How To Clean Greenhouse Roof

When I started maintaining my greenhouse, I needed clarification about whether I should clean the roof.

However, being a neat freak, I researched and found out that it has several benefits.

Also, there are many recommended ways to clean your greenhouse roof per the material type.

In this guide, I’ll discuss how to clean your greenhouse roof and why it might be beneficial!

Do You Need To Clean Greenhouse Roof?

Most greenhouse enthusiasts suggest cleaning your greenhouse at least twice yearly (around October and April).

But some people don’t find it necessary to clean the roofs while cleaning their greenhouses.

Yet, I noticed significant benefits after cleaning my greenhouse roof. Some of them are listed below:

1. Better Exposure to Sunlight

You need to keep the greenhouse roof clean if you’re growing plants that require full sunlight, including leafy vegetables like lettuce, spinach, cabbage, etc.

A dirty greenhouse roof can restrict the light entering your greenhouse and further affect plants’ growth.

On the contrary, a clean and well-kept greenhouse roof can enhance plant growth by providing proper light and encouraging photosynthesis in your plants.

2. Better Appearance

Imagine if the entire greenhouse looks spotlessly clean, and your eyes land on the murky, unwashed roof! That is enough to make you want to clean the whole area.

Therefore, cleaning your greenhouse roof regularly will ensure a much better and clearer appearance that won’t reduce its overall beauty.

3. Reduced Wear and Tear

I was astonished to find out that even tiny dirt particles and debris are capable of causing scratches on glass or even fiberglass roofs.

So, if you don’t clean your greenhouse roof for an extended period, it can accumulate dirt and debris, leading to scratches.

This can affect the longevity of your greenhouse easily.

3 Ways To Clean Greenhouse Roof

Greenhouses are available in different types – glass, fiberglass, and polycarbonate.

You need to choose the correct cleaning method as per the material type.

After all, using improper cleaning substances can do more harm than good to your roof!

1. Cleaning Glass Roof

There are two options for cleaning your glass roof:

First, you can either use a soapy water solution and sponge/soft-bristled brush or a broom attached to a sponge.

Before cleaning the roof with water, climb the ladder, take a broom, and sweep any dead leaves or debris. Then, follow the steps mentioned below:

1. First, take a bucket and fill it with warm soapy water.
2. Next, place a step ladder near the greenhouse. Ask someone to hold the ladder in place for you.
3. Dip the sponge in the soapy water solution.
4. Then, climb the ladder and gently clean the glass panes on the roof.
5. Finally, rinse the roof with a garden hose.

2. Cleaning Fiberglass Roof

Fiberglass is often stronger and less fragile than a glass roof. However, you still need to ensure you don’t use harsh chemicals on it.

You can also use a pressure washer for your fiberglass greenhouse roof.

Ensure it doesn’t put too much pressure, and avoid using a steam-based pressure washer.

Method #1: Using Warm Water and Dish Soap

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your fiberglass greenhouse roof using warm water, dish soap, and a sponge or soft-bristled brush:

1. First, mix around four to five drops of dish soap for every gallon of warm water.
2. Next, dip the sponge in the soap-water mixture.
3. Climb onto a ladder, and start thoroughly cleaning the roof.
4. Clean any dead leaves, debris, or dirt that you find.
5. Once done, use a garden hose to rinse the whole surface.

Method #2: Using a Pressure Washer

If you don’t want to climb the ladder, use a pressure washer to clean the fiberglass roof.

1. Connect the garden hose to your pressure washer.
2. Next, spray a detergent/soap solution on the roof using the black nozzle.
3. Position yourself at least three to four feet away from the roof.
4. Start washing the roof using the black nozzle.
5. Once you’re done with the cleaning part, rinse off the solution using the green nozzle of your pressure washer.

3. Cleaning Polycarbonate Roof

Polycarbonate greenhouses are becoming increasingly popular. They’re also easy to clean. Note that the cleaning method remains similar to that of glass roofs.

However, remember that when you clean a polycarbonate roof, avoid harsh household cleaning products. It is because polycarbonate roofs contain coatings offering UV protection.

Scrubbing them or using chemical-based products on them can easily damage the coating.

Safety Tips While Cleaning Greenhouse Roof

Cleaning your greenhouse roof is always a risky business. You do one thing wrong and might risk damaging the greenhouse roof or injuring yourself. So, I suggest following these safety tips:

• You should always ensure the ladder is sturdy enough to hold your weight. It should also be stable.
• Ask someone to hold the ladder for you while cleaning the roof. This way, they can help you if there is any mishap.
• Avoid wearing slippery sandals, shoes, or jewelry.
• If you’re using a pressure washer, don’t use a ladder. The washer’s force might cause you to trip!
• Use a lower setting on your power washer while rinsing the greenhouse roof.

Takeaway

Cleaning your greenhouse roof is extremely beneficial for some plants. Moreover, it is also necessary for maintenance reasons.

All you need to do is use a soapy or detergent-based warm water solution.

Then, clean the roof with a sponge, soft-bristled brush, or a power washer.

I hope this guide helps you find the right solution for cleaning your greenhouse roof!