Over time, your AeroGarden will get dirty and require cleaning.
Learning to clean your AeroGarden is an important part of maintaining a healthy and productive garden.
A good cleaning really isn’t a lot of work and doesn’t take much time.
Although the following steps pertain specifically to the AeroGarden, the process really is applicable to most hydroponic setups.
I recently cleaned my AeroGarden in about 15 minutes. The results speak for themselves:
Here are some easy steps you can follow to clean your AeroGarden:
1. Disconnect, disassemble, and drain the system
Unplug the garden from the wall outlet.
Remove the grow deck, and unplug the pump from the base.
Drain the nutrient solution from the reservoir.
Assess the areas that are clogged with roots or dirty with gunk and algae.
Pull out and separate all the remaining parts. Note – the pump is screwed into the base on the Harvest model.
2. Rinse and clean your AeroGarden
The cleaning process should include all the parts:
- Water reservoir
- Plastic grow deck
- Small plastic grow pots
- Small water pipe
- Water pump
- Water pump mesh filter (if equipped)
- Fill indicator tube
First, you’ll want to use clean water to rinse the components.
You’ll likely notice your pump and filter have root debris around or inside. Be sure to clear this debris to improve water flow and prolong the life of your pump.
Clean the grow deck well. The grow deck is the top plastic piece that holds the plastic pots.
Most AeroGarden models allow you to split the grow deck in two, and I‘ve found splitting the grow deck into two pieces is the only way to effectively clean that component. Just press the tabs on the underside of the deck to pull it apart.
Use a soft brush or sponge with dish soap to scrub away any dirt, root debris, or algae that may be clinging to the surfaces. A toothbrush works really well to get into nooks and crannies.
Finally, be sure to give the reservoir a good cleaning.
Note – do not get water in the base as this houses the electrical components.
Pro Tip: Most of the components, including the plastic pots, reservoir, and grow deck can be cleaned in a dishwasher! A real time saver! I use the short clean and rinse cycle.
3. Sanitize the system
After cleaning, use a sanitizing solution, such as hydrogen peroxide or diluted bleach, to kill any bacteria or fungi that may be present in the system.
Follow the instructions on the product label to ensure that you are using it safely and effectively.
I personally like to use Hydrogen Peroxide on a towel and rub the parts down.
AeroGarden itself suggests you can run a bleach and water solution or vinegar through the system for five minutes followed by running clean water for another five minutes. This is another option.
4. Rinse again
Once you have finished sanitizing the system, rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove any chemical cleaner residue.
5. Rebuild and refill the system
You are now ready to put the AeroGarden back together and refill it with fresh water and nutrients.
Reassemble the components, and reconnect the power.
And, that’s it. That’s really all there is to do to clean your AeroGarden.
Now, you’re all set to start a new garden!
Parting Thoughts
It is a good idea to clean your hydroponic system regularly to help prevent the buildup of gunk and debris that can inhibit plant growth and lead to disease outbreaks.
I find myself cleaning my two AeroGardens every six months or so unless algae takes hold more often.
I clean right away when I see algae as things will only get worse over time as algae spreads.
Your frequency of required cleanings will largely depend on the size of your system and the type of plants you are growing.
Ready to take your gardening to the next level? Head over to our article on tips and tricks get the most out of your AeroGarden!
