Over the months a rather unattractive layer of green slime has adorned the plastic covering of the polytunnel, both inside and out. A mild winters day arrived shortly after Christmas so the entire family went outdoors to scrub down the tunnel with soft sponges and chilly water. The thought of sloshing water around is enough to entice any child to help out on such a chore so it was all hands on deck, although they did get sidetracked after a while ... items such as walls, pipes and stones were also scrubbed down enthusiastically.
The increase of light levels as a result of our first ever annual polytunnel scrub is amazing. The only problem is that we can't figure out how to scrub down the very top of the tunnel, its well out of reach. A stepladder would do the job inside, but reaching the roof on the outside is a far more tricky matter. A ladder leaned against the structure would damage the plastic so a green tinged tunnel ceiling may be unavoidable! Any bright ideas?
Would a power washer be too aggressive? Just a thought ~ it can reach where you can't.
Sending warm wishes for a safe and happy New Year.
Marie x
Posted by: Wild Rose | December 30, 2007 at 06:19 PM
Someone told me this evening that B&Q have a few extendable poles in stock, for hanging Christmas tree lights on big trees outdoors. I plan to get one tomorrow, if I can, for pressing into window cleaning use. Maybe this kind of item would prove useful to you, if you could find one?
Posted by: WillieW | December 30, 2007 at 08:44 PM
You can see an easy way to clean the top of your tunnel on my blog here. It's about time I got on with mine, I think - last year was terrible for algae what with all the rain!
http://hedgewizardsdiary.blogspot.com/2007/04/detoxing-tunnel.html
Posted by: hedgewizard | December 31, 2007 at 11:32 AM
Hmm, I would say one of those brushes that you use to clean the top of the car would work, they are soft, so as not to scratch the paint ( or rip the plastic) have a 4 - 6 foot wand, and you can attach the hose to it, so the water somes out where the brush is. That would probably do the trick.
Posted by: Mommymommy | December 31, 2007 at 05:36 PM
I have found that warm soapy water is usually the most effective in the removal of algae from plastic clad tunnels. We seem to get quite a build up of it here in Ireland.
If you are interested in more algae info, I wrote a piece about it here.... http://www.gardenplansireland.com/forum/about819.html
Posted by: GPI | December 31, 2007 at 08:13 PM
For a madcap idea that might work....consider tying a rope to each end of an old towel and 'lop' it over the top. One person on each could pull alternatively. Let us know how you get on!! Best Wishes for the New Year
Posted by: Heather and Marcus O'Sullivan | December 31, 2007 at 08:39 PM
Sounds like some of the others have given you some good advice there.So
I'm just going to wish you all a Very Happy New Year from Kathyann and the girls at Meg's Mum's Muffins
Posted by: kathyann | January 01, 2008 at 03:59 PM
Sounds like some of the others have given you some good advice there.So
I'm just going to wish you all a Very Happy New Year from Kathyann and the girls at Meg's Mum's Muffins
Posted by: kathyann | January 01, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Aha, Hedgewizard to the rescue as usual, thank goodness. His link describes, with images, and more importantly, humour, how to do it ... its exactly what Heather and Marcus suggested. There is also a cautionary tale of woe involving a power sprayer and a polytunnel ...
Posted by: Rebecca (life on an Irish smallholding) | January 01, 2008 at 05:34 PM
rebecca...visitng you always brightens my day...may the spirit of a new year fill your home with an abundance of love, laughter, and joy...may the magic of the moment bring peace to your heart all year long...may your creativity take you to amazing places and may you experience the resulting bliss...much love you and your family...rebecca
Posted by: Cre8Tiva | January 01, 2008 at 10:01 PM
such lovely photos for a seemingly tedious job! it's been a while dear friend since i've commented but wanted to stop by and let you know i'm still here...and also want to wish you a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!! xx
Posted by: kristin | January 02, 2008 at 04:14 AM
I covet your polytunnel.
Covet, covet, covet.
Especially now it's clean. :)
Posted by: Kitchen Witch | January 02, 2008 at 11:47 AM
I covet your polytunnel, dirty roof or no. Covet, covet, covet.
Happy new year and all that, btw.
Posted by: Kitchen Witch | January 02, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Ah. Now I see. Newest comments top. Ooops.
Posted by: Kitchen Witch | January 02, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Surely you could train a pidgeon to take the cloth up there and wash it for you?!
Happy New Year, I look forward to 'sharing' your wonderful, exciting adventure in 2008.
Posted by: French Knots | January 02, 2008 at 07:59 PM
Happy New Year Rebecca and thank you for all the lovely comments at my blog in 2007.
Posted by: Maddy | January 03, 2008 at 12:23 PM