You've spent ages building your dream greenhouse and now it's time to keep those windows sparkling. But cleaning greenhouse glass can be a real pain if you don't know what you're doing. Grab your rubber gloves and get ready to scrub because, in this easy guide, we'll walk you through how to get your greenhouse windows crystal clear. From picking the right tools and products to learning the best techniques, we've got all the insider tips you need to get streak-free results every time. So roll up your sleeves and let's get cleaning - you'll be amazed at the difference it makes having spotless greenhouse windows. Your plants will thank you for letting the sunlight shine through!
Why is it Important to Keep Greenhouse Glass Clean?
Keeping your greenhouse glass sparkling clean is key to growing happy, healthy plants. Don't let a layer of grunge block the sunlight and hurt your plants! Let's go over why it's so important to clean the glass regularly:
- Clean glass maximises light levels, allowing more sunlight to penetrate the greenhouse. This enhanced light transmission is crucial for photosynthesis and growth
- Removing algae, moss, grime, dust and dirt from the glass eliminates things that can reduce light. Keeping the glass pristine improves the growing environment.
- Direct sunlight is one of the best natural sanitisers. Unobstructed light helps kill pathogens and pests. Clean glass aids this disinfecting process.
- Washing away mineral deposits stops the glass from becoming etched over time. This maintains clarity and light transmission.
- Cleaning improves the aesthetics. Nobody wants to look at a dirty greenhouse! Keeping the glass immaculate makes your greenhouse more attractive.
- It sets a good example for proper greenhouse hygiene. A scrubbed interior signals care and attention - important principles for plant health.
- Regular glass cleaning is therapeutic and calming. It's a meditative ritual that many gardeners enjoy.
With a routine cleaning regimen, your greenhouse glass will let sunlight shine and keep your plants thriving beautifully!
Supplies You'll Need to Clean Greenhouse Glass
When it comes to cleaning the glass in your greenhouse, you don't need anything fancy. Just grab these simple supplies:
- Warm water - Fill a bucket or spray bottle with warm water. The warmth helps dissolve and rinse away dirt and grime.
- Mild dish soap - Look for an eco-friendly soap that's plant-safe. A small squirt of soap in your water is all you need.
- Spray bottle - Use an empty cleaner bottle or plant mister to apply the soapy water. Adjust to a strong stream to target tough spots.
- Soft cloths - Old t-shirts, microfiber cloths, or soft rags are perfect for washing and drying the glass. Avoid abrasive materials.
- Squeegee - After washing, use a squeegee to scrape water off the glass and leave a streak-free finish.
- Stepladder - To reach all areas of the glass, have a sturdy stepladder handy. Work safely and clean from top to bottom.
- Rags - Keep some dry rags on hand to wipe up any drips and speed up drying time.
That's all you need to get your greenhouse glass sparkling clean using our environmentally friendly soapy water technique. Gather your supplies and get ready to let the light shine in!
Having the right tools makes the job quicker and easier. And with some elbow grease and warm, soapy water you can get your greenhouse glass crystal clear.
Cleaning Greenhouse Glass
- On a mild, cloudy day when the greenhouse isn't in direct sunlight, hose down the exterior of the glass to rinse off loose dirt and debris. Avoid using a pressure washer which can damage the glass.
- Make a cleaning solution by mixing a few drops of dish soap with water in a spray bottle. Or use a commercial glass cleaner.
- Apply the cleaning solution liberally to the exterior of the glass using the spray bottle. Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight as the solution may dry too quickly.
- Using a squeegee or soft cloth, wipe the cleaning solution over the glass surface. Wipe in overlapping vertical strokes from top to bottom.
- Flip the squeegee or cloth and wipe again in horizontal strokes to remove any drips or streaks. Rinse the squeegee frequently.
- Use a step stool or ladder as needed to reach all areas of the glass. Take care not to lean or push too hard on the glass.
- For interior glass, repeat steps 3-5 working inside the greenhouse.
- Rinse well with clean water and wipe any drips with a dry cloth. Check closely for any remaining dirt or streaks.
- Allow the glass to fully dry before closing up the greenhouse for the day. The cleaning process may need to be repeated for stubborn dirt or buildup.
With the right products and techniques, keeping greenhouse glass sparkling clean doesn't have to be a daunting chore. A little periodic maintenance will let the maximum amount of light in for your plants.
Broken Glass? Replace with Acrylic or Polycarbonate
Over time, the glass panels of your greenhouse may start to get damaged or crack from weathering, impacts, and normal wear and tear. However, replacing traditional glass with acrylic or polycarbonate sheets can make your greenhouse glazing stronger and more durable.
Acrylic sheets are lightweight, resistant to weather and UV rays, and provide better insulation than glass. Acrylic is also easier to work with than glass when making repairs or alterations. Look for cell-cast acrylic, which is made from pure acrylic resin. It's more flexible and impact-resistant than extruded acrylic.
Polycarbonate panels are extremely tough – even bullet-resistant! This material won't shatter like glass and can handle heavy snow loads or hail storms. Polycarbonate sheets come in multi-wall or twin-wall styles with air gaps that improve insulation. Just be aware that polycarbonate can become brittle and discoloured over time when exposed to UV light.
For the roof, consider upgrading to an acrylic or polycarbonate panel system designed specifically for greenhouses. These interlocking panels are installed easily over your existing glazing. They diffuse light better than glass while still letting about 90% of light through.
When installing new panels, use silicone, polyurethane sealant or rubber gasket glazing to prevent leaks. A complete kit will include all the necessary hardware for attaching panels to your greenhouse frame.
Replacing broken glass with acrylic or polycarbonate is an affordable way to improve the performance of your greenhouse. The materials resist impacts, insulate better, and let in more diffuse light. Be sure to use sealants and hardware designed for greenhouse applications when installing replacement panels. Your plants will thrive all year long in a newly upgraded greenhouse!
Conclusion
So there you have it, a simple step-by-step guide to cleaning your greenhouse glass so it's crystal clear. Now you can let the sunshine pour in and give your plants the light they need to thrive. Just remember to be gentle with that razor blade and take all necessary safety precautions. With a little time and elbow grease, you'll have sparkling windows to admire your garden through. Try to clean the glass at least a few times per year to prevent too much buildup. Your plants will thank you for it with their vibrant colours and healthy growth. Enjoy your clear view and happy gardening!
