The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Techniques and skills => Topic started by: edstrong on October 16, 2022, 11:44:29 am

Title: Cleaning a polytunnel
Post by: edstrong on October 16, 2022, 11:44:29 am
I need to clear the polythene cover to my polytunnel but don't want to use anything that might damage it. The cover is Lumisol Diffused, but I can't find any specific advice about it. Anyone know what to use or more importantly what not to use?!
Title: Re: Cleaning a polytunnel
Post by: Anke on October 16, 2022, 12:01:37 pm
I just use Ecover washing up liquid on mine, plus warm water (mainly for my benefit).
Title: Re: Cleaning a polytunnel
Post by: Fleecewife on October 16, 2022, 11:00:27 pm
Pressure washer
Title: Re: Cleaning a polytunnel
Post by: edstrong on October 17, 2022, 08:19:08 am
Thanks for the replies. Am a little worried about using a pressure washer in case it's too powerful! Will Ecover kill the algae?
Title: Re: Cleaning a polytunnel
Post by: Fleecewife on October 17, 2022, 11:24:46 am
Our tunnel has the Lumisol 800 cover which has been in place for at least 17 years.  We pressure wash it every year with no ill effects, obviously standing back a bit and aiming at an angle for the polythene then closer for round the hoops and bars. In particular it chases red mite out of obscure folds and trap points. Our tunnel is w7m x l14m x h4m so we're not going to be cleaning it with a washing up brush!  Polythene is pretty tough or it wouldn't survive our winds up here.
Ecover is washing up liquid. Another organic option is Citrox which does kill algae etc and is good for soaking used flowerpots, modules etc in after scrubbing (we do do those with a washing up brush  :D )
Title: Re: Cleaning a polytunnel
Post by: macgro7 on October 20, 2022, 04:03:03 pm
I used fairly liquid, with soft car brush and hose pipe to wash my polytunnel
Title: Re: Cleaning a polytunnel
Post by: edstrong on November 17, 2022, 02:16:16 pm
I went for a gentle session with my pressure washer and a soft-headed brush and am pleased with the result (and no damage!). Thanks all.