How to Clean a Hose Nozzle?

Garden hoses dispense an almost universal cleaning agent: water. So it might seem odd that from time to time, you actually need to clean your hose nozzle, the very thing that you use to clean so many other objects. Over time and with use, your hose nozzle might begin to build up chemical deposits from minerals in the water and store dirt and grime from its time in the yard and garden. Because of this, it is recommended that you clean your hose nozzle every 3 to 4 months.

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Bucket
• Measuring cup
• Water
• Rubber gloves (optional)
• Bleach
• Mild dish-washing detergent
• Sponge
• Toothbrush

1. Unscrew the hose nozzle and set it aside.

2. Measure 4 cups hot water into the bucket.

3.      Put on your rubber gloves, if you choose to use them. These will protect your hands while working with the bleach.

4.      Add 1/4 cup bleach to the water in the bucket. The bleach kills bacteria growing in or on the hose nozzle.

5.      Add 2 tbsp. mild dish-washing detergent to the water and bleach solution.

6.      Place the hose nozzle in the bucket and allow it to soak for 15 minutes.

7. Wash the surface area of the nozzle, everything that is accessible, with the sponge.

8. Wash the inside of the nozzle, where it attaches to the hose, and the spout where it discharges water, with the toothbrush, dipping it into the cleaning solution as needed.

9.      Rinse the nozzle in cool, clean water.

10.  Set the nozzle on a flat, dry surface and allow it to air-dry.

11.  Dispose of the remaining cleaning solution by pouring down a drain, and rinse your bucket with clean water.

12.  Wash your hands or rinse your rubber gloves, using the mild dish-washing detergent to remove any traces of the bleach.

Tips & Warnings :

Bleach is extremely toxic to your health and should be kept away from the eyes and mouth. Keep it out of the reach of children, and wash your hands thoroughly when you are finished.

Reference :

1.       “Cleaning Plain & Simple” ; Donna Smallin ; 2006

2.      “How to Clean and Care for Pratically Anything”; The Editors of Consumer Reports; 2002

3.      “How to Clean a Hose Nozzle”; Noel Tyler, eHow Contributor ; May 26, 2010

4.      Garden Hose nozzle Picture by Annie Chao at Yi Zuo, Apr. 13, 2011