Updated at: 03-05-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

To ensure the health of your plants and yourself, it’s critical that you know how to properly clean greenhouse glass. Warm soapy water and a sponge are all you need to clean your greenhouse’s glass walls. Keeping your plants clean is essential to preventing mold, bugs, and diseases.

Pests, illnesses, and germs thrive in greenhouses as well as plants, which is why it’s so important to keep greenhouses clean. Also, gnats and other insects may overwinter in your greenhouse by hiding out in the gaps and nooks, and algae and fungi will thrive.

When these things are present, your plants are at risk. For this reason, it’s essential to clean, disinfect, and sanitize your greenhouse.

How Should You Clean Your Greenhouse Glass?

The glass in your greenhouse should be cleaned on both sides. There is a risk that the outside will become covered in mud or dust. Planting can contaminate the interior, and high humidity can lead to the growth of algae.

How Do I Clean My Greenhouse? - A Simple Step-By-Step Guide

A glass greenhouse, on the other hand, is very simple to keep clean. In order to do so, this is how:

Cleaning the Outside of Your Greenhouse

Use a sponge and warm to hot water to clean your greenhouse. Depending on how dirty the walls are, soak them in water for 10 to 15 minutes. Cleansing is made easier by using hot water.

Add a little detergent or an all-purpose cleanser to a gallon of warm water after loosening the dirt. Scrub the glass with a gentle sponge. Scrubbing power is important for cleaning particularly dirty walls. It is, however, important to ensure that it does not damage your panels.

Dry your walls completely before painting. After that, apply a natural glass polisher to give your glass panels a final shine.

Cleaning the Inside of Your Greenhouse

To safeguard your safety, disconnect any electrical wiring in your greenhouse before you begin the cleaning process. Keep water out of any exposed outlets.

Mix a pail of warm or hot water with a light detergent or all-purpose cleanser. The presence of bacteria, mold, and fungi can be eradicated and their growth prevented by using a disinfectant (if your all-purpose cleaner does not offer disinfection properties).

To ensure that your walls are totally dry, open all doors, vents, and other openings. After that, polish the glass with a natural glass polisher. Use a dry cloth or rag to dry the glazing if you need to do this.

Why Should You Buy a Mini Greenhouse?

A tiny greenhouse is an excellent investment for a number of reasons. You get the same benefits of a greenhouse at a fraction of the investment. Additionally, here are some of the benefits to having a small greenhouse in your home:

Protects your plants from inclement weather

Your crops can be ruined in an instant by heavy rain, strong winds, storms, hail, and more. Your garden can be wiped out in a single storm. When it comes to protecting your plants from the elements, a greenhouse is the best option.

Comes in different sizes

When you think of a greenhouse, what comes to mind? The size of a modest house in a glass-encased structure? Greenhouses come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with a few extravagant options. A greenhouse isn’t necessarily necessary for home gardening. A small greenhouse can often provide for the gardening needs of a typical homeowner.

Protect your plants from pesky insects and animals

It’s not uncommon for a variety of insects and rodents to dine on your garden’s leaves and harvest. A tiny greenhouse keeps pests and animals away from the plants you’ve worked so hard to grow. Keeping them in a greenhouse also protects them against plant-specific infections.

Great for beginners in greenhouse technology

If you’re interested in learning more about greenhouse technology, starting with a small greenhouse is the ideal place to start. As previously said, a miniature greenhouse is both affordable and functional. You’ll be able to find out which plants do best in your greenhouse and whether or not you need to invest in a larger one.

Perfect for people with limited space

Investing in a little greenhouse is a terrific choice for those with limited garden area. There is no limit to what can be grown in a mini-greenhouse, and you can even put it on tablestops. The most common greenhouse size is 6 feet wide. Smaller versions are available if this one is out of your price range. Despite their diminutive size, these greenhouses perform identically to their larger counterparts.

Start planting earlier than usual

You can begin planting even before the cold weather arrives if you have a small greenhouse. It’s time to transplant your plants into your garden as the weather warms up! The sooner you start planting, the sooner you can reap the benefits of your labors.

Why should you clean your greenhouse?

It’s true that cleaning your greenhouse isn’t the most fun thing you can do, but it’s an essential one. Sunlight shines through clear panels, resulting in increased plant growth. Light is essential for photosynthesis in all plants. The importance of this is amplified in the winter. When the days are short and the sun is coming in from a different angle, the greenhouse can use all the sunlight it can get.

Pests, algae, and other illnesses can stunt the growth of your plants and even cause them to die if your greenhouse isn’t kept clean.

Plants thrive in a greenhouse, but certain pests thrive in the same environment. This is why a regular clean-up of your greenhouse is so important. Tiny insects will grow wherever you give them a chance.

