Hose Maintenance: How to Clean Your Hoses

Hoses are used for the transportation of gases and liquids all around the world, from watering your garden and washing your car, to handling fuel, food, or chemicals.

Proper hose maintenance is not only important for improving the lifespan and performance of a hose, but also preventing the build-up of harmful bacteria. In this guide, we’ll cover how to clean a hose pipe. Keep reading to find out more…

How to clean a water hose

Water hoses are among the most commonly used types of hoses. Keeping them clean can prevent clogs, mould growth, and extend their usability. When cleaning your water hose, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect and drain: start by disconnecting the hose from the water source. Elevate the hose and drain out any remaining water completely to make sure that you start with a dry and empty hose.
2. Rinse with water: rinse off any loose dirt or debris that may have accumulated in and outside the hose with running water.
3. Prepare the cleaning solution: it’s time to prepare the cleaning solution. The key is to make a solution that is effective at breaking down dirt and grime without damaging the hose material. Use either a mixture of warm water and mild washing up liquid, or a mixture of warm water and vinegar (with a ratio of 10:1 water to vinegar).
4. Soak and scrub: fully submerge the hose in the cleaning solution, ensuring that water is able to flow through the entire hose. Use a long brush or a hose-cleaning attachment to thoroughly scrub the inside of the hose. Pay special attention to areas with stubborn dirt or mould. For hoses with significant build-up, you may need to repeat this step several times.
5. Rinse again: with the dirt and grime removed, it’s time to rinse the hose again. Thoroughly rinse down with clean water to remove all the soap or vinegar residue lingering. It’s very important to make sure that no cleaning solution remains inside the hose.
6. Dry off completely: lastly, hang the hose in a sunny, well-ventilated area to dry out the hose completely. Proper drying prevents mould and mildew growth, which can damage the hose and taint the water. Try to prevent parts of the hose hanging down lower than the ends, as excess fluid that’s unable to drain properly will pool inside the hose.

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How to clean a shower hose

Over time, shower hoses can accumulate limescale, soap scum, and other residues, which affect water flow and hygiene. Regular cleaning keeps them functioning efficiently. To clean your shower hose, follow these steps:

1. Remove and soak: disconnect the shower hose and soak it in a solution of warm water and vinegar (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) to loosen limescale and other deposits. You should soak for at least 30 minutes, or as long as it takes to see a change in the hose.
2. Rinse: remove the hose from the vinegar solution, and rinse it thoroughly with cool water.
3. Scrub: to remove any stubborn stains, use a paste made from bicarbonate of soda and water. Bicarbonate of soda is a mild abrasive that effectively cleans without scratching the surface. Use a soft brush, or a spare toothbrush, to gently scrub at those difficult spots.
4. Rinse again: once the scrubbing is complete, repeat the rinsing process. If necessary, you may need to repeat step 3 once more if the rinsing reveals more stains. Once complete, make sure the water runs clear before reattaching the hose.
5. Dry completely: hang the hose to dry completely before reattaching it to the shower head. Allow all water residue to drain out by hanging the hose in such a way that there are no dips.  Drying prevents moisture build-up, which can lead to mould growth.

How to clean a fuel hose

Given their uses, fuel hoses require meticulous cleaning to prevent clogs and uphold safety standards. Proper maintenance ensures the hose remains in good condition and free from contamination. To clean a fuel hose, follow these steps:

1. Check and disconnect: before disconnecting the fuel hose, ensure that it is safe to do so. Verify that the machine attached is not active, the hose is not pressurised, and that there are no open flames in the vicinity. Once safety checks have been completed, safely disconnect the fuel hose from the fuel system. 
2. Flush: using a fuel system cleaner, flush out any debris or build-up inside the hose. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the cleaner to assure safe and effective cleaning.
3. Rinse: once the fuel system cleaner has done its job, rinse the hose thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining cleaner and contaminants.
4. Dry: finally, allow the hose to dry completely before reattaching it to the fuel system to avoid introducing contaminants into the fuel. You should also take time to confirm that the hose is correctly attached to the system to avoid the risk of leaks.

