Cleaning Watering Cans

[Geoff]

All my plastic watering cans had developed a green slime lining, as they do, so I soaked them in Jeyes fluid for a week. When I washed them out with a bit of help from an old washing up brush I was quite disappointed with how much of the stuff was still there. Do any of the other disinfectant type products work any better? I had wondered about using bleach.

[Monika]

I have used bleach before, Geoff, but you still have to scrub them. The most difficult bits are the spout and particularly the hollow handle! I suppose, very dark coloured plastic would help in not forming the algae in the first place.

[Johnboy]

Hi Geoff,
I would suggest that Algon will clean your watering can. It works on plastic as I clean my tunnel coverings with it. I would think that you would only need a teaspoon full.
CALGON ORGANIC ALGAE CONTROL.
Kills Algae, Moss and Lichen on Brick, Stone, Concrete and Tarmacadam etc.,
Contact Algon on 01257 262620 to find out where it is obtainable in your area.
It is a chemical and is has a warning that it is an Irritant.
JB.

[Geoff]

Thanks all - I have some Algon so I'll try it. Am I worrying about nothing, if the chemicals kill the algae does it matter if the cans are still stained with the bodies?

[Beryl]

I have an old bottle brush I use to clean the spout with and an old shaped toilet brush to do the inside.
And if you don't mind getting a soaking - the power washer will do the job.

Beryl.

[Johnboy]

Hi Geoff,
If there is a line around the inside of your watering can but the algae has been treated I really do not think you have anything to worry about.
I think that even if untreated the dried algae will probably be dead and would not be that harmful.
JB.