A rain barrel is an asset that must be cleaned once a year.
A rain barrel saves money by conserving water. In regions of low rainfall or drought, a backup source of water can make the difference between a healthy garden and a sickly one. Watering with stale or algae-laden water will not harm plants, but stagnant water can breed insects and bacteria, as well as give off an offensive odor. Cleaning your rain barrel once a year removes odors and algae. The water also will give you a backup supply for toilet flushing and dish washing should your normal water supply be interrupted. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Open the tap or spigot on the outside of the barrel to drain it.
While draining, remove leaves or debris that are clogging the tap or have accumulated in the bottom of the barrel.
Close the tap once the barrel is drained.
2. Mix 3/4 cup of chlorine bleach and a gallon of water in the bucket or watering can. Pour the water and chlorine mixture into the barrel, coating the inside walls.
Wearing protective goggles, hose the inside of the barrel thoroughly. Open the tap to empty the barrel and save the diluted solution.
3. Brush some of the the saved water-and-bleach solution on the outside of the barrel. Rinse the outside and let dry. Close the tap on the barrel. Both the inside and outside of the barrel are now cleaned and sterilized.
Tags: outside barrel, rain barrel, once year