Cleaning Poly hives

[Hachi]

I have bought poly hives in the Oct sale, the Green ones from P's and got to thinking about cleaning them. I like to plan ahead.

I remember a post by Finman where he was recommending Cillit bang but can I find it.......

Does anyone remember it

 

[Itchy]

I was going to use washing soda.

If you have badgers about, protect your polys

 

[Norfolk]

Here you go

http://www.beekeepingforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18630&highlight=bang

 

[TryingToLetThemBee]

I got a rocket recently for not knowing the DEFRA guidelines. https://secure.fera.defra.gov.uk/beebase/downloadDocument.cfm?id=423

Make it clear quick you do, and save yourself!

 

[itma]

Not a figment of your imagination.
It was specifically the 'bathroom' version that he promoted.
http://www.beekeepingforum.co.uk/search.php?searchid=2302418


However the 'best practice guidelines' on Beebase indicate using Washing Soda to clean, then bleach for sanitisation.

I might yet get an Aldi 'sonic scrubber' (oversized electric toothbrush) to make a better job of cleaning them. https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/specialbu...t-detail-page/ps/p/ultrasonic-cleaning-brush/


However, your first task is to fill the mould-valve indents and then paint with some nice dark green paint, like Cuprinol Shades Old English Green. I've not found a better cosmetic treatment.


BTW - could you please post some photos of the new roof? Its supposedly thicker and with more overlap than the original.

 

[BeeJayBee]

I use a washing soda/bleach solution, warm water.

 

[Stickyfingers]

Cullit bangs main ingredient is caustic soda. It's simple enough to make a suitable solution yourself and is far more effective than soda crystals. The scaremongers will be along in a sec to tell you how dangerous this though.....

 

[Skyhook]

I use a washing soda/bleach solution, warm water.

Not supposed to mix them, apparently they can react and cancel eath other out. Soda first to clean; rinse; then bleach.

.

 

[Erichalfbee]

I use cillit bang and elbow grease followed by virkon
It's a horrid end...or is it beginning, of the year task. I hate it. Just the time to have a slave

 

[Gilberdyke John]

Not supposed to mix them, apparently they can react and cancel eath other out. Soda first to clean; rinse; then bleach.

.

Its a long time since I studied chemistry but I can't think of a reaction between Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Hypochlorite in solution. Maybe someone can explain if there is one?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Blowlamp - and a proper wooden hive. Takes minutes with very little effort

 

[user 6228]

Blowlamp - and a proper wooden hive. Takes minutes with very little effort

rather drastic to change the hive in order to clean it, abit like installing galvanised steel framed windows(remember them?) because the double glazing got dirty

Though I do admit that if your bees smoked a 100 cigarettes a day then they might need a wooden hive to prevent fires when they go into cluster.