The expert revealed to summer residents the secrets of the long service life of plastic products for the garden

Every gardener knows how important it is to have reliable tools at hand for working with plants. However, like any other product, plastic products require proper care and attention so that they last as long as possible. Nikolay Pestov, Chief Technology Engineer of the Cycle company, told Izvestia about what measures will help extend their operation and maintain functionality for many seasons.

According to him, in order for plastic products to last a long time and retain their functionality, it is necessary to pay attention to several key aspects — the choice of high-quality material, proper care and storage conditions.

"Good plastic must be durable and resistant to the external environment — ultraviolet radiation, temperature fluctuations and mechanical damage. For example, low—pressure polyethylene (HDPE) is an ideal choice for garden products, as it retains its strength in all weather conditions, does not crack in frost and does not fade in the sun," said Pestov.

He specified that polypropylene is also often used, which is highly resistant to chemicals and mechanical damage, which makes it durable and reliable. Such materials allow plastic products to maintain their functionality for many years without losing their qualities over time, the expert emphasized.

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In order to prolong the operation of plastic products, regular cleaning is necessary. The process engineer advised regularly wiping plastic products with a soft cloth or sponge with a neutral detergent. The use of abrasive cleaning agents should be avoided, as they can damage the surface of the plastic.

"In winter, plastic products can crack from frost. In order to avoid damage, before the onset of cold weather, it is recommended to remove plastic objects into the room or at least cover them from exposure to low temperatures. If plastic containers or watering cans remain outside, their contact with direct frosts should be minimized, as well as protection from snow and ice," Pestov added.

At the same time, plastic products for the garden, such as water containers or watering cans, must be airtight. It is important to check them periodically for cracks or damage. As the expert explained, even the slightest cracks can lead to water leakage or other problems, especially if the product is used for irrigation. If damage is detected, repair or replace the product immediately.

It is also necessary to avoid excessive stress on plastic products in order to prevent their deformation. However, it is worth minimizing contact with aggressive chemicals.

"Plastic loses its strength when exposed to acetone, gasoline, paint thinner, ammonia, chlorine bleach, as well as alkali and oil. Such chemicals can destroy the structure of plastic, causing it to deform, fade, or crack. Prolonged contact with solvents, which are often used for cleaning or removing impurities, is especially dangerous," the process engineer said.

To extend the service life of plastic products, it is necessary to avoid contact with these substances and, if possible, use protective coatings. So, according to the expert, special sealing varnishes or silicone-based coatings can be used, which form a protective film that prevents exposure to chemicals.

In addition, choosing the right place to use plastic products is of great importance. Plastic containers and containers for plants are best placed in places where they will be protected from strong winds, mechanical damage or contact with sharp objects, Pestov emphasized.

Earlier, on March 22, it was reported that Russians became more interested in home-grown seedlings. So, many people choose mini-varieties of vegetables — gherkins and cherries. This provokes an increase in demand for specialized goods, which increased by 4.7% compared to 2024. This was told in the Lemana PRO network of stores for repair, construction and home improvement.