The airstone that creates the bubbles in the AeroGarden Bowl can, over time, become clogged with debris. This debris comes from both the minerals in the nutrient solution and from fine dust particles in the air, which are drawn in and pumped through the airstone. Some people find it easier to just replace the airstone when it becomes clogged, but it can also be cleaned and reused. Or, you can purchase new airstones at the AeroGarden Online Store by clicking here.
 

Because the airstone gets clogged with both types of particles, cleaning it is a multi-step process and will take several days elapsed time, because the stone must be allowed to air dry between steps.
 

While the airstone is removed for cleaning, it is important to leave the clear plastic tube that supplies the air to remain in place in the AeroGarden, so that the water in the Bowl will continue to receive some circulation and aeration.

Unplug the AeroGarden, lift out the Grow Surface with plants, and set it aside. If you have a tall bowl or glass jar, it will work well as a prop to support the Grow Surface and plants while you work on the AeroGarden Bowl.

 

It is not necessary to pour the water out of the Bowl, though you may do so if you prefer. (If you drain it, just be sure when you refill it to add two new nutrient tablets, and to press the Reset button once to reset your nutrient light.)

Reach in and grasp the airstone, and pull it off the air supply tube. Leave the U bracket with the air supply tube in place, as it will continue to supply some air and circulate the water during the time the airstone is off.

Place the Grow Surface with plants back on the AeroGarden Bowl, and plug the AeroGarden back in.

The nutrient solution of the AeroGarden soaks into the airstone, and as the air blows through the stone it gradually dries the mineral salts into lime deposits around the air channels, which over time, can clog the stone. Regular distilled vinegar will dissolve these mineral salts, but the stone must be soaked in it for 24 hours.

First scrub the outside of the airstone with a toothbrush or other small brush under running water. Then place about an inch of distilled vinegar in a small glass, coffee mug or jar and soak the airstone in the vinegar for 24 hours.

After 24 hours, rinse the airstone under running water very thoroughly, and allow it to air dry for another 24 hours. IMPORTANT: the stone must be absolutely dry before proceeding to the next step, or the bleach used in the next step will not fully absorb into the stone. It is also vitally important to NOT MIX VINEGAR WITH BLEACH, OR TOXIC FUMES WILL RESULT. Also, do NOT bake or heat the airstone to dry it, or the plastic nozzle and glue will melt.

After the stone is completely dry, repeat the above procedure, using a 25% bleach solution (one part bleach to three parts water) instead of the vinegar. Be careful not get bleach on your hands as it can be quite caustic.

After soaking in bleach for 24 hours, again very thoroughly rinse the airstone under running water to flush all bleach residue away. If you have a turkey baster, it is a good idea to repeatedly blow air through the stone to help flush out the chlorine and loosened debris.

Reverse Step 1, only reinsert the airstone instead of removing it.