Insects find refuge in the gaps and crannies. You’ll also have to contend with soil-dwelling plant infections. Gnats and algae will thrive on the lines, which are covered in organic matter.

Finally, you’ve invested in a greenhouse to grow your own food. Maintenance tasks, like as cleaning, should be included in your annual gardening plan to get the most out of it. Fortunately, there are times of the year when this is possible.

When to clean your greenhouse

Your greenhouse should be cleaned on a yearly basis in addition to normal upkeep. Please remember to put it on your calendar so you won’t forget.

In a greenhouse, there will be times when you have less plants and others when you have just harvested a lot of fruit or vegetables. When there are less people around, it’s a good time to get the housework done.

This window of opportunity typically opens in the fall or winter for many gardeners. There are less crops growing at this time of year or you’re about to begin planting your spring crops.

Prior to starting new seedlings, it would be best to clean the greenhouse. Selecting a moderate day is essential if you plan to keep any overwintering plants outside during the fall or winter.

During the summer, some gardeners choose to grow their plants in the open air, thus their greenhouses are largely unused. This indicates that the end of the summer (again: before you start fresh seedlings) will be another great time!

How To Clean Your Greenhouse In 7 Steps: Greenhouse Cleaning • Envii

Not only must you examine the amount of space in your greenhouse, you must also think about the plants that must wait outdoors while you complete your task. Perhaps you’ll have delicate plants that can’t handle the cold.? This means you shouldn’t put it off until later in the year; instead, get it done sooner.

  • Orchids and other year-round plants should be watered twice a week. in the fall, when the weather is mild
  • Tomatoes and other summer crops: in the winter, when the crops have been harvested, the land is pristine.
  • growing seedlings for regular and recurring crops: when crops aren’t being harvested, such as the autumn or spring

How to clean your greenhouse in 5 easy steps

Before we go into the specifics of cleaning glass and polycarbonate panels, let us go over the fundamentals.

What you’ll need to get started:

  • Using a broom or rake, sweep the floor.
  • Bucket
  • Laundry detergent that is gentle (and biodegradable), such as Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day or Grab Green’s*
  • Cleaner for glass
  • As Charlie’s Soap*, an antibacterial agent
  • Vinegar
  • If you don’t have a vehicle wash mop with a pole, you might use a sponge.
  • An adjustable telescoping pole squeegee window cleaner like this one on Amazon*
  • MICROFIBER TOWELS: (or any window drying towels)
  • Hose for water
  • The height of the (Step) Ladder is determined by your greenhouse (you need to be able to reach the top with your tools)

Step 1: Empty your greenhouse

Take everything out of the greenhouse. When storing plants outside, cover them with a plastic sheet or bring them into your house or garage if necessary.

Detach any unnecessary attachments, like shade cloths and hangers for potted plants. You should also remove any watering systems or grow lights that are not necessary.

Step 2: Sweep and brush your greenhouse

Remove leaves, dirt, and plant fragments from the structure and shelving by scrubbing with a broom. If you have a concrete slab, wooden deck, or similar flooring, then sweep the floor. Raking up leaves and other plant debris is a good idea if you have soil.

Try to get rid of as many unnecessary pieces as feasible. As a result, healthy plants are less likely to be infected by disease-causing bacteria.

Step 3: Removing leaves from gutters & empty rain barrels

Make a point of checking your gutters for any leaves or other debris. The pipes will not be clogged by them. After the trees have shed their leaves in the fall, this is especially significant.

The bottoms of the water butts should be emptied and then rinsed to remove the accumulated filth. Scrub the inside with an oxygen bleach solution and then rinse. As a result, the following season will not be plagued by algae.

If you live in an area where the winters are frigid, now is an excellent time to remove and store your rain barrel. If you do this before the first freeze, you’ll get the best results.

Step 4: Cleaning the greenhouse framing and glazing

Your greenhouse needs to be cleaned both inside and out. The only way to reach the top of your greenhouse, regardless of the type of glazing you have installed, is by using a (step) ladder.

Scrub the framing with dish soap and a sponge or brush that isn’t too rough. Polycarbonate greenhouse owners should avoid using brushes. Non-abrasive sponges should be used in this situation.

You don’t want wood rot or pests if you have wood framing. These creatures have a fondness for hiding in the crevices of wooden frames. So, all of the wood’s delicate parts should be treated with a non-toxic horticultural oil derived from vegetable sources. This job calls for the use of a brush, which will aid you in removing any spots where bugs might be lurking.

You also need to keep an eye out for any omissions. They can be difficult to clean at times. Consider repurposing old toothbrushes or other household items to get the job done!

Glass and Polycarbonate panels can be cleaned in further detail below.

