A watering can is difficult to clean because you simply cannot get into the narrow opening. So what can you do if your watering can has brown, green or white deposits? With the right tools, it is very easy to clean. Below you can find out how.
Watering cans are best filled with rainwater
Why clean the watering can?
Different deposits can build up in the watering can over time: white deposits are usually limescale, green or brown-green deposits are almost always algae.
The difference between the two toppings is not only the colour, but above all the consistency. Algae tend to be hazy and billowy, while lime forms a hard, solid crust.
Both are not harmful to plants, but of course they look ugly in the watering can.
Where does the white coating come from?
Limescale deposits come from calcareous, i.e. hard, water. Many plants do not like hard water, so if you have a layer of lime in your watering can, you should consider watering your plants with other water, preferably rainwater.
Where does the green film come from?
Algae form where there are nutrients. Have you put fertilizer in your watering can and then used it to fertilize your plants? If you didn't want algae in your watering can, consider using a different container for fertilizing in the future.
The best home remedies for cleaning the watering can
Various home remedies can be used to clean the watering can:
- sand (only for algae)
- baking powder
- vinegar
Clean the watering can with sand
Pour two generous handfuls of sand into the watering can and add enough water to just submerge the layer of sand. Now it's time for fun: shake the watering can in all directions as you wish so that the sand scours away the algae and dirt in the watering can. Of course, make sure that nothing runs out at the top.
Clean the watering can with baking soda
Baking soda helps against both algae and limescale deposits. Put two bags of baking soda in the watering can and fill with hot water. The contaminated areas should be completely under water. Leave the mixture on for at least 24 hours.
Clean the watering can with vinegar
Dilute the vinegar 1 to 1 with water and pour the mixture into the watering can. Leave the product on for 24 to 48 hours. Helps against algae and lime.
tips
Empty your watering can completely every now and then and let it dry out properly. This also harbors algae infestation and contamination.