Water butts have become a popular addition to gardens: they offer a simple way to collect rainwater, reduce reliance on mains water and save money on watering and other everyday gardening jobs. For anyone looking to make their garden a little more environmentally friendly without making life more complicated, a water butt is a great place to start.
But like any container that holds water for long periods, a water butt can become dirty over time. Leaves, debris, algae and sediment can build up inside, potentially affecting the quality of the water and making your water butt less effective. Regular cleaning is therefore an important part of keeping your rainwater collection system working as it should.
Fortunately, cleaning a water butt doesn’t have to be a difficult or time-consuming job. With a few simple steps and the right approach, you can keep it fresh, clean and ready to collect rainwater throughout the year. Here’s how to clean your water butt and keep it in good condition.
Why Should You Clean A Water Butt?
Over time, stagnant water can accumulate algae, bacteria, leaves, dirt and other organic matter, creating an environment that isn’t ideal for your plants. While rainwater is generally well suited to garden use, dirty or stagnant water can contain unwanted organic matter and microorganisms that may affect plant health, particularly when used on sensitive seedlings and young plants. Regularly emptying and cleaning your water butt helps remove this build-up, keeps the stored water fresher and reduces the risk of introducing unwanted contaminants into your soil and plants.
How To Clean A Water Butt
To clean a water butt, you’ll need to empty it first, so it’s best to do this when water levels are low. Spring can be a good time, particularly after a relatively dry spell, as there’s usually less water to discard and you can leave the water butt open to dry in the sunshine. Ideally, regular use should mean your water butt doesn’t stay completely full for long periods, making occasional cleaning easier. Here’s our step-by-step guide to cleaning your water butt:
Drain the water: Open the tap at the bottom and let all the water empty out. Alternatively you can tip it out, or if it’s too heavy, use a hose to siphon out the remainder of the water.
Remove debris: Tip the water butt on its side or upside down to shake out any loose leftover sludge, leaves or dirt.
Scrub the inside: Use a long handled brush or mop with warm water and a mild, non-antibacterial washing-up detergent. Avoid chemical disinfectants, bleaches or antibacterial detergents that can harm your garden soil or plants if any residue is left on the inside of the water butt.
Clean the outside: Spray the exterior with the hose and scrub away any grime or algae.
Rinse and dry: Rinse the inside thoroughly with the hose, leave the lid off and let it dry completely in the sun.
Once you’ve spent time cleaning your water butt, it’s worth knowing how to keep it clean, so you’re not having to clean it as often. Here are our tips on maintaining a fresh water butt:
Check the gutters: Clear leaves, debris and sludge from your guttering and downpipe to prevent blockages and stop smaller pieces of debris from entering the water butt.
Keep it covered: Always keep a tight-fitting lid on your water butt to keep out insects and garden debris, while limiting sunlight that can encourage algae growth.
An Easy Way To Maintain A Clean Water Butt
If you’re looking for an easy way to keep your water butt clean without the need for regular emptying and scrubbing, Water Butt Klear is a simple solution.
Its organic blend of beneficial bacteria works to break down the organic matter responsible for green water, unpleasant odours and algae build-up, helping to keep your water butt clean and fresh throughout the year. Where other cleaners on the market contain disinfectants or chemicals, Water Butt Klear contains only natural ingredients, making it safe for pets, wildlife and plants because there will be no harmful residue left in the container.
Once the bacteria in Water Butt Klear clears your water, they continue to work year-round, keeping your water clean and fresh. Additionally, the unique blend of bacteria promotes strong plant growth, boosts crop yield, and helps reduce plant diseases, offering a natural and sustainable way to care for both your water butt and garden.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your water butt clean doesn’t have to be a difficult job. A simple clean when needed, along with a secure lid and regular checks of your gutters and downpipe, can help keep your stored rainwater in good condition. And if you want an easier way to maintain your water butt between cleans, a treatment such as Water Butt Klear can help keep the water fresh and ready to use. With a little regular maintenance, you can continue making the most of collected rainwater while reducing your reliance on mains water and keeping your garden growing.
