There are few things more unpleasant than stumbling out onto a decking covered in slimy green algae – luckily, there’s a strange hack going viral that gardeners say can get rid of it
If your garden deck is covered in a slippery green mess, there’s a wacky but effective trick going viral — and it costs just one pound. Algae are a collection of organisms that thrive in the UK’s damp weather. When left to fester, they can quickly spread their gunky tendrils all over your garden, turning your deck into a slippery danger zone.
Even worse, algae will eventually break down, resulting in a repulsive odour that can overpower your home. Luckily, you may not need to fork out on patio cleaners or a power washer to get rid of it. Experts say the fastest way to clean algae off decking could be hiding in your bathroom cabinet.
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According to outdoor specialists at Decking Superstore, shaving foam can actually be a great way to remove the dreaded slime from your garden.
They explain: “It sounds bizarre, but shaving foam is surprisingly effective at cleaning algae off decking. The consistency means it sticks to the wood and breaks down the slime.” Another major benefit is that it also avoids damaging your decking. They add: “It rinses away easily and doesn’t harm the surface.”
The reason why shaving foam is so effective is because of its thick consistency. This allows it to stick to the surface instead of running off like other liquids.
In turn, this gives it time to loosen algae from the deck, making it easier to remove. It’s also a gentle option, making it safe to use around pets and kids, unlike many harsh chemical cleaners.
As bizarre as it might sound, the trick has gained popularity, with more Brits trying it for themselves. Sophie Willoughby, a volunteer with the Royal Horticultural Society, tried it after nearly slipping on a set of slick steps in her garden.
She said: “I thought it was one of those silly hacks that wouldn’t actually work. But I was shocked. I left it for about ten minutes, gave it a light scrub, and the algae just lifted off.” She added: “I’ve used expensive deck cleaner before and this worked better — plus it smelled nicer!”
The way to use it is simple: pick up a can of plain white shaving foam (which you can find for £1 at Boots) and then spray a generous layer over any green or slippery patches.
Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then scrub off with a stiff broom or brush. Once that’s done, rinse the areas thoroughly with water to remove any remaining algae.