Polytunnel cleaning

[Vince G]

I want to give my polytunnel cover a clean inside and out as there are a few greeny (algae?) areas on it. Any suggestions as to a mild detergent that I can use which won't damage the plastic? Not only has the cover got a bit grubby, but I've got a few bits and pieces which will be in there over the winter (pakchoi, chard, spring onionss...) so want to maximise what little light there is.

[veggiechicken]

'Ere ya go, Vince http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...nel_68433.html

[roitelet]

It has been suggested that a little fabric conditioner in water will not only clean the plastic but helps to keep the plastic supple. I have tried it and it does clean it and only time will tell if the plastic stays supple. I just applied it with a sponge and then rinsed it off. Takes a bit of rubbing but then detergent would probably need the same.

[Vince G]

Lovely jubbly, thanks VC. Anyone use one of those smoke thingies that bumps off all the nasty beasties in there?

[Aberdeenplotter]

'Ere ya go, Vince http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...nel_68433.html

^<~~~~~~~~~~~~excellent Mod advice

[veggiechicken]

^<~~~~~~~~~~~~excellent Mod advice

Mock ye not, ducky

[marchogaeth]

'Ere ya go, Vince http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...nel_68433.html

Just to add that I did the outside using a sheet between two bits of rope and it worked really well, made a big difference to the light levels. OH was very insistent that we did it in just one not too rough pass so as not to wear the plastic any more than necessary. I don't know if he's right but the light pass was surprisingly good.

The cloth on the broom head for above head height inside worked as well but it was seriously messy. I've been on catch up weeding this weekend but next weekend I'l be washing the insides and outsides with warm water (and Citrox if the green won't shift) up to head height to keep the light levels (and my spirits) up for all the overwintering plants.

I haven't used a smoke thing as I rely on insects to do a lot of the control in there anyway. I did get spider mite this year but sorted it by misting and raising the humidity levels.

[marcofez]

Pleased I've seen this thread as I have to clean mine for the first time!!

[horticultural_hobbit]

ditto, was thinking the same for mine!

[Brom]

Just used some Algon on mine to clear the algae from the plastic. Used a very weak solution and left it a couple of days to work, then washed down with lukewarm soapy water and rinsed with lots of cold fresh water. Easy on the outside but really messy inside, need a full set of waterproofs for that bit. The plastic really looks, and feels, good, the light level is very much increased.

Take your time doing it, it's well worth all the effort to prolong the life of the cover as new ones are far from cheap.

[marchogaeth]

For those still growing in their tunnel and not to rain on your parade, Brom, the Algon web site says:-

Algon will have a scorching effect on foliage and grass where it makes contact. This will not effect the rest of the plant, and roots will not suffer from incidental run-off during application

Also it does not specifically say it is safe for polytunnels. I think if I had anti fogging I'd want to check with Algon before using it.

At the mo' I'm more worried about surviving the next 2 days with mine still up right and with doors as the wind is due to to come from a slightly odd direction and at amazing force apparently.

[Brom]

Marchogaeth,
some good points there, gave me quite a scare but proves the value of this forum. I knew about scorching leaves and grass, but hadn't thought about damaging the anti-fogging properties of the plastic. Had a horrible feeling I'd ruined the cover.

Have just checked with Algon with regard to using their product on polytunnels. A nice lady was happy to answer my questions and assures me they have had no issues with it, even on anti-fogging surfaces. She told me they supply it to a certain pollytunnel manufacturer (I wont say which one, but it's easy to find out as there aren't that many) who recommends its use on their tunnels. She did however warn about using it on zinc plated (galvanised) metal as it could have a bad reaction.

All that said, I don't know if I will use it again, at least not until I've seen how the anti-fogging properties behave in the future.

Hope your tunnel survives the gales, we're due them here on xmas eve, gusts up to 70mph+ so they say, fingers crossed.

[marchogaeth]

Have just checked with Algon with regard to using their product on polytunnels. A nice lady was happy to answer my questions and assures me they have had no issues with it, even on anti-fogging surfaces. ...... She did however warn about using it on zinc plated (galvanised) metal as it could have a bad reaction.

All that said, I don't know if I will use it again, at least not until I've seen how the anti-fogging properties behave in the future.

That was a useful phone call, then! I wouldn't have thought about the galvanised. As my OH is fond of pointing out - just because it's organic doesn't mean it's not nasty. Pyrethrum and copper sulphate solution are just 2 "organic" products that spring to mind. The thing with anti fogging is that it isn't guaranteed to last anyway, it gradually stops working so who's to say if something has affected it. Same with the life of plastic, guaranteed 10 years but we all want it to last much longer. Although I've got Citrox I almost never use it, you can do a lot with luke warm water and a sponge.

Hope your tunnel survives the gales, we're due them here on xmas eve, gusts up to 70mph+ so they say, fingers crossed.

So far so good! It's the doors that are the worry if the angle is wrong as the gusts can blow them in on one end or even suck them out on the other despite the slide locks. It still says gusts of 65mph for Thursday, it's been through worse.