Cleaning your rain barrel

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To Keep Your Barrel’s Interior Clean… 

  • Use the collected water and drain the barrel regularly. Regular use and/or draining of the barrel will snuff out any possible algae growth and allow any small debris to be flushed out. This is the easiest method to reduce/prevent algae growth, debris, mosquito larvae, etc. A well-maintained rain barrel lasts for years, while a neglected one degrades much faster. Regular cleaning prevents buildup, protecting your investment and ensuring your system runs efficiently for the long haul.

  • Clean out your barrel. First, unscrew both of the barrel plugs on the top of the barrel with either a Vestil 10.5 in. Drum Bung Nut Wrench (barrel plug tool) or with opposing flat head screw drivers placed in the open grooves of the plug. Once the barrel’s plugs are unscrewed, you can visually inspect the inside. Then, you can use several methods to rinse or clean your barrel’s interior:

    • 1) Create a Cleaning Mix. Depending on your preference, here are four effective cleaning solutions:

      • Vinegar-Water Mix – A 50:50 ratio of white vinegar and water helps break down grime while being plant-safe. Ideal for routine cleaning.

      • Diluted Bleach Solution – Mix 54 parts water to 1 part household bleach (about ¾ cup of bleach per 5 gallons of water). This powerful disinfectant kills bacteria and algae but requires thorough rinsing afterward.

      • Baking Soda Paste – Mix baking soda with water to form a paste. This is a great option for scrubbing out tough stains and neutralizing odors.

    • 2) Drain the Barrel Completely. Open the spigot to drain all water from the barrel. If there’s sludge or debris settled at the bottom, tip the barrel over to get as much out as possible.

      • *IF YOU DO NOT YET HAVE A SPIGOT INSTALLED ON YOUR BARREL, FIRST INSTALL THE SPIGOT. THEN START AGAIN AT STEP 1.

    • 3) Use the cleaning mix and coat your barrel’s interior by pouring the mixture into your barrel. It is not necessary for the barrel to be full of the cleaning mixture in order to be cleaned.

    • 4) Rinse with Clean Water. Use a hose with strong pressure or a bucket of clean water to rinse the interior thoroughly. Swirl the water around to loosen dirt, leaves, and any organic debris. Make sure water runs through your spigot until clear again to clean out any trapped residue.

    PRO TIP: If you're going to be gone for an extended period of time, plan ahead for your rain barrel maintenance.

    • Warm Weather: Consider hooking up a drip-irrigation system to water your flowers and lawn, leaving your spigot “open” to flow continuously.

    • Cold Weather: Drain your barrel and leave spigot open, while leaving system intact, OR disassemble rainwater catchment and barrel system, store rain barrel in dry location (garage, attic, basement, shed) and install the included winter cover on downspout.

Colorado Rain Catcher