An Aerogarden is a great way to grow your own plants and herbs indoors, but it’s important to clean it regularly to keep it functioning properly. Ever wondered how to clean an Aerogarden? Read on for more info!
In this article, we’ll outline the steps you need to take on how to clean an Aerogarden from the water tank to the pump and base, and even the grow trays. We’ll also provide some tips on how often you should clean your hydroponic system to keep it in tip-top shape.
You may be wondering why it’s important to clean your Aerogarden. Well, here are a few reasons:
- If you don’t clean it regularly, the water tank can get dirty and the pump can become clogged. This can cause the Aerogarden to stop working properly.
- The grow trays can also get dirty, which can lead to the plants not getting enough nutrients.
- Dirty Aerogardens can also attract pests, such as insects and mold.
So now that you know why it’s important to clean your Aerogarden, let’s get into everything you need to know about cleaning your Aerogarden equipment.
The cleaning process for your Aerogarden is a multiple-step process so we will cover each of the steps in the following segments of your system:
- Water Tank
- Water Pump and Base
- Grow Trays
What is an Aerogarden?
An Aerogarden is a type of indoor gardening system that allows you to grow plants and herbs indoors, without the need for soil.
Aerogardens use a hydroponic growing system, which means that the plants are grown in a water-based solution, instead of soil.
Why do you need to clean it?
Now you know what one is, you should learn to know how to clean an Aerogarden. It’s important to clean your Aerogarden regularly to remove any build-up of dirt, debris, mineral deposits, or harmful bacteria that can accumulate over time.
If left uncleaned, these build-ups can clog the Aerogarden’s pump and other parts, preventing it from working properly.
Regular cleaning also helps to ensure that your plants are getting the nutrients they need, as uncleaned grow trays can cause a nutrient imbalance.
Harmful bacteria can be detrimental to your hydroponic garden and you may not be able to grow fresh herbs without cleaning the system properly.
See Related: Hydroponics vs Aquaponics
What you will need for cleaning
When it comes to cleaning your AeroGarden, you won’t need much. White vinegar and warm water solution will do the trick for most surfaces.
If there are any exposed roots or areas, you may want to use a damp paper towel to avoid damaging them. All in all, keeping your AeroGarden clean is simple and doesn’t require any special supplies.
Bleach or White Vinegar
Bleach and vinegar are good options to use as a cleaning system for an AeroGarden. If vinegar helps to keep the AeroGarden clean while using less hazardous chemicals, that’s an ideal option for you.
Vinegar is an excellent cleansing agent that removes bacteria with no harsh chemicals.
Soft towels
When cleaning Aerogarden gadgets, soft towels are required since they will never be immersed in a bleaching or vinegar wash bath.
Wipe off any parts of the AeroGarden that might break if wet, such as light hoods or touch displays, for example. It aids in keeping your AeroGarden free of germs and parasites that may accumulate within it.
Paper towels
Paper towels may be used to get into hard-to-reach areas around seed pods or beneath a growing deck. Always clean the soil where roots are visible since this might harm them and cause them to fall off.
Make sure to recycle or compost these once you’re done.
A large bowl
Using a large plastic container is a convenient method to clean your AeroGarden plastics in vinegar or bleach. Every piece is washed with vinegar to ensure a clean, dry surface.
How to clean the water tank
If you’ve ever grown plants in an AeroGarden, you know that once your plants start to mature, it’s time to start thinking about cleaning the unit. The first step is removing the seeds, the grow deck, and the empty seed pods.
While it’s great that you can reuse the pods, this does mean that you have to be extra careful when removing them. Once the pods are out, gently remove the container and sanitize it.
This will help prevent any disease or mold from developing. Remember, a clean AeroGarden is a happy AeroGarden!
To clean the water tank, simply remove it from the Aerogarden and rinse it out with clean water. You can also use a mild soap (like dish soap) if needed. Be sure to rinse the tank thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
Remove the water tank from the Aerogarden
The water tank is important for keeping your Aerogarden functioning properly, so it’s important to remove it and clean it regularly. The instructions below will show you how to do this.
Step 1: Remove the top of the water tank
To remove the top of the water tank, twist it counterclockwise and pull it off.
Step 2: Clean the top of the water tank
Wash the top of the tank with soap and water, then rinse it off. You can also use a mild bleach solution to disinfect the tank.
Step 3: Remove the bottom of the water tank
To remove the bottom of the tank, twist it counterclockwise and pull it off.
Step 4: Clean the bottom of the water tank
Wash the bottom of the tank with soap and water, then rinse it off. You can also use a mild chlorine bleach solution to disinfect the tank. Reattach the bottom of the water tank, then replace the top.
How to clean the pump and base
To clean the pump and base, first, unplug the Aerogarden from power. Then, remove the pump from the base and rinse it off with clean water. You can also use mild soap if needed.
Be sure to rinse the pump thoroughly to remove any soap residue. Next, clean the base with a damp cloth. If needed, you can also use mild soap to remove any stubborn dirt or debris. Be sure to rinse the base thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
Clean the Aerogarden bowl and base
The base of the Aerogarden collects water and debris, so it’s important to clean it regularly. The instructions below will show you how to do this.
Step 1: Unplug the Aerogarden
Before you begin, unplug the Aerogarden from the power outlet.
Step 2: Remove the grow deck and tray
Lift the grow tray out of the Aerogarden.
