How to Clean & Disinfect a Greenhouse
Greenhouses are a very valuable tool to anyone trying to grow plants and vegetables in cooler regions. But the humidity and warmth inside a greenhouse can lead to molds and rotting. This mold can be unsightly, unhealthy and even dangerous to plants. If you find mold growing in your greenhouse, it's important to take care of it right away by cleaning and disinfecting the greenhouse. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Razor blade
- Cloth or sponge
- Laundry or dish detergent (borate based)
- Goggles
- Gloves
- Bleach
- Water
- Bucket
Instructions
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1
Clear the greenhouse of any plants, trees and pots. The chemicals you're going to be dealing with can harm plants. Open any available windows and leave the doors open to air out the greenhouse. Allow circulation while you're dealing with chemicals.
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2
Use the razor blade to scrape any mold, dirt or other growths from the inside walls of the greenhouse. Be careful to scrape away any mold or suspicious growth; leaving anything behind can result in regrowth. Discard of the scrapings.
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3
Combine equal parts dish or laundry detergent with warm water to make a cleansing solution. Use a cloth, sponge or mop to clean the windows of your greenhouse. Leave the solution to dry on the glass.
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4
Mix a second solution of 1/4 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water in your bucket. Wash the panes of glass with the bleach solution to disinfect the greenhouse. Allow the solution to dry for 20 minutes, and then repeat with another disinfecting rinse. Allow the second rinsing to dry for another 20 minutes.
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Mix a third solution, using 70 percent borate-based laundry or dish soap (check the label for borate) with 30 percent warm water. Use the sponge, cloth or mop to wash the greenhouse windows once again with this solution. Allow the solution to dry to prevent any future mold growth.
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Tips & Warnings
While you're cleaning your greenhouse, consider refitting any windows that have old or inadequate glazing. Refitting will increase the insulation of your greenhouse.
Prevent future mold growth by running the fans in the greenhouse and keeping the doors and windows open. Sunshine and warm air will prevent mold growth.
Molds may cause allergies. Always wear gloves, goggles and a mask when working with mold.
