5 Cleaning Tips and Tricks for Keeping Your Outdoor Hoses In Good Shape: Must-Know (Video Explained)

One of the best ways to keep your garden hose fresh and clean is to follow a simple routine. A properly clean garden hose can save money and effort by not purchasing a new one every year. Here are some tips and tricks to help you clean your garden hose and prevent it from getting ruined.

Keeping your garden hose in good shape is like maintaining an engine. It’s just not very exciting, but it’s something you have to do. If you’re not keeping up with the maintenance of your garden hose, it could be worse for your health than just plain old dirt.

Last update on 2024-11-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What are the Required  Tools used for cleaning?

Cleaning removes dirt, dust, stains, or other foreign matter from surfaces using various techniques such as scrubbing, vacuuming, wiping, or spraying.

The necessary tools for cleaning are:

Last update on 2024-11-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to keep your garden hoses clean

What is the best way to keep garden hoses clean? Well, there are a few things you can do. Here are a few that you should be doing every week. 

Using Bleach

Bleach is a great way to clean garden hoses. It is an effective disinfectant that kills 99.9% of bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

Procedures for cleaning garden hose using bleach:

• Ensure that the garden hose is completely dry before you start cleaning it.
• Fill the sink with warm water and add 1 cup of bleach. 
• Soak the hose in the bleach solution for 10 minutes, then rinse it with clear water. 
• Repeat steps 1 and 2 until no more dirt or debris comes out of the hose.
• Use a brush to scrub the area you want to clean, or use your hands and fingertips to gently remove debris from your garden hose by running them over the surface.
• If there are stubborn stains, use a cloth soaked in bleach water and vinegar solution (1 part bleach to 4 parts water) with a small amount of dish soap mixed in for extra cleaning power. 
• Let the cleaner sit on the hose for about 5 minutes, then rinse well with fresh water to remove any residue left by bleach and vinegar.

How To Clean the Outside of a Garden Hose?

If you want to clean the outside of a garden hose, make sure it is dry and uncoiled. Not using water on the hose is essential as it can cause damage.

1. First, disconnect the hose from the faucet. Next, remove any dirt or debris on the outside of the hose by wiping it down with a clean cloth.
2. Reconnect the hose to your faucet and fill it with water before connecting it to your garden hose spigot.  Then, please turn on your sink faucet and allow the water to flow out of the hose until it is almost empty. This process will ensure no air bubbles are left in the hose.
3. Fill a bucket with warm water and add one tablespoon of dish soap. Dip your garden hose into this mixture for about 30 seconds, then drain off excess water using a clean towel or paper towel.
4. Rinse off your garden hose by running it under a faucet for about 20 seconds, then pat dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

Using Vinegar

A simple way to clean a garden hose is by using vinegar. Vinegar is a liquid of water and acetic acid derived from wine or fruit juice. It has been used for thousands of years as a disinfectant, cleaning agent, and food preservative.

When it comes to cleaning your garden hose with vinegar, there are a few steps you should take:

• Fill up a bucket with warm water. 
• Now, you need to add about 1/2 cup of white distilled vinegar. 
• Dip the dirty area into the bucket (the hose) until the dirt falls off.
• Soak the hose the mixture for at least five to six hours
• Lastly, rinse the hose with clean water for a total of 30 minutes

Using Essential Oils

Essential oils are used to clean expandable garden hoses to remove harmful bacteria and grease.

The following are the steps involved in using essential oils for cleaning garden hoses:

1. Unscrew the cap on the bottle. 
2. Pour 2-3 drops of oil into a cup of water or onto a cloth, add a few drops of dish soap, and mix well. 
3. Apply the mixture to the hose with a cloth or scrubber, rinse thoroughly with water and let air dry before use.

How to Clean a Garden Hose Nozzle?

If you want to clean your garden hose nozzle, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water.

A garden hose nozzle can also clean using a plunger or spraying with dish soap and hot water.

The first step is to detach the hose from the fixture. Next, pour a small amount of dish soap into the nozzle. Please don’t overdo it when watering your lawn. It can lead to problems with the hose, which could cause water damage to the grass.

Next, attach the garden hose nozzle to the spigot and spray water for about 30 seconds. This process will help remove any residue left by the detergent in the nozzle’s opening and clean out dirt and debris in its interior.

How do I get rid of black mold in my garden hose?

Black mold is a common problem that can occur in the garden hose due to chemicals, environmental factors, and the length of time it’s been used.

Vinegar has been used for centuries to eliminate black mold from gardens, clothes, or anything else you may need.

To remove black mold from your garden hose:

• Remove the garden hose from the water source and soak it in a bucket of vinegar for about an hour. 
• Rinse with clear water to eliminate any vinegar residue, then lay the garden hose out flat and let it dry in sunlight for several hours before use again.

What is the best way to clean mildew on a garden hose?

There are many ways to clean mildew on a garden hose. You can use bleach, dish soap, or even vinegar. If you want to get rid of the mold and leave the hose in one piece, you should boil it for about 10 minutes with 1 cup of white vinegar and let it cool down before using.

However, suppose you are only trying to remove some mildew from your hose without doing any damage to the material itself. You should soak it in a mixture of equal parts water and vinegar for at least 20 minutes before rinsing it with cold water.

Taking Care of Your Garden Hose

Taking care of your garden hose is very important. It would help if you never left it outside in the sun or wet it for extended periods, leading to damage and deterioration.

• Store the hose in a dark, cool place where it will not be exposed to sunlight or heat. 
• Avoid leaving the hose in water for long periods because that can lead to mildew growth. 
• Please keep it away from sharp objects and chemicals such as gasoline or bleach. 
• Ensure the end is securely fastened to the fitting on the water faucet. 
• Use a mild soap solution and a bucket of water to clean the outer surface of the hose regularly. Never use any chemical solution.
• Dry it using a paper towel.

How Many Times Should I Clean my Hose?

If you have a standard PVC or metal garden hose, cleaning it should be done once every 2-3 weeks to remove mildew buildup. For long-term use, such as in an outdoor swimming pool, it may need to be cleaned more frequently than that.

This process depends on your house type, how often it gets used, and what materials are used in its construction.

How long do rubber garden hoses last?

The lifespan of a rubber garden hose is anywhere from 3 to 5 years, but the average lifespan is about 2-3 years.

An essential tool for any gardener, a rubber garden hose is long-lasting and inexpensive compared to other hoses. However, some factors can lead to its deterioration:

• Hose gets kinked or twisted. 
• Hose gets punctured by rocks or debris on the ground.

Final Words:

The only way to clean a garden hose is with bleach. Bleach kills germs and other microbes that cause mold, mildew, and algae to grow. To clean your hose, fill it with bleach until the water starts flowing through it. Then use a sprayer or wand attachment on your garden hose to blast away any dirt or debris from the end of the hose. Rinse the bleach out of your hose after cleaning it; otherwise, you’ll be breeding bacteria again! Learn more about how to clean a garden hose here.