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How to Clean Your Greenhouse (The Right Way)

How to Clean Your Greenhouse (The Right Way)

A clean greenhouse is the foundation of a productive and healthy growing environment. 

Over time, algae, mould, pests and general garden debris can build up on glass, frames, floors and shelving - all of which can reduce light levels, spread plant diseases and impact the success of your crops. 

Regular cleaning ensures your plants benefit from maximum sunlight, improved airflow and a more hygienic place to grow throughout the year.

At Jeyes Fluid, we’ve been supporting gardeners and homeowners since 1877 with powerful, reliable outdoor cleaning solutions. Whether you’re preparing for the new growing season or refreshing your greenhouse between harvests, the right cleaning routine makes all the difference.

Let’s get into the details from our team of experts on how to clean your greenhouse…the correct way. 

Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Fail!

Before you begin washing and disinfecting your greenhouse, it’s important to prepare the space properly. 

Good preparation ensures you can clean every surface thoroughly, protect your plants from harm and make the cleaning process much more efficient.

Here’s what you can do:

Remove Plants and Pots Safely

Start by taking all plants, pots, seed trays and tools out of the greenhouse. 

This helps prevent accidental damage and reduces the risk of contaminating healthy plants with dirt or pathogens during cleaning. 

Move them to a sheltered area outdoors or place them temporarily in your shed or garage while you work.

If any pots or trays show signs of disease or mould, keep them separate for disinfecting later.

Remove Waste/Debris

Greenhouses naturally accumulate leaves, soil, compost and dead plant material. 

Sweep out all debris from the floor, corners and staging areas, paying close attention to areas where moisture collects. 

Organic waste left behind can harbour pests, fungi and algae, so removing it at this stage is essential for resetting the environment.

If moss or algae is already visible on frames or floors, make a note of these areas so you can treat them more thoroughly during the wash-down.

Ventilation is Key

Once empty, open doors and windows to improve airflow. 

Good ventilation helps surfaces dry faster and allows you to work safely when using outdoor cleaning products.

Now you are prepped, let’s move on to the cleaning section.

Clean and Disinfect Greenhouse Surfaces

A thorough clean is essential for removing algae, mould, bacteria and dirt that accumulate on glass, frames, staging and floors. 

These contaminants not only affect plant health but can also reduce light levels and encourage pests. The right cleaning routine ensures your greenhouse remains bright, fresh and hygienic - ready for the next growing cycle.

Wash Down Internal Frames and Glass

Original Classic Outdoor Disinfectant and Cleaner (Tin) - 5 Litre.

Begin by washing internal frames, panels and glazing with warm water and a suitable outdoor cleaning solution. 

Algae and mildew often form in shaded corners or where condensation collects, so pay extra attention to crevices and joins.

For a powerful clean that helps disinfect surfaces while breaking down tough outdoor dirt, the Original Classic Outdoor Disinfectant 5L is ideal for tackling large internal areas.

If you prefer a versatile cleaner suitable for frames, shelving and general greenhouse surfaces, the Multi-Use Outdoor Cleaner 5L does the trick.

Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove residues and allow surfaces to dry naturally.

Deep-Clean Floors and Hard Surfaces

Scrub the floor using warm water and an appropriate outdoor cleaner, ensuring the solution reaches edges and corners where build-up is common.

A smaller versatile format such as the Multi-Use Outdoor Cleaner 1L is helpful for targeted cleaning or routine touch-ups.

For convenience, especially during busy growing periods, the Outdoor Cleaner Ready to Use 4L offers fast application with no dilution required.

Once cleaned, allow the floor to dry completely before returning plants and equipment.

Disinfect Staging, Shelving and Trays

Any surface that comes into contact with pots, seeds or tools should be disinfected to prevent the spread of plant diseases. 

Wipe down staging, seed trays, potting benches and storage areas, ensuring all surfaces are free from soil and organic matter first.

Disinfecting these areas helps prevent fungal spores lingering from previous harvests and supports better plant hygiene throughout the seasons.

