How to Clean a Growing Tray? Quick Tips for Washing and Disinfecting Trays.

Growing trays are an essential tool for microgreens cultivation — durable and reusable, they support both eco-friendly farming and cost savings. But to truly benefit from them, proper care is key.

This guide walks you through the process of cleaning seed starting trays and explains exactly how to sterilize seedling trays to prevent the spread of mold, bacteria, and fungi. We’ll also introduce effective tray disinfection solutions, whether you’re using basic tools or a professional microgreen tray washer.
By following these tips for cleaning trays the right way, you’ll extend their lifespan and create a healthier growing environment — helping you achieve consistent, high-quality harvests. 🌱

In this article, we'll address the following inquiries:

• Why is it necessary to clean your trays?
• Can I reuse a cleaned growing tray?
• How to clean growing trays?
• What does tray disinfection entail?
• Is disinfection necessary?
• How to effectively disinfect trays?
• Summary

1. Why is it necessary to clean your trays?

Cleaning your trays is a necessary task in the world of sprout or microgreens growing – you just can't skip it.🧹 Wondering why? Let's break it down.

Picture the leftover soil, water, and old seeds on the tray from the last batch of plants. Seems harmless, right? Not really. These leftovers can harm your new microgreens. If you don't clean them, mold, bacteria, or fungi might grow, causing problems for your fresh crop. Basically, cleaning your trays is like giving your microgreens a fresh start for the best growth, without the risks of unwanted intruders.

2. Can I reuse a cleaned growing tray?

Certainly! That's why it's crucial to look after your trays and clean them thoroughly. If the trays aren't cracked or badly damaged, you can use them multiple times.

At MP Seeds, we prioritize robust and top-notch equipment for growing microgreens. That's why we suggest the "10x20" Extra Strength Growing Tray – a durable choice that will last for a long time.

If you're unsure about which trays or pots to pick when restocking your supplies, check out our article, where we explain the different types of trays and their features.

📚►Top Trays for Microgreens : Your Guide to Growing Trays and Pots, FAQs, and Choosing the Best!👈

"10x20" Extra Strength Growing Tray⬇️

If your old trays are damaged or difficult to disinfect, explore our reusable microgreen growing trays.

3. How to clean growing trays?

Now that you know you can reuse a clean tray, let's get into the details of cleaning grow trays.💦 But fear not, it's no complicated task. In fact, it's a simple process that just requires a bit of care. Treating tray cleaning as a regular to-do on your urban farm is as vital as watering seeds or any other activity linked to growing edible flowers, microgreens or sprouts.

Think of it as a routine, a little chore that ensures your trays are in tip-top shape for nurturing your greens. To make it even simpler, we've boiled down the whole process into four straightforward steps. So, let's break down these steps and see how you can effortlessly make tray cleaning a seamless part of your microgreens cultivation routine.

Step 1. Scrub 

Start by giving those trays a good wipe-down to bid farewell to any lingering dirt. Grab a sponge, a paper towel, or a  brush – your choice!🧹 Now, get into the nitty-gritty of it. Scrub the tray's surface thoroughly, leaving no trace of soil, seeds, or roots from the previous crop behind. 

Step 2. Clean 

Strive to eliminate as much dirt as possible. If you find the tray challenging to clean thoroughly, consider a good soak to loosen the stubborn dirt.🧼 At this stage, you can introduce the cleaning superheroes – soap or dishwashing liquid. These simple yet effective agents will help you banish the dirt, ensuring your tray gets the  treatment it deserves for the upcoming planting session.

Step 3. Disinfect

Once you have removed the leftover seeds, soil, roots and other visible dirt, the tray is ready for sanitizing or disinfection. Use a product compatible with the tray material and follow its label for dilution, application, required contact time and rinsing. Correct use helps reduce fungi, bacteria and other microorganisms that could affect the next crop.

Step 4. Dry

Once you've finished disinfecting the growing trays, the final touch is to ensure they are thoroughly dried. If feasible, let them air-dry outdoors.🌞

The now cleaned and prepared growing trays are all set for the next cultivation cycle.

"10x20" Shallow Growing Tray⬇️

4. What does tray disinfection entail?

Is it a vital step? While washing with soap and a good scrubbing can tackle visible soil or old seeds, it doesn't guarantee a spotless tray. What might linger unseen are bacteria, germs, or fungi from previous crops – a potential threat to your current one.🦠 That's where step 3 comes in – disinfection.

Is disinfection necessary?

