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:
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Take out all plants, pots, tools, and any other items.
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Check under pots and plant trays for slugs, eggs, or insects that need to be removed.
2. Clean Pots and Tools:
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Wash all pots and tools with warm soapy water.
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Wipe down all surfaces thoroughly, working from top to bottom to make sweeping easier later
3. Scrub the Greenhouse:
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Prepare a bucket of warm soapy water.
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Scrub the greenhouse from top to bottom, paying extra attention to areas with moss or grime.
4. Detail Cleaning:
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Use an old toothbrush or small brush to clean hard-to-reach areas, such as corners and crevices.
5. Rinse:
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Rinse the greenhouse thoroughly with clean water.
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Scrub the floor well and give it a final rinse.
6. Dry and Disinfect:
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Allow the greenhouse to dry completely, which may take a day or two.
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Once dry, consider disinfecting with a suitable product to eliminate lingering pests and diseases.
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Choose a disinfectant carefully, especially if you grow organically or have free-roaming animals.
Exterior Cleaning:
1. Clear the Perimeter:
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Remove garden furniture, flowerpots, and other decorations around the greenhouse.
2. Remove Weeds:
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Pull weeds and clear any debris around the base of the greenhouse.
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Pay special attention to areas with limited accessibility, such as those next to walls or fences.
3. Disengage Autovent Openers:
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Disconnect autovent openers to prevent them from interfering with your cleaning, especially on the roof.
4. Clear Gutters and Roof:
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Remove leaves and debris from gutters.
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Use a soft-bristled brush to clear leaves and dirt from the roof.
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Consider removing any blinds for off-season storage.
5. Scrub the Structure:
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Use a long mop with an extendable handle to scrub the greenhouse structure with soapy water.
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Clean the glass or panels thoroughly with a fresh bucket of soapy water.
6. Buff the Glass:
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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.
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