There are several benefits to a clean, tidy and well-maintained greenhouse: 

• Improved germination and optimal plant growth, as clean panes let in more light 
• Reduced risk of pest and disease problems, as there are fewer places for insects and disease spores to hide  
• A more organised and efficient working environment, as everything is clean, tidy and ready to use  
• A longer lifespan for your greenhouse, as you keep the structure in good condition and address any issues promptly 

All types of growing structures, including glass and plastic greenhouses, polytunnels and garden frames, should be cleaned at least once a year. However gardeners who use theirs intensively may prefer to carry out cleaning biannually.

When to clean 

You can clean your greenhouse at any time of year. However, the aim is to have the greenhouse clean and ready for when you are mainly growing plants.  

Early spring cleaning gets your greenhouse ready for the

The period of time when an individual plant is in active growth. This will depend on the local climate and light levels, and can vary between different plants, although it is broadly from spring to autumn.

A seedling is a young plant grown from seed.

seedlings

A method of growing new plants from parts of an existing plant, such as sections of root, stem, leaf or bud. When prepared correctly and planted in the right conditions, they can produce roots and eventually become independent plants. There is a wide range of different methods for taking cuttings, depending on the plant and time of year.

cuttings

Set aside a day for cleaning your greenhouse, ideally when it is forecast to be mild, dry and calm. 

What you’ll need to clean your greenhouse: 

• Gardening gloves and rubber gloves 
• A long-handled brush or rake 
• A bucket for collecting leaf litter and debris 
• Buckets of warm water (or warm soapy water if cleaning propagation equipment or your water butt) 
• A small stiff brush 
• A soft cloth or sponge 
• A watering can or hose

1. Remove plants and equipment

   Move plants outside, ideally to a sheltered spot such as up against a house wall. Cover tender ones on cool days with biodegradable fleece for protection or move them indoors. Compost any unwanted or dead plants. Carry outside the staging, pots, propagators and any other equipment until the greenhouse is completely empty.

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2. Sweep up debris

   Use a small, stiff brush to dislodge soil and debris from the greenhouse frame, getting right into corners and crevices. Then use a long-handled brush (or rake if the floor is gravelled) to gather up leaf litter, plant labels, bits of twine and other debris from the floor. Add any green waste to your home compost or green waste recycling bin.

3. Ease out trapped dirt

   Use a flexible scraper, such as a plastic plant label, to remove trapped dirt and moss from between panes of glass. Then use a brush to dislodge moss and bigger bits of dirt from the edges and corners of glazing ahead of washing it.

4. Clean greenhouse guttering

   Wearing a pair of rubber gloves, scoop out leaves, moss and other debris that has accumulated in the gutters. Check for blockages at the top of fall pipes, clearing any with a wire coat hanger. Sluice away remaining dirt with a hosepipe or watering can, diverting this into a bucket for use on the garden.

5. Clean the glazing

   Use warm water and a soft cloth or sponge to clean each pane of glass, inside and out. Avoid using scourers or wire brushes as they can scratch the glass.

6. Clean the floor

   If your greenhouse has a concrete or paved floor, scrub it clean with warm water and a stiff brush. Leave the door and vents open so your greenhouse dries quickly.

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7. Replace broken parts

   Use this opportunity to replace any missing or cracked panes and to oil vent joints and latches.

8. Clean equipment

   Give staging and equipment a clean before moving it back in. Scrub staging down with a stiff brush and warm water, paying particular attention to the underneath and the gaps between slats. Clean propagation equipment and pots in warm soapy water.

   © Shutterstock

9. Clean out your water butt

   Empty the water butt by tipping it on its side then scrub it out with a stiff brush and warm soapy water. Pour this down your wastewater drain, then rinse the butt with clean water and pour this down too. Take the opportunity to check or fit a filter to rainwater diverters and check the lid of the butt fits tightly in place. 

   Did you know?

   Warm water is generally sufficient to make surfaces clean, but specialist greenhouse and water butt cleaning products are available. Garden centres and large retailers have trained staff who can advise on suitable products for your needs.