Step 5: Clean pots, seed trays, and other accessories

Make sure you wash your pots, planters, and seed trays with warm soapy water before using them. Disinfectant can also be used. Oxygen bleach should be used in a ratio of 3/4 cup per gallon of water. Using a clean towel, pat the equipment dry after rinsing it well.

Also, use a scouring sponge to clean shelves and other surfaces. After that, you’ll be able to put everything back where it belongs and create an orderly workspace.

It’s time to wash any shade cloths you’ve been using, whether they’re inside or outside.

Irrigation system cleaning should also be on your list of considerations. It can become a breeding ground for undesired germs and fungi if it isn’t properly maintained. If you water your plants from a nearby pond, this is likely to happen. To keep your plants and soil safe, disinfect all portions of your irrigation system. Watering your plants with contaminated water is a sure way to kill them.

Watering heads can be removed and soaked in a vinegar-water solution if you can do so. It will remove the calcification and make them seem young again.

How do you clean a Polycarbonate greenhouse?

In comparison to other glazing materials, polycarbonate is unique. Although it has several advantages, the scratching is a little more pronounced. Because of this, you’ll want to pay attention to the cleaning products you use.

What to use to clean a Polycarbonate greenhouse

Cleaning your Polycarbonate walls does not necessitate the use of any specialized solutions. A mild soap, such liquid dishwashing soap, is all that is needed. You can’t brush or use harsh abrasives to clean Polycarbonate goods because they contain UV protection.

The coating on your Polycarbonate panels can also be damaged by common household cleaning solutions, many of which contain chemicals that can destroy the coating. In addition, a non-abrasive sponge is required in order to avoid damaging the fabric.

How to clean your Polycarbonate greenhouse

  1. Pour some dish soap into a pail of water, and you’re good to go. Use it to clean both the interior and exterior of the vehicle. I’d begin on the porch and work my way within from there.
  2. The Polycarbonate sheets can be cleaned with a gentle sponge or a car wash mop if necessary. These mops are ideal for cleaning a greenhouse because they are soft and often include telescoping poles.
  3. After allowing the cleaning solution to soak in for a while, you may need to go over the greenhouse again.
  4. Rinse the walls thoroughly with a water hose to remove any remaining soap.
  5. A new dry mop or a fresh soft towel will help prevent water stains.

Preventative measures

In addition to the annual clean-up, you should continually keep your greenhouse as neat and orderly as you can. Keeping your greenhouse clean on a daily or weekly basis is the best preventative measure. A few minutes a week can make a big difference. Pests and diseases are kept at bay, and the big clean-up is made simpler. So, keep your greenhouse clean by frequently removing plant debris and raking or vacuuming it.

The frequency of cleaning may need to be increased if you have hard water. Cleaning watering systems of water stains and lime deposits is much easier this way.

Clean and disease-free soil should be used to replace the old. You don’t want to expose yourself to viruses and pathogens that may be present in old soil.

Make sure your plants are correctly spaced apart as a preventative precaution. Pests and diseases can be spread from one object to another, so be careful what you bring into your greenhouse. Disinfect your tools on a regular basis to maintain proper cleanliness.

Cleanup at the conclusion of the growing season will save you both time and money. Your crops will have a higher chance of surviving and thriving if they enter your greenhouse next year.

Why It’s Important to Clean Your Greenhouse

Keep your greenhouse free of pests, algae, and other disease-causing organisms so that your plants can thrive and expand to their full potential. When it comes to plants, nothing beats a warm, moist environment, but this also means that greenhouses are more susceptible to pests and illnesses.

To get your greenhouse clean, you’ll need more than just a few gallons of water. If you want your plants to thrive, you must use the proper materials and follow the right procedures on a regular basis.

As long as you master the basics of greenhouse cleaning, it will be much easier for you to do so in the future. Pests, algae, and illnesses of all kinds won’t be able to get near your plants if you don’t do this. After each growth season, you should aim to get the structure properly cleaned. To keep your plants healthy and thriving, you must learn how to properly care for them, which products to use and which to avoid, and what to look for.

Best Time of Year to Clean a Greenhouse

It may even be less humid, which means that your plants and vegetation are less likely to be affected by pests. It’s also a lot easier to clean and maintain a greenhouse that doesn’t have a lot of plants because they don’t require a lot of effort or upkeep and you don’t have to plant anything.

Cleaning your greenhouse once a year is not always possible, so it is best to do it between each growing season of the plants in your greenhouse so that you are prepared for what comes next. Remember to clean seasonal greenhouses once a year and to wash year-round greenhouses multiple times a year. Also, choose a time of day when the greenhouse is less crowded and cooler, such as in the late afternoon or early evening. This will make your task a lot easier for you!

