Cleaning water butts...

[kippers garden]

My water butt only had approx 1 foot of water in...i was planning to use it up and then clean it.  Yesterday a pigeon got stuck in it (don't know how as it's one of those big tall blue ones) so i had to tip it over to get the pigeon out.   

Anyway i can now clean it but i don't know how.  I don't like using chemicals on my plot but i'm not sure if there is a way to clean it without chemicals?

Any advice welcome.  Thank you

[kippers garden]

[flitwickone]

my water butt has a large amount of green algae floating on top i just leave it be

im not so sure you need to clean it out others may advise differently

[OllieC]

Can I ask why you want to clean it? If it's just cosmetics, then fair enough, otherwise I wouldn't (and don't) bother. If you want to clean it, a plastic scourer & a bit of water & elbow grease would always be a safe option.

[kippers garden]

Thanks for your replies.  The reason i wanted to clean it is because the water had turned green.

[Baccy Man]

Cover it & you shouldn't have any further problems with algae.

[bajmoe]

Jeyes Fluid it's safe and is good for the green house as well

[Squash64]

I clean mine at the beginning of the season with a long-handled soft-bristled brush.  I don't use any chemicals.

[kt.]

I have never cleaned my butts for 6 years.... (water butts you filthy minded people ;D ;D ;D)

[daxzen]

i would not bother cleaning it out

green is good! sounds like a new brand

algae in the water indicates there is some nitrogen in the water - the products of decomposition I bet!  - its liquid feed - use it and when the rain finally returns the balance will be returned and cleaner water too.

all the best

dax

[hairyhippy]

Last time I cleaned mine, I used a jet washer at home. It brought it up beatifully without the use of any chemicals.