How to Deep Clean and Shut Down Your Flex Farm

Updated

Deep clean your Flex Farm every 6 months, or when plant matter builds up. This guide walks you through cleaning the drip lines, draining the tanks, cleaning each part, and storing or restarting your farm.

Grow Video: Deep Clean & Shut Down

Follow the instructions in this section to deep clean your Flex Farm. A deep clean is recommended:

  • Every 6 months OR
  • When there is a significant build-up of plant matter in the Flex Farm.

Gather Tools:

  • Empty Spray Bottle 
  • Water
  • Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)
  • Washcloths
  • Bristle Brush
  • Shop Vac
  • Scrub Brush
  • Dish/Paper Towels

Check out our Cleaning Toolkit for our recommended cleaning tools to effectively clean your Flex Farm.

Instructions:

  1. Prepare your space for cleaning. Place 3% hydrogen peroxide solution in a spray bottle.

    1. Or, you can use the spray handle from an unused and clean bottle, and twist it onto the H2O2 bottle. 

  2. Unplug the light tower and set it to the side, out of the way of the Flex Farm.

  3. Clean the drip lines: With the pump running, remove the top caps and use the small bristle brush in your Grower Toolkit to clean any debris out of the holes in the drip lines.

    1. It is recommended to start at the first drip line hole from the irrigation line and work your way to the front of the system with the small bristle brush. The water flow will help push debris away from the holes that have been cleaned.

  4. Purge the drip lines: After cleaning drip line holes, purge each of the drip lines using the valves at the front of the Flex Farm.

    1. Place the provided measuring cup or a bucket under the valve located at the end of each drip line.

    2. Open one valve and purge for at least 5 seconds. Close and repeat on the other side. 

  5. Drain the tanks: If you have a floor drain, the easiest way to drain your Flex Farm is to roll it to the floor drain and open the drainage valve on the back of the tanks. You can also roll your Flex Farm outside to drain. Be sure to securely close the valve after draining. Review other tank draining methods on page 17 of your Grow Guide. 

  6. Drain the remaining water using the drain valve at the back of the tanks or a shop vac.

  7. Close the drain valve after the water is drained out of the tanks.

  8. Clean other farm parts: Remove and clean the pump, filter bag, and internal pump filter by running it under a sink to clear away material buildup. 

  9. Unscrew and remove the tank screens from the left and right tanks. Clean by running under a sink to clear away material buildup or soak in a bucket.

  10. Remove the drainage valve tubing at the back of the tank. Clean in the sink by running water through the ends of the tubing or soak in a bucket. To reattach, follow the instructions
    in the Assembly Manual.

  11. Wipe any remaining water and plant material from the tanks.

    1. If you have a dishwasher available, run the Flex Farm plant panels, top caps, and oval tank lids through the dishwasher at a heat not to exceed 181 degrees.

    2. If you are not using a dishwasher, use the 3% hydrogen peroxide and a cloth to wipe away and discard any debris, such as dead leaves, remaining roots, algae and/or other plant matter on the root chambers, drip lines, and tank lids of the Flex Farm. 

    3. Alternatively, if you have a power washer (without a steam feature) available, you can use it to clean the root chambers and panels outside.
    4. Another option is to soak these components for 15-20 minutes in a deep sink or tub, and use a scrub brush to get rid of any debris.
  12. Soak black panel plugs: If necessary, you can clean the black panel plugs by soaking them in a bucket with the 3% hydrogen peroxide for 15-20 minutes. After soaking, rinse well with clean
    water.
  13. Once you have cleaned and dried all Flex Farm parts, you can reassemble for your next grow cycle.
  14. Before replanting: Be sure to recheck your pH and nutrient levels prior to planting your next crop.

Caution: The max dishwasher temperature is 181 degrees. Do not exceed this temperature. It is recommended the temperature to be at exactly 181 degrees to meet food safety sanitation requirements.

Caution: Only the panels and top caps can go through the dishwasher. Do not put the root chambers into the dishwasher.

Note: If you are not restarting your Flex Farm, thoroughly dry all Flex Farm parts and store them in a clean dry place, away from direct sunlight if possible.