Want to know how to clean a greenhouse? Read this practical guide.
If you’re like most greenhouse owners, you probably don’t clean your greenhouse as often as you should. This can lead to a build-up of dirt and debris, which can cause problems for your plants.
This step-by-step guide will show you how to clean your greenhouse.
We will also discuss why it’s important to clean your greenhouse and when the best time to do so is. Finally, we will provide some eco-friendly options for cleaning your greenhouse.
Why is it Important to Clean Your Greenhouse?
While the cosy habitat of a greenhouse nurtures plants, it also serves as an excellent breeding ground for insects, other pests and diseases.
As such, your greenhouse will benefit from periodic cleaning and maintenance, whether it’s constructed of glass, polycarbonate, or polyethylene plastic.
In addition to helping combat pests and disease, there are a couple of other reasons why you should clean your greenhouse regularly: firstly because it makes it more attractive, but also doing so and clearing off a buildup of dirt or algae will allow more light into the structure.
When is the Best Time to Clean Your Greenhouse?
You should clean the exterior of your greenhouse on a regular basis – at least every couple of months.
However, you should aim to also deep-clean your greenhouse – where you take everything out to clean it thoroughly, as well as cleaning tools and pots – once a year.
Generally, winter is the best time to deep clean your greenhouse as you’re likely to have fewer plants inside.
Additionally, you won’t be as busy with day-to-day growing tasks in winter as in the spring, summer and autumn months.
How to Clean a Greenhouse: The Step-by-Step Guide
Equipment Needed for Cleaning Your Greenhouse
- Bucket
- Scrub brush
- Hose or pressure washer
- Sponge (long-handled and hand-held)
- Soap
- Glass cleaner
- Rag or chamois
How to Clean Greenhouse: What to Do
How to Clean a Greenhouse: Step by Step
- Remove Everything from the Greenhouse
The first step in the process of cleaning your greenhouse is to remove all of the plants and debris from the inside. Try and choose a warmer day for cleaning so you can put your plants in a warm and sheltered spot while you work.
- Clear and Clean the Greenhouse Structure
Continue by clearing any debris and dirt from any structural parts of the greenhouse – this covers the frame, staging and any guttering. Once clear, clean thoroughly.
- Clean the Greenhouse Glass
Next, clean the greenhouse glass – inside and outside. A simple way to do this is to mix warm water with vinegar and use a cloth or sponge to clean the surfaces. Be sure to rinse the surfaces with clean water afterwards.
If there is any mould or mildew present on the walls or roof of your greenhouse, vinegar will work. If you’re still concerned, you can use a mixture of bleach and water to clean it off – or hydrogen peroxide as a more plant-friendly solution.
Other options for cleaning greenhouse glass include using a commercial glass cleaner or using a mixture of water and dish soap. You can stop the glass from streaking by using newspapers or a squeegee. - Rinse The Greenhouse
If you can, use a hose to wash off the outside of the greenhouse. If you don’t have a hose, use a pressure washer or do it manually.
- Clean Your Pots, Seed Trays and Tools
Clean the pots and seed trays with warm water and soap. Leave to dry outside.
- Clean the Floor of The Greenhouse
Finally, clean the floor of the greenhouse. This can be done with a hose or pressure washer, but take care not to damage any plants that may be in the vicinity.
- Replace the Items into the Greenhouse
Once you have finished cleaning your greenhouse, put all of your plants, pots and equipment back into the greenhouse.
Eco-Friendly Options for Cleaning Your Greenhouse
There are a few eco-friendly options for cleaning your greenhouse organically.
We’ve already discussed one – a simple solution of water and vinegar, which is our preferred way for cleaning a greenhouse.
Another option is to use a mixture of water and lemon juice to clean the surfaces. Alternatively, you can use bicarbonate of soda to scrub away dirt and grime.
Finally, you can use diluted hydrogen peroxide to disinfect the greenhouse.
Other Greenhouse Cleaning Products
There are a few other greenhouse cleaning products that you can use.
These include easily available cleaners, such as window cleaner or all-purpose cleaner. However, these are not as friendly to the ecosystem as the natural options outlined above and don’t perform significantly better either.
