I thought using a bleach dip for vases was overkill until a wedding last month
I was cleaning up after a big wedding in July and saw the lead florist pour a capful of bleach into every single vase before washing them. I asked her about it and she said, 'It's the only thing that kills the biofilm from old stems, especially with hydrangeas.' I used to just use hot soapy water, thinking that was enough. After trying her method for three weeks, the water in my arrangements stays clear for a full two days longer. I'm a total convert now. Has anyone found a different trick that works just as well without the bleach smell?