How Should My Greenhouse Be Cleaned?

Clean your greenhouse is an essential task that maximizes the productivity of plants by allowing more sunlight to pass through. To clean, use soap and water to clean down surfaces within the greenhouse, with a hot solution being the best. If algae grows between each glass plane, make a gap using a plant label to make cleaning easier. If your greenhouse has electricity, cover any electric sockets. Discover the best ways to clean and sanitize your greenhouse, from natural solutions to professional-grade disinfectants.

To prevent pests and diseases that can overwinter in your greenhouse, treat soil, accessories, structure, and irrigation using simple tips. Some cleaners specifically developed for greenhouse use, such as Strip-It, are a combination of sulfuric acid and wetting agents. Cleaning greenhouses, whether glass or plastic, greatly improves the growing environment for plants by removing algae, moss, and grime, allowing more light and growth.

To clean a large structure, DIY greenhouse, or cold frame properly, follow a methodical approach. Completely empty the greenhouse, remove all plants, pots, and accessories, brush or vacuum the area, remove weeds, wash surfaces, disinfect, and inspect for damage. Use dish soap and a sponge or brush (not too hard) for scrubbing the framing.

For cleaning glazing and guttering, use a broom/vacuum bucket, soap and water (rubber gloves are optional), window squeegee, natural domestic cleaning, warm soapy water, gloves, watering can or hose, stiff brush or vacuum, bucket of warm water and diluted detergent, mop or broom, pressure washer (optional), white vinegar, jeyes fluid, and high pressure power washing with soap and water. Soap is especially useful in removing greasy deposits, but thorough rinsing is needed.

What do you clean a greenhouse with?

To clean butts, drain water by tipping the butt on its side, scrub the inside with a coarse brush, and use a proprietary cleaning product. Use tap water for vulnerable seeds and seedlings. Fit filters to rainwater diverters to ensure clean rainwater collection. Tight-fitting lids help keep butts free of soil and plant debris contamination. The RHS recommends avoiding pests, diseases, and weeds through good cultivation methods, cultivar selection, garden hygiene, and encouraging natural enemies.

Chemical controls should be used minimally and highly targeted. Safety measures include cleaning gutters and glazing that are safe and easy to reach, avoiding putting your body weight against conservatory or greenhouse glazing, using long-handled tools for safe working from ground level, and wearing eye protection and gloves when handling glass or sharp metal fittings.

Can I use vinegar to clean a greenhouse?

Warm soapy water is an environmentally friendly and economical solution for cleaning greenhouse glass. Mix mild dish soap with warm water and use a soft sponge to rub the glass. White vinegar is an effective natural remedy for hard water stains or mineral deposits. Apply this solution with a sponge and ensure thorough rinsing. Commercial glass cleaners are also an option, but choose ammonia-free alternatives and follow manufacturer’s guidelines.

A squeegee is essential for removing excess water and leaving the glass free of streaks. Avoid using products or practices that could harm plants and the environment. Always follow manufacturer’s guidelines and thoroughly rinse after application.

What not to put in a greenhouse?

Greenhouses provide an ideal environment for cultivating exotic plants, but not all plants thrive in controlled environments. Giant trees and shrubs, which can outgrow their designated spaces and require extensive pruning, can create an unsightly and unmanageable jungle. Invasive species, which can spread rapidly and outcompete native species, can also pose a threat to the environment. Containing these plants within a greenhouse can be challenging, and if they escape, they may cause harm to the surrounding environment.

Therefore, it is crucial to research and choose non-invasive alternatives to maintain the delicate balance of local ecosystems. In summary, greenhouses offer an excellent opportunity to extend the growing season, cultivate exotic plants, and create an optimal environment for a variety of crops.

How do I get rid of green mold in my greenhouse?

To remove mold from your greenhouse, first clean it thoroughly by removing any debris and scrubbing all surfaces with a bleach-water solution. Wear rubber gloves for this task. If mold is present on plants, use a vinegar spray or a commercial mold remover. Test the product on one or two leaves before applying it to the entire plant to ensure it isn’t overly sensitive. Although mold in wintertime greenhouses can be challenging to eliminate completely, these steps will help control fungal invaders.

Is vinegar safe for gardens?

To control insects and deter wild animals in your garden, use a diluted vinegar solution, avoiding full-strength vinegar to avoid harming plants. Create a solution of equal parts vinegar and water and spray it around problem areas. Vinegar is particularly effective for controlling ants as it erases their scent trails. To deter wild animals like squirrels, raccoons, deer, and rabbits, soak old cloth rags with vinegar and hang them around the perimeter of your garden. Refresh the vinegar periodically to keep the scent active, but it’s a simple and effective solution.

What kills green algae naturally?

Algae can be controlled naturally using plants and bacteria, such as barley straw, which releases compounds that inhibit algae growth and beneficial bacteria that consume algae. These natural algaecides are safer and more sustainable than chemical treatments, but should be used responsibly to avoid oxygen depletion in the water. Creating and maintaining a balanced ecosystem is crucial for removing algae naturally.

By introducing the right plants and bacteria, controlling nutrients, and aerating the water, you can keep your pond clear and vibrant without resorting to harsh chemicals. The goal is not to eradicate algae completely, but to maintain a healthy balance where all organisms can thrive.

What should not be cleaned with vinegar?

It is inadvisable to use vinegar for cleaning granite, marble countertops, stone floor tiles, egg stains, spills, iron, hardwood floors, or stubborn stains.

Should you open your greenhouse every day?

Greenhouses are designed to absorb heat, which is beneficial for plants. However, too much of this heat can be harmful. To maximize ventilation, it is recommended to leave the door wide open or ensure multiple vents are unblocked. A simple rule of thumb for greenhouse ventilation is to ensure at least 20 of the total floor area can be opened. This means that one-fifth of the floor size should be “openable”, and smaller greenhouses may need a higher percentage. This ensures that the greenhouse is well-ventilated and provides adequate warmth for plants.

What do I use to clean the outside of my house?

The utilization of specialized equipment, such as brooms, scrub brushes, extension poles, power sprayers, and wet/dry vacuums, facilitates the process of cleaning exterior surfaces. The use of long-handled tools facilitates safe access to elevated exterior areas, while telescoping extension poles are effective for the collection of dust and cobwebs. Power sprayers are capable of dislodging dirt particles through the application of high-pressure water.

How do you clean the outside of a greenhouse?

Clean both inside and outside greenhouse panes with a glass cleaner solution, using a bucket and a long-handled sponge. Check gutters for debris, which can filter into water butts. Brush out any debris before it flows into the downpipes. If guttering needs replacing, refer to the guide on fixing guttering to a greenhouse. Empty out water butts and clean any dirt in the bottom before placing them back in place. If you don’t have a water butt, install one now to have a handy water source on hot days.

Should I water my greenhouse everyday?

Watering your greenhouse garden is essential for its growth, but frequency varies depending on the crops and season. In late spring, summer, and early fall, watering should be done daily or every other day, while in milder seasons, it should be done once a week. Certain plants, like legumes like peas and beans, prefer more water during their flowering stage, while tomatoes and squash prefer more water during their fruiting stage. Leafy greens also prefer regular watering throughout their lifecycle. Hand watering is the preferred method, while watering out of ponds, compost tea, or banana water is also beneficial for plants.