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Garden greenhouse maintenance is key to the success of your plant’s growth. Regular cleaning of the structure is a good practice; otherwise, it can do more harm than good. Roll up your sleeves, and let’s get into the cleaning process to start the new growing season on the right foot.
Cleaning the Greenhouse Exterior
The exterior of a greenhouse is constantly exposed to the elements. Over time, dirt, dust, and debris accumulate, blocking sunlight and potentially harbouring pests. You wouldn’t want any of these contaminants to be transferred inside, so tackle the exterior first.
- Get your handy broom, brush, or blower and clear away leaves, cobwebs, and other debris on the surface of your greenhouse. You may start on the roof, move onto the walls, and finish with the ground or base area.
- Next, wash the outer structure using a garden hose or pressure washer to rinse off loose dirt. Again, begin from the top and work your way down to wash away all the residue.
- You’re not done yet! Your next step is to apply a mild detergent and scrub the surface with a soft-bristled brush or sponge. If you have a wooden greenhouse, opt for a gentle cleaner to avoid damaging the timber. For metal greenhouses, watch out for rusty spots; use steel wool, a scouring pad, or a wire brush to remove rust.
After scrubbing, rinse the entire exterior thoroughly with clean water. If you are using purified water, you can just leave this to air dry. However, standard tap water might leave water marks that make the windows less shiny than you might like. To prevent this, use a squeegee to scrape off excess water, then buff it with a clean dry towel that won’t leave fibres behind. On hot or windy days, it might dry very quickly, so give another light squirt of water and immediately dry it to prevent streaks.
Cleaning Inside a Greenhouse
Now that the exterior is spotless, it’s time to work on the inside. Remember, a clean interior creates a healthy environment for your plants, free from pests, mould, and bacteria. To get started:
- Move all your potted plants, gardening tools, and other items to a safe area. This could be in your garden or potting shed, where they won’t get wet or damaged during the cleaning process. If possible, clear out the greenhouse so you can have full access to all surfaces.
- Take out your duster or soft cloth again to dust off shelves, beams, and glass surfaces. The dust may fall to the floor, so don’t worry about it right away. After dusting, sweep the floor to remove loose dirt and fallen plant matter. Don’t skip the corners and edges where dust tends to collect.
- As you did on the exterior surface, clean all surfaces with a mild detergent or any suitable solution. Scrub these areas with a sponge, cloth, or mop. Rinse with clean water, but do so carefully to avoid creating excess moisture inside, which can lead to mould and mildew. For windows and panels, use a glass cleaner to remove spots and streaks. Remove any spots or streaks to get that maximum light transmission for your plants.
- After cleaning, use a mild disinfectant to sanitise surfaces and kill any remaining germs. Follow the instructions on the disinfectant for best results and safety.
Once the interior is dry and refreshed, bring your potted plants back inside and place the tools in their designated spot. Voila, your greenhouse is ready for the new season. If your plants are directly in the ground, cover them with a breathable garden fabric or frost blanket. This protects them from dust and contaminants while you clean. Remove the cover before using the greenhouse again so your plants get enough light and air.
That’s it for our guide on how to clean a greenhouse. We hope these steps help you keep both the exterior and interior of your plant house in great condition. If you haven’t found the right structure for your needs, check out our greenhouses for sale, available in a variety of styles and glazing materials.
