Need advice on how to water and feed correctly.

[Cewal]

Based on what I've been reading here, I think I'm doing it all wrong.

I water and feed once a week with 1/4 strength fertilizer (Orchid Focus) and 1 drop of Superthrive in 1 gallon of water. I sit each plant, one at a time, in the same bucket of water for a couple minutes and use a cup to make sure the bark is completely wet, top to bottom. I also mist several times a day.

To wash the growing medium, I pour clean water over the top for a few seconds. Our cold tap water is filtered (no sodium added) but the hot isn't, so if I add enough hot water to not shock my orchids, there will be some chlorine in the water. Instead, I use cold water from the tap and put it in the microwave for a few seconds to take the chill off. I've read some articles that say run tap water over the medium for 15-20 seconds to wash away salt and mineral buildup. My orchids never get washed off that well. Is it okay to rinse them under the tap water, even though the hot water has chlorine added?

I've had the same orchids (about 8) for about 6-7 years, except for a paph that I lost to mealybugs. After reading about overwatering, bacteria, and viruses, I'm amazed that I haven't killed them all!

I recently purchased a few new orchids, and have a few more coming this week, so I want to make sure I'm doing this right. I grow all of my potted plants in a bark mixture. Please help!!