Green algae can quickly spread and consume your patio, but there is a simple and effective method to help remove it using just two natural ingredients. As well as being unsightly, green algae can also be dangerous, creating a slippery surface that poses a risk of falls.
Why algae thrives on patios
Green algae is a common sight on outdoor patios at this time of year, thriving in persistently wet and damp spring conditions. Spring weather can be notoriously unpredictable, delivering glorious sunshine one moment before unleashing heavy rainfall the next. With cooler temperatures in the evenings, residual moisture in the air creates ideal breeding grounds for algae. Without regular cleaning, this unsightly green menace can rapidly spread across your patio. Natural stone is a particularly porous material, making it vulnerable to moisture absorption, allowing algae to flourish while creating a dangerously slippery outdoor surface.
The two-ingredient solution
Fortunately, there is a straightforward and speedy solution to banish the green growth from your garden patio in as little as five minutes, requiring just two ingredients: white vinegar and orange peel. These natural substances ensure a chemical-free spring clean that works effectively.
Being naturally acidic, vinegar can efficiently kill and eliminate green algae, while also doubling as an effective weed killer. As for orange peel, the oil contained within acts as a natural degreaser, helping to strip away the waxy coating from algae, while also leaving a fresh scent.
Preparation and application
This technique requires a week of preparation, but specialists say it is the finest natural approach available and produces a fragrance that harsh chemicals simply cannot match. Once the mixture is ready, it can clean your patio and eliminate green algae in just five minutes, reports the Express.
Trevor Guilday, home improvement expert and founder of EcoGen America, told The Express: "The green algae on your patio will typically respond quite well to white vinegar as the mild acid will help dissolve the algae without requiring harsher chemicals. The simple mixture of equal parts white vinegar and four parts warm water makes my go-to homemade solution."
"If you would like to create a somewhat stronger solution by incorporating something natural, allow orange peel slices to soak in the vinegar for approximately seven days. Then, remove them prior to mixing with the vinegar and water. Once this is complete, apply the solution to the stained area and process in sections. I recommend spraying or pouring the solution on the area. Afterward, use a hard bristled brush and brush with short, firm strokes so that the solution will be able to penetrate the algae layer. Allow it to sit on the surface for five to ten minutes, and then thoroughly rinse off with clean water."
Preventing algae regrowth
To stop algae making a comeback on your patio, specialists suggest sweeping it frequently and not leaving lengthy intervals between cleaning sessions to prevent a build-up of leaves and debris. Michael Scott, Founder of Lazy Susan Furniture, told The Express: "The key is to keep on top of things. Don't leave it too long between cleans and let muck build up. Take preventative measures such as applying a patio sealer to prevent dirt and algae buildup, sweeping weekly and cleaning with soapy water monthly."
