Cleaning Water Butts
 

I have a water butt next to my greenhouse which hasn't been cleaned
out for several years, and as a result is now very green and slimy
within. Does anyone know the best way to remove this slime, so that
it can be re-filled and used this summer?

Thank you!

Harry

Cleaning Water Butts
 

Harry wrote:

I have a water butt next to my greenhouse which hasn't been cleaned
out for several years, and as a result is now very green and slimy
within. Does anyone know the best way to remove this slime, so that
it can be re-filled and used this summer?

Thank you!

Harry




Clorox (or other branded or non-branded bleach), 5% solution.

If the stuff is really thick, you might have to scrub it by hand a bit.
Bleach does a number on your hands; wear rubber gloves. If you get some
on your hands they will feel slippery. A bit of vinegar will help if
applied promptly.

If you don't like the chlorine smell, try Hydrogen Peroxide, but you
will probably have to use a fairly strong solution there, and the
grocery store stuff is about 3% out of the bottle. You could empty the
water and scrub the sides with straight peroxide from the bottle, but
the Clorox is much easier. Just mix, stir, and wait.

Rinse well before using chlorine water on your plants.