[michellela]

I have some large pots that I used to grow carrots, beans and toms on the balcony which I now want to use for growing some lettuce.  I remember reading that I should disinfect them before reusing but I'm not sure what I should use.  Would dettol be okay?

[Gwiz]

A traditional method would to be use Jeyes fluid, however as I'm not even sure you can buy it now, use whatever you've got to hand and give the pot a good rinse afterwards.

[DD.]

Jeyes fluid is indeed the popular choice for sterilising equipment, greenhouses, pots etc. and is still readily available.

Best not to mention using it as a soil sterilant.

[Gwiz]

I wouldn't dare.

[DD.]

Nor would I.

[compostqueen]

Oh go on 

I think it smells lovely.  I used it to clean the greenhouse glass of pigeon muck as well as cleaning out all my pots

I have been known to put pots in my dishwasher though 

[michellela]

Thanks all.

I remember seeing some jeyes in a garden centre sale before it shut down for its off season and wishing I'd picked some up now.  I will see if they have any in the local shops when my days off swing round again.

Sadly the only dishwasher I have is moi.

[missycat]

I bought my Jeyes from Home Bargains

[DD.]

Loadsa places have it.

If you've got a local Wilko, they'll have it in, as should most DIY stores.

[noshed]

Tescos sell it. But hot soapy water is OK too.

[RichardA]

I use soapy water but we have hard water and get some lime crusting if pots used a long time. Armillatox and Citrox are good in these cases (as they are on glass) but watch citrus based cleaners unless very diluted around metals.
I still like Jeyes though - it smells clean.
R

[michellela]

I haven't heard of Home Bargains or Wilko but there's a Tesco and B&Q within walking distance so roll on Friday.

None of my pots are metal but will try to remember not to use citrus if I get any in the future.

Thanks. 

[JayG]

No point going out of your way but just for the record Wilko's is otherwise known as Wilkinsons, and there are several listed in Hertfordshire:

http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/page/store?searchbox=hertfordshire&submit=search

 

[DD.]

Is that where you get your Jay's fluid from? 

[michellela]

No point going out of your way but just for the record Wilko's is otherwise known as Wilkinsons, and there are several listed in Hertfordshire:

http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/page/store?searchbox=hertfordshire&submit=search

 

We have a wilkinson.  I like wondering round there finding things I never knew I needed.  Flatmate got some chilli seeds there and they grew really well even though I wasn't expecting much from them.