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Author Topic: Cleaning a polytunnel  (Read 7639 times)

edstrong

  • Joined Jun 2015
Cleaning a polytunnel
« 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?!

Anke

  • Joined Dec 2009
  • St Boswells, Scottish Borders
Re: Cleaning a polytunnel
« Reply #1 on: October 16, 2022, 12:01:37 pm »
I just use Ecover washing up liquid on mine, plus warm water (mainly for my benefit).

Fleecewife

  • Joined May 2010
  • South Lanarkshire
    • ScotHebs
Re: Cleaning a polytunnel
« Reply #2 on: October 16, 2022, 11:00:27 pm »
Pressure washer
"Let's not talk about what we can do, but do what we can"

There is NO planet B - what are YOU doing to save our home?

Do something today that your future self will thank you for - plant a tree

 Love your soil - it's the lifeblood of your land.

edstrong

  • Joined Jun 2015
Re: Cleaning a polytunnel
« Reply #3 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?

Fleecewife

  • Joined May 2010
  • South Lanarkshire
    • ScotHebs
Re: Cleaning a polytunnel
« Reply #4 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 )
"Let's not talk about what we can do, but do what we can"

There is NO planet B - what are YOU doing to save our home?

Do something today that your future self will thank you for - plant a tree

 Love your soil - it's the lifeblood of your land.

macgro7

  • Joined Feb 2016
  • Leicester
Re: Cleaning a polytunnel
« Reply #5 on: October 20, 2022, 04:03:03 pm »
I used fairly liquid, with soft car brush and hose pipe to wash my polytunnel
Growing loads of fruits and vegetables! Raising dairy goats, chickens, ducks, rabbits on 1/2 acre in the middle of the city of Leicester, using permaculture methods.

edstrong

  • Joined Jun 2015
Re: Cleaning a polytunnel
« Reply #6 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.

 

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