Clean External Glass and Panels

The outside of your greenhouse collects dirt, moss, bird mess and pollution - all of which block valuable sunlight from reaching your plants. 

Washing external glass improves light penetration and supports stronger plant growth, especially in spring.

For fast, wide-coverage cleaning, the Classic Formula Hose-On 1L makes it easy to clean panels, roofs and external frames using your garden hose. This helps lift grime quickly and leaves surfaces brighter and clearer.

Address Greenhouse Pests and Diseases

A clean greenhouse is one of the most effective ways to prevent pests and diseases from taking hold. 

Start by monitoring areas where moisture collects, such as corners, shelves and around trays. These damp zones are hotspots for fungal activity, particularly during colder months when condensation is more common. 

Removing dead leaves and expired plant material is also essential. Organic debris can attract sap-feeding insects and provide shelter for pests to lay eggs unnoticed. 

After each growing cycle - or whenever you prune or harvest - sweep and dispose of waste to keep your greenhouse clean and tidy.

If you’re ever unsure whether an issue is caused by cleanliness, humidity or plant health, our FAQs offer helpful guidance on outdoor cleaning practices and product usage, supporting gardeners with reliable advice rooted in decades of experience.

Clean Paths and Surrounding Areas

The area around your greenhouse is just as important to maintain as the structure itself. 

Dirt, algae, moss and mud can build up on paths, paving and adjoining surfaces, creating slip hazards and contributing to moisture problems inside the greenhouse. 

A clean surrounding space also helps keep pests at bay and prevents debris from being carried into your freshly cleaned interior.

Start by brushing away loose leaves, soil and organic matter from the perimeter. 

These materials hold moisture and can encourage mould or algae to grow near the greenhouse base. 

Sweeping regularly helps keep the environment dry, tidy and less appealing to slugs, snails and insects.

For areas such as paving slabs, decking or concrete pathways, a targeted outdoor cleaner will help remove built-up grime more effectively. 

The 4-in-1 Patio & Decking Cleaner 2L is ideal for lifting dirt and algae from wooden or composite decking, while the Driveway & Masonry Cleaner 5L provides powerful cleaning for stone, brick and concrete surfaces surrounding your greenhouse.

Keeping these areas clean not only improves safety but also prevents dirt from being tracked inside - helping you maintain the fresh, hygienic environment you’ve worked hard to create.

4 In 1 Patio & Decking Cleaner - 2 Litre.

Seasonal Greenhouse Cleaning Tips

A greenhouse benefits from consistent care throughout the year, but each season presents its own challenges:

Spring

Spring is the ideal time for the most thorough cleaning. 

As the main planting season begins, remove any residual dirt from winter, wash down all surfaces and disinfect trays and staging before new seedlings are introduced. 

Ensuring your glass is clean at this stage maximises light levels, giving young plants the strongest possible start.

Summer

High temperatures and increased humidity can encourage rapid algae growth, especially on glass and shaded frames.

Wipe surfaces regularly and check for mould in corners where moisture may linger. 

Good ventilation is essential in summer - open windows and vents to prevent condensation while discouraging pests that thrive in warm, stagnant conditions.

Autumn

As your growing season winds down, autumn is the perfect time to clear away spent plants, sweep out fallen leaves and remove old compost. 

Organic waste left at this stage can harbour pests or fungal spores over winter. A light end-of-season clean helps maintain hygiene and prepares the greenhouse for colder weather.

Winter

Cold weather increases the risk of condensation, which can lead to mould. 

Keep your greenhouse well ventilated on milder days and periodically check walls, floors and shelves for signs of damp. A winter clean-down - even a light one - helps prevent problems from escalating before spring arrives.

Let’s Clean Your Greenhouse!

You now have all of the foundations to clean your greenhouse!

At Jeyes Fluid, we’ve been helping gardeners care for their outdoor spaces for decades.

To explore the full selection of powerful outdoor cleaners suited to greenhouses that we offer, visit our Outdoor Cleaner collection. Alternatively, you can use our product selector to pick the one specific for your needs.

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