Algae build-up is an inevitable but annoying aspect of having a garden patio. When it comes to getting it ready for spring and summer, you’ll want to make sure it’s all gone – and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune
It’s time to get your garden patio ready for spring and summer – so don’t let this unsightly problem stop you.
It can be frustrating when you’ve finally picked up the courage to tackle your garden patio to be met with slippery, green algae. This is one of the biggest issues people have to deal with ahead of summer – but luckily there’s an easy solution which will only take 15 minutes to do.
Tom Allen, owner of TGA Concrete Pumping, has shared a genius hack to remove nasty algae for garden patios, without having to fork out a fortune for a professional or expensive products. Often hailed for its natural cleaning properties, white vinegar is used in many areas of the house – from softening towels to killing weeds.
And it turns out you can use it to banish pesky algae build-up from your patio too. Tim explained: “Vinegar is often used around the house to clean various items, but it can also be used on your patio. The ratio you typically want to aim for when you’re trying to remove algae is equal parts white vinegar and water.
“However, for tougher jobs, you can increase the vinegar content to a 2:1 ratio (vinegar to water), but it’s advisable to test this stronger solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage your patio.” When you’re ready, Tim recommends putting the solution into a spray bottle or bucket, and then evenly applying it to the area, ensuring good coverage.
He continued: “Then, simply allow the vinegar solution to sit on the algae for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the acetic acid in the vinegar to break down the algae. After the dwell time, grab a stiff-bristled brush and scrub the patio surface, and the loosened algae should come away easily. Rinse thoroughly with a hose to remove all traces of vinegar and grime.”
You can purchase white vinegar from most local supermarkets, including Tesco for 35p. You could also pick up a 5l bottle of eco-friendly white vinegar from Ocado for £8.25.
If you don’t have white vinegar, Tim suggests you can use washing up liquid. Simply fill a bucket with warm water and add a generous squirt of any brand you have, for example Sainsbury’s own-brand for 62p, making sure to create lots of suds. Tim added: “Dip a stiff-bristled brush into the soapy water and get scrubbing. Work your way across the patio surface, paying particular attention to the algae-affected areas.
“Once you’ve scrubbed the entire patio, rinse it thoroughly with clean water. You may need to rinse several times to ensure all the soap suds are removed.”
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