Absolutely. Successful microgreens and sprout cultivation demands a farmer armed with disinfected tools and a pristine workspace, including trays or pots.🪴 Sanitizing growing trays stands as a cornerstone for ensuring not just any harvest but a healthy and bountiful one. Every farmer dreams of such yields. Considering and adopting this simple step can significantly impact the quality of your harvest.

5. How to effectively disinfect trays?

Always clean trays before sanitizing or disinfecting them. Remove roots, seeds and growing medium, then wash the tray thoroughly with warm water and mild soap.

Use a sanitizing or disinfecting product suitable for hard plastic surfaces and, where required, food-contact equipment. Always follow the product label for dilution, contact time, rinsing and protective equipment.

Bleach can be effective when used correctly, but its concentration varies between products. Use only regular, unscented bleach intended for disinfection and follow its label. Wear gloves, ensure good ventilation and never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or any other cleaner. Rinse the tray thoroughly when required by the product instructions and allow it to air-dry completely.

White vinegar can help remove mineral deposits and residues, but it does not kill all germs and should not be treated as a complete disinfectant.

Do not immerse MP SEEDS plastic trays in boiling water unless the material of the specific model has been confirmed as heat-resistant at 100°C. Boiling water may deform plastic trays. Warm water, soap and a compatible sanitizing product are the safer option.

If using a hydrogen peroxide product, follow its label and use only a product intended for sanitizing or disinfecting the relevant surface. Do not mix it with other cleaning chemicals.

6. Summary 

Maintaining the cleanliness of your grow trays gives your plants a fresh, healthy start every time. Whether you’re cleaning seed starting trays by hand or using a microgreen tray washer, this simple process helps create a safe and nourishing environment for microgreens to thrive. A well-maintained cleaning tray setup directly translates to a better, more consistent harvest.

At MP Seeds, we understand the importance of using reliable tools for successful cultivation. That’s why we not only offer durable trays, but also essential accessories for every step of the growing process. If you're looking for more than just trays, check out our Supplies for Growing Microgreens section for everything you need.

To conclude: as you prep your trays for the next cycle, remember that a little care — including regular disinfection and knowing how to sterilize seedling trays with the right tray disinfection solutions — can make a big difference in your results. 🌱

Happy growing!🌱

7. FAQ, Frequently Asked Questions about cleaning a growing tray

Can I Reuse a Cleaned Growing Tray?

Yes! Reusing growing trays is safe and sustainable — but only if you clean them properly. A thoroughly cleaned and disinfected tray can be used multiple times without compromising plant health. Just make sure your tray is not cracked or damaged. At MP Seeds, we recommend our durable “10x20” Extra Strength Growing Tray for long-term use.

How to Clean Growing Trays?

Cleaning seed starting trays is simple and essential for healthy microgreens:

• Remove soil, roots and seeds with a brush, sponge or paper towel.
• Wash the tray thoroughly with warm water and mild soap.
• If sanitizing or disinfecting is required, use a product compatible with hard plastic surfaces and follow its label for dilution and contact time.
• Rinse when required by the product instructions and allow the tray to air-dry completely before reuse.

Why Is Tray Disinfection Necessary?

Even if your trays look clean after washing, invisible pathogens like mold, bacteria, or fungi can still linger. Regular disinfection is key to growing strong, healthy microgreens and sprouts. Clean tools mean a cleaner harvest.

What Are the Best Tray Disinfection Solutions?

Use a sanitizing or disinfecting product suitable for the tray material and follow its label. Properly diluted, unscented bleach may be used when the label permits it. Vinegar may remove mineral deposits but does not kill all germs. Do not use boiling water unless the specific tray material is confirmed as heat-resistant at 100°C.

What Safety Precautions Should I Take When Using Bleach?

Always follow the bleach label. Wear gloves, ensure good ventilation and use only the dilution stated for that product. Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or any other cleaner. Keep the surface wet for the label’s required contact time, rinse when instructed and allow the tray to air-dry completely.

Is a Microgreen Tray Washer Necessary?

If you're cleaning trays in bulk, a microgreen tray washer can save time and effort. For smaller batches, manual cleaning with a sponge, brush, and disinfectant is just as effective.

What Tools Help with Cleaning Trays?

To clean trays properly, you’ll need:

• A cleaning brush for scrubbing tough dirt
  
  
• A sponge or cloth for detailed cleaning
  
  
• Spray bottles for applying vinegar or hydrogen peroxide
  
  
• Protective gloves for handling bleach
  
  
• A bucket or tub for soaking and rinsing