Certainly there are nicer things about gardening, but cleaning the rain barrel is also part of it. After all, you want to benefit from clean water. In addition, it is certainly in your interest to maintain its longevity with regular cleaning. What matters most is the means you use. Find out on this page which technology will help you keep your rain barrel clean.
How do you clean a rain barrel properly?
To clean a rain barrel effectively, you need clear water, a brush, a landing net, a street broom and, if necessary, a high-pressure cleaner. Coarse dirt should be removed, water drained and interior walls scrubbed. If necessary, detergent can be used and then rinsed thoroughly.
Appropriate time
- In the spring before assembly
- Just before the onset of winter, when you empty your bin
- When the water level is low due to a lack of precipitation on hot days
Instructions
Cleaning supplies and tools:
- cold, clear water
- a brush
- a landing net
- a street broom
- a high-pressure cleaner
Note: The use of the items mentioned depends on the degree of contamination. You can rent a high-pressure cleaner (€105.00 at Amazon) from a hardware store. You should avoid chemical agents completely.
Procedure
- Switch off the pump and the domestic waterworks.
- Remove coarse leaves, algae or other dirt by hand or with a landing net.
- Drain as much water until the water level is approximately 40 cm.
- Use the water dirt pump to vacuum up the sedimentary rock that has sunk to the bottom.
- Scrub the interior walls.
- If there are stubborn deposits, add a little detergent to the cleaning water.
- Then rinse the rain barrel well.
Tip
A lid saves you a lot of cleaning work as it prevents leaves from falling into the bin.
Dishwashing detergent against mosquito larvae?
Many rain barrels offer breeding mosquitoes a wonderful nesting place. Many gardeners attack the insects with detergent. Although the home remedy proves to be promising in the fight against the larvae, it also has two disadvantages:
- The water is starting to stink.
- Unsightly stains form on the edge.
So rinse your rain barrel thoroughly after using detergent.