Step 3: Pour out any water in the bowl and base
Pour out any water that has collected in the bowl and base of the Aerogarden.
Step 4: Wash the base with soap and water
Wash the base with soap and water, then rinse it off. You can also use a mild bleach solution to disinfect the base.
Step 5: Dry the base with a clean cloth
Dry the base with a clean towel or cloth. Reattach the grow tray, then plug the Aerogarden back in.
Cleaning the pump and tubing
The pump and tubing are responsible for circulating water throughout the Aerogarden, so it’s important to keep them clean.
The instructions below will show you how to do this.
Step 1: Unplug the Aerogarden
Before you begin, unplug the Aerogarden from the power outlet.
Step 2: Remove the water tank
Refer to the instructions above for how to remove the water tank from the Aerogarden.
Step 3: Remove the pump
To remove the pump, twist it counterclockwise and pull it out of the Aerogarden.
Step 4: Clean the pump
Wash the pump with soap and water, then rinse it off. You can also use a mild bleach solution to disinfect the pump.
Reattach the pump to the Aerogarden, then replace the water tank. Plug the Aerogarden back in.
How to clean the grow trays
The grow trays are where your plants grow, so it’s important to keep them clean. The instructions below will show you how to do this.
To clean the grow trays, first, remove them from the Aerogarden. Then, wash them off with clean water. You can also use mild soap if needed. Be sure to rinse the trays thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
Cleaning the grow trays with a dishwasher
Remove the grow trays from the Aerogarden and place them in the top rack of your dishwasher. Run the dishwasher on a regular cycle using hot water. Be sure to use mild dishwashing soap to avoid damaging the trays.
Cleaning the grow trays with distilled white vinegar
Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add 1 cup of vinegar. Submerge the grow trays in the solution and let them soak for 30 minutes.
Remove the trays from the vinegar solution and rinse them off with clean water.
Cleaning the grow trays with bleach
Fill a sink or large bowl with warm water and add 1 cup of bleach. Submerge the grow trays in the solution and let them soak for 30 minutes. Remove the trays from the solution. Then, clean and sanitize the grow trays with clean water.
Be sure to clean the trays thoroughly to remove any bleach residue. After you fully sanitize your Aerogarden, let it air dry on a damp paper towel.
Cleaning the grow trays with hydrogen peroxide
Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide. Submerge the grow trays in the solution and let them soak for 30 minutes. Remove the trays from the solution and rinse them off with clean water.
Cleaning the grow trays with baking soda
Fill a sink or basin with warm water and add 1 cup of baking soda. Submerge the grow trays in the solution and let them soak for 30 minutes. Remove the trays from the solution and rinse them off with clean water.
See Related: Different Types of Bamboo
How often should you clean your Aerogarden?
It’s generally recommended that you clean your Aerogarden once every two weeks. However, if you notice any build-up of dirt, debris, or mineral deposits, you may need to clean it more frequently.
The cleaning process is not an easy one but does not deter you from cleaning your system.
Helpful tips for cleaning your Aerogarden
Here are a few additional tips for cleaning your Aerogarden:
- Use distilled water instead of tap water to fill the water tank. This will help to prevent mineral deposits from building up.
- After each use, wipe down the grow trays with a damp cloth to remove any leftover plant debris.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers when cleaning the Aerogarden, as this can damage the unit. Only use a proven cleaning solution. A healthy system means healthy plants.
- Use a fine-toothed scrubber for delicate areas and to clean the hard-to-reach spots.
See Related: Best AeroGarden Pods
So, How do I clean my Aerogarden?
The best way to clean your Aerogarden is to follow the instructions in the user manual, or in the steps laid out above. Before we wrap up here’s a basic outline of the steps you need to take:
- Unplug the power cord from the outlet and remove all of the grow pods from the unit.
- Empty out the water tank and rinse it with clean water.
- Use a soft brush or cloth to wipe down the inside of the tank, being careful not to damage any of the delicate parts.
- Fill the tank with fresh water and add the recommended amount of cleanser (usually just a few drops). Swish it around until all of the surfaces have been coated, then let it sit for a few minutes.
- Empty the tank again and rinse it several times with clean water until all traces of the cleanser have been removed.
- Wipe down the outside of the unit with a damp cloth.
- Dry all of the parts thoroughly before reassembling the Aerogarden and plugging it back in.
See Related: How to Heat a Greenhouse Without Electricity
Final Thoughts
In this article, we’ve outlined the steps you need to take to keep your Aerogarden clean. We also provided some tips for how often you should be cleaning it and what kind of maintenance is important for keeping it in tip-top shape.
After reading this guide, hopefully, you’ll feel more confident about caring for your new garden at home!
FAQ
Can Aerogarden be put in the dishwasher?
You can wash parts like the bowl but the Aerogarden machine can’t be put in the dishwasher. Use the vinegar on a sanitizing cycle to clean your machines.
How often should I clean my Aerogarden?
It is generally recommended that you clean your system once every two weeks, or more often if it is being used heavily.
However, if you notice that the water is starting to look cloudy or that the pump is making noise, it’s a good idea to clean the unit as soon as possible.
How do I clean my Aerogarden pump?
To clean your Aerogarden pump, you’ll need to remove the motor and set it up in a large plastic bowl of white vinegar. Let the Aerogarden water pump run through the air in the vinegar to clean it.
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