There is nothing worse than planning a once-in-a-lifetime graduation event or a family reunion only to feel like your outdoor space is far-from-ready. Your patio slab is completely covered with disgusting, slippery, and unsightly algae.
A plant in its own right, algae is part of the seaweed family and is a single-cell plant – minus the normal stems, roots, and leaves you might be thinking of. If they are susceptible, it could cause allergic reactions for your guests, your family, or your pets when they come into contact with your algae-ridden patio slabs.
It’s time for a good old-fashioned patio cleaning.
Why Does Algae Grow on Your Patio Slabs?
There are a few factors that will end up turning your patio that bright shade of green. The amount of shade your patio receives and how much water is left stagnant in your patio area are the main culprits of algae growth.
Homeowners can’t just move the sun or stop the rain which leaves them wondering how to get rid of that fast-growing green stuff from your calming space.
How Do You Get Rid of Patio Algae?
Algae growth hasn’t ruined your concrete patio forever, but it’s not always a beautiful sight when enjoying your outdoor relaxation area. Get it cleaned up fast with these smart patio cleaning hacks that will change your life – or at least the look of your patio – and never be afraid to host that backyard barbecue again!
Algae Removers
Take a trip around your local home improvement store to find highly-recommended algae removing chemicals but be sure to read the fine print to ensure children, pets, wildlife, and surrounding foliage safety.
There are both spray-on or mixture solutions to curbing your algae problem. Some require a simple treatment and spray removal while others demand a bit of elbow grease. Take stock of your ability and willingness to get your hands dirty when using over-the-hardware-counter options for algae removal. Follow the manufacturer's directions when choosing this option.
Soft Wash Your Patio
Commonly-used pressure washers use high-powered water streams to force algae from your patio, but it doesn’t get rid of all the bacteria feeding the algae. The sheer force of the water can also damage your beautiful (but currently hidden) patio slabs.
Use caution when cleaning patios that contain polymeric sand between concrete pavers or slabs. A pressure washer can deteriorate that binding that keeps your patio sections from becoming dislodged or ruining the decorative appeal of the patio.
Soft washing using an eco-friendly and biodegradable cleaning solution in combination with a lighter pressure of water can both rid your patio of the bacteria leading to algae growth, but also eliminate the damage caused by high-pressure washers.
At-Home Remedies
Not too keen on chemical usage to rid your patio of green algae? There are a few cost-efficient methods to try first before resorting to the other tactics. Some experts recommend pouring boiling water over your algae-covered patio slabs, letting the water sit until safe to work with, and scouring the algae with a scrub brush. Use your regular garden hose to finish off your patio cleaning session.
Bleach and vinegar are additional options for cleaning your patio slabs but be certain not to allow those liquids to contact your nearby plants and trees. When using bleach, be sure to add water – 2 parts water to one part bleach and do the same to create a vinegar solution but add three parts water to one part vinegar. Be sure to wear safety gear when using cleaning agents.
Take the Prevention Route to Getting Rid of Future Algae Growth
Avoid the algae cleaning dilemma by stopping it before it even begins to grow. As you’re aware, moisture and lack of direct sunlight are the perfect ingredients for algae but if you can remedy either of the two, you can attempt to disrupt the process.
If your patio does get some direct sunlight, try moving your outdoor furniture to another location during the rainy seasons to allow the sun’s rays to penetrate your patio and prevent it from growing there.
If that’s not your problem or your patio slabs don’t get direct sunlight, keeping it dry can help. Using a floor squeegee to brush the water from the patio or plugging in a large fan to dry the slabs could also act as a prevention method to try. No fan? Try a space heater to get your patio dried out.
Too Much to Handle on Your Own? – Call in the Cleaning Specialists
If the algae seems out of control, is too much to handle, or you’re not able to clean it on your own, it will grow black later in the year – making it come back stronger the following spring. You may consider calling in a professional patio cleaning company that is experienced in algae removal without damaging your patio slabs.
Begin researching companies that offer their employees continuous training on the best way to rectify your problems but are also fully insured to protect your property (and the employees). End that unsightly green slime on your patio slabs and allow the experts to ready your outdoor space for an epic backyard get-together.
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