How to clean a food-grade hose

Food-grade hoses are used in the transfer of food products, such as seeds, granules, beer, and water. To meet hygiene standards, food-grade hoses must be cleaned and sanitised regularly. Proper cleaning ensures that the hoses are safe for handling food products. When cleaning a food-grade hose, follow these steps:

1. Clean before use: if you have just purchased a food-grade hose, you should thoroughly clean it before use. Fill the hose with hot water, and leave it filled for at least 10 hours before emptying and using properly.
2. Remove and flush: for hoses in use that require cleaning, disconnect the food-grade from the system, and use clean water to flush out any loose particles or residue.
3. Soak: fully submerge the food-grade hose in the prepared cleaning solution. For exact specifications, use the manufacturer's instructions, and soak the hose for the recommended time, which is typically up to 30 minutes. The following table should provide advice for water-based and chemical-based cleaning solutions for food-grade options.
4. Rinse and dry: rinse the hose thoroughly with hot potable water to remove all cleaning solution residue. Once complete, allow the hose to dry completely before use.

How to clean a chemical hose

The cleaning process for chemical hoses may vary depending on the hose’s intended use, the industry it’s used in, and the chemicals used within them. As such, you should always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for specific cleaning instructions, but as a general rule, you should follow these steps:

1. Identify chemicals: first, you should determine the type of chemicals that were in the hose. This information is crucial for choosing the appropriate cleaning method.
2. Wear protective gear: chemical hoses contain chemicals that may be harmful if they come into contact with you. Wearing protective glasses, gloves, and masks will help mitigate these risks.
3. Clean: select a hose cleaner that is compatible with the chemicals previously used in the hose. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you use a safe mixture, and submerge for the required length of time.
4. Rinse and dry: after cleaning the hose, rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining cleaner and chemical residues. Finally, allow the hose to dry completely before using it again.

Note: using the correct cleaner is vital to ensure you avoid dangerous or harmful chemical reactions.

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How to clean an air or ducting hose

Air and ducting hoses can easily accumulate dust, dirt, and other debris, which can affect the airflow and efficiency of the hose. Regular cleaning keeps them in optimal condition. To clean an air or ducting hose, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect: before cleaning, make sure the system is switched off. Fans or air sources can be dangerous if exposed.
2. Remove the debris: use a brush, vacuum, or compressed air to remove any loose debris from the hose. Take care not to damage the hose, as any holes created in the cleaning process may result in the need to replace the hose.
3. Clean: using a mild detergent and water, clean the hose with a clean cloth or paper towel. If possible, without damaging the hose, submerge the hose in the cleaning solution and scrub the inside gently.
4. Dry: Allow the hose to dry completely in a well-ventilated area to prevent mould growth.

How to clean a vacuum hose

Over time, vacuum hoses can get clogged with dirt, dust, and debris if not properly cleaned. Regular cleaning not only ensures efficient vacuum performance, but also prolongs the vacuum’s lifespan. To clean a vacuum hose, follow these steps:

1. Detach: firstly, detach the hose from the vacuum cleaner. This step makes it easier to clean the hose thoroughly. Keep in mind how the hose connects with the vacuum to ensure that you know how to reassemble after cleaning.
2. Clean: submerge the vacuum hose in a tub of warm water and a hose cleaner solution. If you do not have some hose cleaner solution available, you can use a mild detergent, or vinegar (1 part vinegar to 10 parts water). Allow the hose to soak properly for at least 10 minutes, then run a cleaning cloth through the hose to get any lingering dirt particles.
3. Rinse: once cleaned, rinse the hose thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap and debris. Then allow the hose to dry completely before reattaching it to the vacuum cleaner.

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With an extensive range of hose, tube, pipes and flexible tubing suitable for air, garden, plumbing, hydraulic, pressure and vacuum use, at The Hosemaster, we’re here to help.

If you need additional support, we’re always happy and on-hand to help. Contact us online with any sales or technical questions, or give us a call on 01282 604 002 to speak to one of our team for more assistance.

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