Family Rise Garden: Deep Cleaning Guide

October 25 2024 5:06pm • Est. Read Time: 2 MIN

Family Rise Garden Deep Cleaning Guide

Regularly cleaning your hydroponic system is vital for your plants' health and system efficiency. Over time, debris like dead leaves and roots can build up, and nutrient residue can clog your plumbing. Follow the cleaning instructions below to keep your system in top shape.

What you’ll need: 


  • Spray bottle

  • Cleaning vinegar

  • Tough scrubbing sponge

Step 1: Clean the Garden Interior

  1. Add Cleaning Solution: Pour 2 cups of cleaning vinegar per level of your Family Garden (adjust for Single, Double, or Triple levels).

  2. Circulate: Let the vinegar solution circulate for 15-20 minutes.

  3. Scrub Trays: During circulation, scrub the inside of the water trays to disinfect.

Step 2: Drain and Remove Water Reservoir

  1. Unplug: Once circulation stops, unplug your Garden.

  2. Drain: Sweep the vinegar water towards the drain on the left side of the top tray. Repeat for all trays.

  3. Remove Tank: Unplug the pump and carefully slide the water reservoir out. 

  4. Dump Water: Empty the water reservoir into your sink and scrub the sides.

Step 3: Clean Plumbing 

  1. Clean Supply Line: To clean your supply line, first disconnect it from the pump's output and carefully remove it from your garden. Bring the supply line to your sink and flex it to loosen any solid particles. Run warm water through the tubing until the water runs clear. Repeat this process 4-5 times or as needed to ensure thorough cleaning. You may also consider using a pipe cleaner like this one: HERE

  2. Clean Filters: Clean your drain and pump filters to prevent clogs from dead plant matter. To clean, thoroughly rinse the filters with warm, soapy water.

  3. Clean Pump: Unplug your pump from the control board (DC30) or power supply (DC40).  Refer to our guide HERE for disassemble and cleaning instructions. 

Step 4: Reassemble 

  1. Refill: Fill the water tank with a couple of gallons of water and place it back in the garden. 

  2. Reconnect: Reattach the supply line, filters, and pump to your Garden.

Step 6: Replant and Enjoy

  1. Replant: Replace any plants removed during cleaning or add new ones. If you cleaned while plants were still in the Garden, return them to their original positions.

  2. Balance Nutrients: Run a Care cycle in the Rise Gardens app to rebalance nutrient levels.

Follow our video tutorial to learn how to clean your Family Rise Garden and keep it running smoothly, watch below: 


While performing a deep clean, remember to wash garden accessories to ensure everything is sanitized and ready for use.

  • Water trays: To prevent mold and pests, it's crucial to remove any plant debris, such as roots and leaves, from your water trays. After removing your plant, clean the tray with a vinegar/water solution to eliminate any remaining organic matter.

  • Netcups: To properly clean your net cups, first remove the plant pod and any roots attached to it. Once the net cup is empty, you can sterilize it using one of two methods: 1) Submerge the net cup in a vinegar/water solution to kill any bacteria or fungi, or 2) Place the net cup on the top rack of your dishwasher for a thorough cleaning.

  • Nurseries: To clean your nursery, focus on the bottom part. You can either submerge it in a vinegar solution to kill any harmful bacteria or fungi, or you can place it on the top rack of your dishwasher for a thorough cleaning. However, it's crucial to avoid putting the nursery lid in the dishwasher as it may melt.