How to Clean a Greenhouse Roof

When it comes to cleaning your greenhouse’s interior, one of the simplest methods is to use a damp kitchen mop that has been wrung out. A ladder can then be used to reach high above the structure and completely clean the very top. A mop will do the job just as well, if not better, at a fraction of the cost. A clean greenhouse is more appealing and productive, so you’ll have a strong motivation to keep it that way.

How to Clean Between Greenhouse Glass

At all times, the glass in greenhouses must be squeaky clean. As a result, your plants will struggle to grow and thrive if sunlight cannot pass through them. You may also use glass-cleaning products in your greenhouse, but in most circumstances, simple soap and water will do the job just as well and save you money.

How Do You Get Rid of Mold and Algae in a Greenhouse?

There are various ways to remove algae and mold from your home. The best way to remove them off your plants is to spray vinegar on them, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it off.

When it comes to preventing the growth of molds and algae in the greenhouse, you can keep an eye on the temperature and humidity. Make certain that the greenhouse has adequate air circulation and that it is kept as clean as possible at all times.

Fungicides and other products may also be useful in this situation. You must ensure that you follow the instructions for the products to the letter. Your greenhouse will be less likely to suffer from diseases if you keep mold and algae out of it as much as possible, regardless of whether you buy commercial supplies or create your own. Take caution when using items that contain hydrogen dioxide.

How to Clean Your Pots and Trays

Likewise, your trays are the same. Quaternary ammonium chloride, or Q-salts, are a product that can be used in both pots and trays. Physan 20 and KleenGrow are two examples of these products. Make sure that you carefully follow all product directions, and you won’t have to worry about pots and trays spreading illness between plants.

Cleaning the Greenhouse with Gardening Naturally

Also, prior to disinfecting your pots and trays, make sure they are completely clean. Warm water and a light soap, such as dishwashing detergent, are the best tools for this task. The disinfection process can begin once you’ve confirmed that the surfaces are clean enough. Disinfecting these goods without first thoroughly cleaning them is never a good idea. Make sure your flowers and vegetables aren’t exposed to too much hydrogen dioxide (peroxide) solution.

Can You Steam Clean a Greenhouse?

However, as always, be sure to carefully read the instructions to see if there are any restrictions or cautions specific to that cleaner. Cleaning your greenhouse using a steam cleaner eliminates the need for harsh chemicals or solutions that contain potentially harmful substances.

As a final precaution, open the greenhouse’s vents to allow fresh air in after using a steam cleaning. The humidity in the air will be reduced by increasing the amount of ventilation.

Can You Pressure Wash a Greenhouse?

If you buy a pressure washer, it will come with instructions, including a list of things you may and cannot clean with that particular washer. Avoid using the pressure washer on glass, polycarbonate, or greenhouses if the manufacturer’s instructions warn not to.

It is still a good idea to keep the pressure washer at a low level and work slowly if you decide to use it on your greenhouse. Although polycarbonate and glass can break or rip if the washer isn’t used correctly, this phase of your greenhouse cleaning project should go smoothly and offer excellent results every time. Because it is quick, easy, and incredibly successful, you may even come to like this way of cleaning the building.

How to Clean an Aluminum Greenhouse Frame and Guttering

Using a stiff brush, scrub the entire frame with warm soapy water after all electrical outlets (if any) have been plugged in and covered. To achieve the greatest outcomes, begin with the basics and work your way up. In order to keep yourself safe while working, you should also wipe the frame from the inside and the outside using a long-handled squeegee or brush.

Why Fumigate a Greenhouse?

When compared to other methods, fumigation is able to cover a considerably larger area in a shorter amount of time, allowing it to work on big areas in a more efficient manner. Fumigating a greenhouse has the added benefit of killing a large number of insects in a short period of time.

How to Fumigate a Greenhouse

Since fumigation products typically produce a lot of smoke, your flowers and veggies will have to be outside before you hit that button. Entrance into the building should not be attempted until the fumigation has been completed, which can take several hours in some situations. As a general rule, greenhouses need a 24-hour delay before you can return to the facility with your plants or yourself; in other cases, this delay is even longer.

When fumigating, the most essential thing to keep in mind is to provide plenty of time and follow the guidelines carefully so that you don’t have to leave the building until it’s safe to do so. To ensure your safety first and foremost, as well as the complete eradication of any remaining bugs or pests.

Final Thoughts on How to Clean Greenhouse Glass

Keeping your greenhouse glass clean is an important part of maintaining a healthy environment for your plants, so schedule a biannual deep clean to keep out bacteria, illnesses, animals, and pests. For years to come, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of your greenhouse thanks to frequent care and attention.