The maintenance of expandable garden hoses directly affects their service life and performance. The following gives some practical maintenance methods from Al friends to help you better look after your expandable garden hose.
a) Avoid Excessive Stretching
Do not stretch to the limit length when in use. It is advised to leave a margin of 10% to 20% to prevent the internal braided layer from deforming or breaking. Gently wind it to avoid pulling hard when retracting, which may cause the interface to fall off or the hose wall to be worn.
Do not stretch to the limit length when in use. It is advised to leave a margin of 10% to 20% to prevent the internal braided layer from deforming or breaking. Gently wind it to avoid pulling hard when retracting, which may cause the interface to fall off or the hose wall to be worn.
b) Avoid Direct Sunlight and Freezing
Ultraviolet rays can accelerate the aging of rubber/plastic. After use, it should be stored in a cool place (such as a garage or a sunshade). And completely emptying the water inside the hose when not in use, avoid freezing burst. It is recommended to wear thermal insulation covers in cold areas.
c) Avoid Chemical Corrosion
Do not put pesticide or fertilizer solutions inside the hoses, because residual chemical substances will corrode the pipe wall. Disable bleach when clean, white vinegar or citric acid are helpful for descaling.
a) Periodic Rinsing
After each use, rinse in reverse direction (from the water outlet end of the hose) with clean water to remove internal sediment and moss. Perform a deep cleaning at least once a month, which soak in warm water + neutral cleaner for 1 hour, then gently rinse.
b) Storage and Drying
Store after thorough drying. Humid environments are prone to mold growth. Hang up in a well-ventilated area with Velcro/rope, hose hook to avoid creasing and folding. Or put the hose into the storage bag if not in use for long time.
Tip: Conduct a "pressure test" before use in every spring - connect to a water source, increase pressure slowly to observe if there is any leakage or abnormal expansion to ensure safe use. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of expandable garden hoses and save replacement costs!