How to Clean Your Greenhouse Effectively

Maintaining a clean greenhouse is crucial for preventing pests and diseases and ensuring that sunlight can penetrate the glass or panels. Follow this comprehensive checklist to give your greenhouse a thorough clean:

Interior Cleaning:

1. Remove Everything:

  • Take out all plants, pots, tools, and any other items.

  • Check under pots and plant trays for slugs, eggs, or insects that need to be removed.

2. Clean Pots and Tools:

  • Wash all pots and tools with warm soapy water.

  • Wipe down all surfaces thoroughly, working from top to bottom to make sweeping easier later

3. Scrub the Greenhouse:

  • Prepare a bucket of warm soapy water.

  • Scrub the greenhouse from top to bottom, paying extra attention to areas with moss or grime.

4. Detail Cleaning:

  • Use an old toothbrush or small brush to clean hard-to-reach areas, such as corners and crevices.

5. Rinse:

  • Rinse the greenhouse thoroughly with clean water.

  • Scrub the floor well and give it a final rinse.

6. Dry and Disinfect:

  • Allow the greenhouse to dry completely, which may take a day or two.

  • Once dry, consider disinfecting with a suitable product to eliminate lingering pests and diseases.

  • Choose a disinfectant carefully, especially if you grow organically or have free-roaming animals.

Exterior Cleaning:

1. Clear the Perimeter:

  • Remove garden furniture, flowerpots, and other decorations around the greenhouse.

2. Remove Weeds:

  • Pull weeds and clear any debris around the base of the greenhouse.

  • Pay special attention to areas with limited accessibility, such as those next to walls or fences.

3. Disengage Autovent Openers:

  •  Disconnect autovent openers to prevent them from interfering with your cleaning, especially on the roof.

4. Clear Gutters and Roof:

  • Remove leaves and debris from gutters.

Clear Gutters & Roofs

  • Use a soft-bristled brush to clear leaves and dirt from the roof.

  • Consider removing any blinds for off-season storage.

5. Scrub the Structure:

  • Use a long mop with an extendable handle to scrub the greenhouse structure with soapy water.

  • Clean the glass or panels thoroughly with a fresh bucket of soapy water.

6. Buff the Glass:

  • After cleaning, use a soft cloth or a cotton t-shirt to buff the glass and remove any smears.

Note: Avoid using acidic cleaning products as they can corrode the aluminium frame.

Regular cleaning helps maintain a healthy growing environment and prolongs the life of your greenhouse. Follow these steps to ensure your greenhouse remains in top condition.

 

Tags: Greenhouse maintenance