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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: kippers garden on May 26, 2010, 06:54:35

Title: Cleaning water butts...
Post by: kippers garden on May 26, 2010, 06:54:35
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
Title: Re: Cleaning water butts...
Post by: flitwickone on May 26, 2010, 09:18:29
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
Title: Re: Cleaning water butts...
Post by: OllieC on May 26, 2010, 09:29:07
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.
Title: Re: Cleaning water butts...
Post by: kippers garden on May 26, 2010, 19:26:09
Thanks for your replies.  The reason i wanted to clean it is because the water had turned green.
Title: Re: Cleaning water butts...
Post by: Baccy Man on May 26, 2010, 19:28:29
Cover it & you shouldn't have any further problems with algae.
Title: Re: Cleaning water butts...
Post by: bajmoe on May 26, 2010, 21:12:15
Jeyes Fluid it's safe and is good for the green house as well
Title: Re: Cleaning water butts...
Post by: Squash64 on May 28, 2010, 07:18:24
I clean mine at the beginning of the season with a long-handled soft-bristled brush.  I don't use any chemicals.
Title: Re: Cleaning water butts...
Post by: kt. on May 29, 2010, 21:37:18
I have never cleaned my butts for 6 years.... (water butts you filthy minded people ;D ;D ;D)
Title: Re: Cleaning water butts...
Post by: daxzen on May 29, 2010, 22:01:32
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

Title: Re: Cleaning water butts...
Post by: hairyhippy on May 31, 2010, 21:05:27
Last time I cleaned mine, I used a jet washer at home. It brought it up beatifully without the use of any chemicals.