Nothing will ruin your patio faster than allowing green algae stains to take over, but all is not lost, as one cheap mixture can blast stubborn stains
The sun has started to grace Britain, but for many it’s only highlighting grimy patios and paths from a long and groggy winter.
You’re likely already thinking about barbecues, outdoor dinner parties and even just being able to relax out in the garden with a good book. However, nothing will ruin that vision faster than a slimy green-covered patio. Luckily, experts have come up with a 55p trick to banish the grime completely. But why do they turn green in the first place?
Most stone patios are porous, which means they hold onto small amounts of water quite easily. This means that when they become waterlogged, algae can begin to form, eventually lending a swampy green colour to your patio. It’s a problem that often appears after a long winter, as the cold, damp days provide ideal growing conditions for the water-loving plant. Equally, if your patio is covered, this also puts it at risk, as algae thrives in the shade. Aside from being incredibly unsightly, an overgrowth of algae can actually pose a serious safety risk. The plant’s green tendrils are extremely slippery, which means you could be in for a nasty fall if you don’t watch where you’re walking.
Even worse, when algae blooms break down, they can release an awful stench. The smell is comparable to rotten eggs or vegetables, and will make sitting out in your garden a wholly unpleasant experience. So how do you get rid of it quickly?
There’s a simple solution
Fortunately, according to patio experts, the solution is very simple and can be found in your cleaning cupboard. A simple solution is to use a an equal mix of bleach and water. Bleach is a harsh chemical that is effective at killing off unwanted bacterial growth.
Furniture Clinic recommends to be careful when using it: “Care needs to be taken, as it can harm plants, grass and wildlife although you can spray greenery nearby with water before applying so that it dilutes any overspray.”
This trick is also great for those on a budget, as you probably already have bleach at home. If not, the cleaning agent be picked up cheaply and easily. You can order a 750 ml bottle of Easy Citrus Bleach from Wilko for a bargain 55p. Alternatively, you can pick up Sainsbury’s Thick Bleach for just 70p in store.
Although, take caution if algae is a recurring problem in your garden. Furniture Clinic warns that bleach is not a great option long term due to the damaging effects of bleach on the environment. They write: “Whilst it does kill the algae for now, it is not an eco-friendly option and the chlorine can sometimes change the colour and appearance of the surface.”