Garden and cleaning enthusiasts are praising a fence-cleaning product that can eliminate algae from wooden garden fences within hours, with some customers reporting that it keeps fences algae-free for up to seven years.
Why Algae Grows on Fences
Garden fences provide an ideal breeding ground for algae. Rain or watering near the fence creates moisture in the porous timber, allowing algae to thrive. It spreads in shaded areas where sunlight cannot reach, preventing the wood from drying out fully. This is why algae often appears on just one side of a fence.
The Problem with Green Stains
These unsightly green stains can turn a once-immaculate wooden fence into a slippery, shabby eyesore. Beyond appearance, algae locks moisture into the wood, accelerating rot and gradually weakening the fence structure. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent long-term damage.
Popular Cleaning Solutions
While natural remedies like white vinegar, washing-up liquid, or pressure washers can address the issue, they often fail to keep algae at bay over extended periods. For a longer-lasting solution, gardeners recommend Wet & Forget Mould, Lichen & Algae Remover.
Product Details
Available on Amazon for £26.99 (reduced from £35.99) for a five-litre bottle, this product has garnered enthusiastic reviews. One customer noted, 'The green algae on our wooden fence slats went almost instantly. It looks really good now. Was worried about the effect on nearby grass, but this seems less damaging than other chemicals we have used in the past.'
Another reviewer said, 'So easy to use and with such minimal effort, the algae on my fence has gone! Over the years, I have used so many different products, all promising the same thing and none delivering, so I was sceptical about this, even though the reviews were generally good. It was good on my patio, but it was game-changing on my fence! Used a spray pump canister and just one layer of spray on the fence panels has removed all the algae. Amazed! Highly recommend!'
A third customer wrote, 'This is amazing stuff! After all the rain we've had. The patio and paths had turned green. Used this and could see it working within a few hours. Two days later, and everywhere clear! Like a new patio and path had been laid. So, I tried it on the wood fence, gate and raised bed wood... another amazing result! The only things that should be green in a garden are plants and grass, and now that's what we have!'
A fourth enthusiast stated, 'This product is the best on the market and worth the cost. My fences have looked great for years with a treatment every seven years or so. Plus, unlike high-pressure cleaning, it doesn't remove the pine wood treatment, meaning it is clean but not exposed to termite damage.'
Considerations
Some buyers noted that the product struggled to fully eliminate lichen stains from patios. The product description says: 'Designed for hassle-free application, Wet & Forget works over time to clean and protect your surfaces – no scrubbing, rinsing, or jet-washing required. Ideal for almost all external surfaces, making it perfect as a fence cleaner, patio cleaner, block paving cleaner, Indian sandstone cleaner, solar panel cleaner and driveway cleaner.'
Alternative Options
Smaller two-litre bottles of Wet & Forget are available from B&Q and Wickes for £18 each. Other algae removal solutions include Pro-Kleen Patio Cleaner (Amazon, £14.90 for five litres) and Scrubb Algae Remover (ToolStation, £19.99 for five litres).
