeinated pick-me-up be as beneficial to your beloved indoor plants as it is in the garden?
By Emily Smith Published
-
5 simple ways to reduce gardening costs this spring without sacrificing results
Looking to cut costs this year? It's time to start making budget-friendly swaps in your garden, from solar power to home composting
By Emily Smith Published