Calculator inputs
Example data table
| Space | Usage | Humidity | Pests | People/day | Suggested interval |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenhouse | High | High | Seasonal | 4 | ~14 days |
| Potting shed | Medium | Normal | None | 2 | ~28–35 days |
| Tool storage | Low | Low | None | 1 | ~60–75 days |
| Compost area | High | Normal | High | 3 | ~7–10 days |
Formula used
The calculator starts with a base interval for the selected space type. It then applies multipliers that shorten or lengthen the schedule. Finally, it clamps the result between 7 and 90 days for practicality.
Lower multipliers mean faster buildup, so deep cleans happen sooner. The risk score is a weighted summary of the same drivers.
How to use this calculator
- Select the garden space you want to schedule.
- Choose usage level, mess frequency, and humidity setting.
- Set pest pressure and pollen/dust based on your environment.
- Enter average people per day and area size.
- Pick surface material and growing season status.
- Press Calculate frequency to see results above.
- Download the CSV or PDF to store your schedule.
Why deep clean intervals matter
Deep cleaning prevents pest carryover, algae films, and mold spores that routine wiping misses. In greenhouses and potting sheds, residues spread on benches, trays, hoses, and tools. A consistent interval reduces rework, protects seedlings, and keeps nutrient mixing and propagation areas safer. It also limits odors around compost zones and improves overall working comfort. Cleaner surfaces support better airflow and fewer fungal hotspots. It also improves tool longevity daily.
How inputs change the schedule
The calculator starts with a space-based baseline, then adjusts for usage, soil spills, humidity, pest pressure, and airborne dust. High humidity and frequent mess shorten the interval because damp surfaces trap debris and feed biofilms. More people increase touch-point grime on handles and taps. Larger areas can be zoned, slightly extending the schedule without losing control. Porous materials often need earlier scrubbing and targeted sanitizing.
Interpreting the risk score
The risk score summarizes buildup drivers on a 0–100 scale. Scores rise with heavy traffic, high humidity, and persistent pests because these conditions accelerate contamination. Use the score to prioritize sanitation time: focus first on touch points, damp corners, drains, and shared tools. If your score stays high, treat it like a warning light and tighten the interval. Aim to reduce risk by addressing the biggest driver first.
Building a realistic routine
Pair deep cleans with weekly quick care. Quick care removes spills, empties bins, checks traps, and improves airflow, slowing buildup between deep cleans. When the interval is under two weeks, rotate tasks by zone: benches one session, floors and drains the next, storage on the third. This keeps sessions short while still hitting high-impact surfaces consistently.
Recordkeeping and continuous improvement
Export results to CSV or PDF after each adjustment and note what changed, such as rainfall, new plants, potting volume, or an outbreak. If issues repeat before the next scheduled date, reduce one driver: improve ventilation, manage soil handling, or isolate new arrivals. Track which actions lowered the risk score. Over time, small changes can lengthen intervals safely and predictably. Review notes quarterly and recalibrate when seasons shift.
FAQs
What counts as a deep clean here?
Deep cleaning means scrubbing and sanitizing high-impact surfaces: benches, floors, drains, handles, watering gear, and storage fronts. It goes beyond tidying by removing films, residue, and hidden debris that can harbor pests or mold.
How often should I change the interval?
Recalculate whenever conditions change: rainy weeks, heatwaves, a pest flare-up, heavier potting work, or new staff. If the same problem appears before the next date, shorten the interval and focus on the driver raising your risk score.
Does a larger area always mean less cleaning?
Not always. Bigger areas can be cleaned by zones, which may lengthen the full-cycle interval. However, high-traffic zones, damp corners, and potting benches should still follow the more frequent schedule suggested by your inputs.
Which inputs affect frequency the most?
Humidity, pest pressure, and soil mess typically have the largest impact because they speed buildup and contamination. Heavy usage and higher foot traffic also matter, especially for touch points and shared tools. Reduce those drivers to safely extend intervals.
Is the risk score a safety guarantee?
No. It is a practical indicator, not a lab test. Use it to prioritize cleaning effort and schedule. If you handle edible crops, seedlings, or sensitive allergies, follow stricter sanitation practices and local guidance where applicable.
Why export CSV or PDF?
Exports help you track changes over time and standardize routines across zones. Keep reports with notes about weather, outbreaks, or workflow changes. This makes it easier to refine inputs, justify labor time, and maintain consistent results season to season.