Humidity tray: disinfectants?

[boytjie]

Hello all! Just wondering what others do to keep down the "grunge" factor in their humidity trays...? I've got the two-inch-deep trays under grids. The water gets filthy, and I'm starting to wonder if it could even be a breeding ground for pests, aside from bacteria. I drain and scrub them once a month (a job in itself), but what do folks do in between? Would a few drops of bleach in the water possibly help? As the bleach water evaporates, though, would the bleach harm the plants? Hmmm.

[Vanessa]

Hi boytjie....I use a drop or two of bleach or a spray of Physan solution. Been doing this for years with no ill effects on my chids.

[JennS]

I was hoping someone would say Physan. I haven't tried it yet, but just ordered some and I too have the yucky buildup in the trays. Thank you for asking a great question!

[jkofferdahl]

I use bleach. It's worked for 30 years for me.

[Ross]

I don't get much water in my "drip trays" but Physan 20 will work just fine. Need a higher strength though. Check label for the strength to disinfect flower pots.

[cb977]

I just add a few drops of bleach. They get emptied and really cleaned once every 3 months or so.