Noticing algae taking hold of your patio slabs can be frustrating, especially if you have guests coming over who you want to provide a comfortable, welcoming outdoor space to relax in.
But beyond the unsightly mess that algae creates, it can pose risks for slips and falls. If left unchecked the issue can spiral and become more difficult to get control of. That’s why you need to learn how to clean algae from patio fast. We’re here to help.
Learn how to remove algae from patio slabs below, including tips on choosing an effective cleaner and pairing it with a pressure washer, the role of dwell time, manual agitation, and more. You’ll even get tips on how to stop algae on patio from returning going forward.
The first step is to pick up an effective patio cleaner here at Jennychem, your trusted choice in the UK for all things chemical cleaning for 35 years and counting. Our solutions make algae removal a breeze, and they’re safe for a variety of surfaces from brick to concrete.
Shop today and reclaim your patio with the best patio cleaner in the UK!
The green, slimy appearance of algae is unmistakable. These organisms thrive in moist, shaded environments and can cover large areas if left unchecked. They often form slippery patches, which can pose a safety hazard as well.
Unlike moss, algae do not have roots, so they can spread quickly across surfaces where moisture is present. Early recognition is the first step to taking prompt action in removing algae before they become a more significant problem.
The UK climate often creates a breeding ground for algae, which thrives in dark, damp environments. Patio slabs that retain water or are frequently wet provide an ideal habitat. Even better (or perhaps worse from your perspective) if your patio doesn’t get much sunlight.
Inefficient drainage systems or water pooling on the patio can increase the moisture level, promoting algae growth.
Leaves, dirt, and other organic materials can trap moisture and create a nutrient-rich layer where algae can flourish. This is why routine patio cleaning is not something to take lightly.
Learning how to get rid of algae on patio slabs isn’t just a matter of maintaining a neat, tidy, inviting outdoor space - although that is part of it. There are more serious implications as well:
Don’t worry, though. Our tips on how to clean algae from patio will help you restore your slabs to their original glory so you can safely enjoy the outdoor space once more.
Before we get into practical tips on how to remove algae from patio slabs, though, let’s help you choose the right cleaning agent. So, what removes algae from patio?
As we said earlier, you can count on Jennychem to provide you with the best algae remover for patio slabs. We have specially formulated patio cleaning products along with raw chemicals like sodium hypochlorite. We’ll cover these along with DIY solutions you can consider.
If you’re serious about learning how to get rid of algae on patio it’s worth purchasing a proven chemical cleaning agent. Here are some of the most effective available at Jennychem:
You can’t go wrong with any of these but don’t hesitate to reach out to our customer service team if you’re looking for a personalised recommendation. We’re happy to help!
The concept of using a DIY homemade patio cleaner is appealing to those who want to get to work now without awaiting delivery or a trip to the store.
You may have some cleaning chemicals on hand that could be effective, but just set your expectations - these won’t deliver the same results as our professional cleaners:
Natural solutions are generally safer for pets and plants but may require more elbow grease and repeated applications compared to chemical cleaners. We suggest saving yourself the time and effort and simply setting yourself up for success with patio cleaning solutions at Jennychem.
Always consider your specific patio surface material before choosing a cleaning agent. After all, you don’t want to do more harm than good. Here are some recommendations for common materials:
Again, you can get in touch with our experts at Jennychem for a professional recommendation. We’re passionate about helping you make the most of your outdoor space, so let’s get into how to remove algae from patio slabs below!
It’s time to learn how to clean algae from patio slabs so you can regain control and start enjoying the space as it was intended once again. Here’s a step-by-step guide to quick, effective, lasting eradication of even the toughest algae problem:
Begin by sweeping the area thoroughly with a stiff-bristled broom to remove loose dirt, leaves, and other debris. This ensures the cleaner can penetrate the algae more effectively and prevents debris from interfering with the cleaning process.
You may be wondering, how does patio cleaner work? Its active ingredients work into the pores of your patio material to break loose the bonds algae has on the surface. This brings the algae to the top of the surface, so you can easily blast it away with water.
However, you need to let the cleaner sit on the surface and work its magic for a set period of time - referred to as the “dwell time”. This varies from solution to solution, but a range of 5-15 minutes is usually a good estimate.
So, once your patio is clean of any debris that could get in the way, prepare your cleaning solution with the proper dilution rate and apply it to the patio. Be sure you’re wearing gloves and protective eyewear from start to finish.
Let the cleaner sit for a period of time, but just be sure it isn’t drying on the surface. More isn’t always better, as you don’t want the chemicals to start eating away at the patio material itself. Learn more about how to use patio cleaner if you have any uncertainties still.
Using an industrial pressure washer (for more expansive spaces, like restaurant patios) or a cold water pressure washer (for residential applications) can make a dramatic difference in how quickly and how well your patio cleaner works.
Connect your pressure washer to a water source and ensure it’s set to a suitable pressure level. A pressure of 1500-2000 psi is effective for most patios without causing damage.
Then, start pressure washing at one end of the patio, moving systematically to cover all areas. Use a sweeping motion, keeping the nozzle at a consistent distance from the surface to avoid streaking.
Make sure to rinse away all the cleaner and loosened algae. Pay extra attention to crevices and joints where algae might be more stubborn.
We have additional advice on how to clean patio slabs with a pressure washer if necessary. You can also upgrade your cleaning regimen with a highly touted Kranzle pressure washer at Jennychem if you want to supercharge effectiveness and efficiency.
Hopefully it’s not necessary, but manual agitation is sometimes the next step for extra stubborn algae. You can reapply your patio cleaner, let it dwell, and then scrub the problem areas with a stiff-bristled brush or broom.
After scrubbing, use the pressure washer again to rinse the area thoroughly. This combination of scrubbing and pressure washing should effectively remove even the most resistant algae.
The hard work of how to remove algae from patio slabs is finished, but the next steps can make or break the process as a whole. Most notably, you need to let the patio dry completely.
This is why cleaning early in the morning is best, as it gives the sun a chance to dry the surface thoroughly. Otherwise, you could risk the rapid return of the algae you just worked so hard to get rid of. So, here are some preventative measures to consider:
The more frequently you clean, the easier the process will be. The goal is to catch algae early before it has a chance to become deep-rooted and spread across the entire patio.
Simply sweeping the patio weekly to remove leaves, diary, and other debris can make a big difference. Then, wash your patio once a month (or every other month depending on how messy it gets) with a specially formulated product like our patio cleaners.
Given the role of poor drainage in contributing to algae growth, you may consider taking steps to improve drainage on your patio. This may entail inspecting or clearing drains, or even adding more drawings to speed up the process if you find that your patio experiences frequent pooling.
Ensure your patio is properly sloped to direct water away from the surface. If necessary, re-level areas where water tends to pool. This can be a more complex project, but it’s worth it for the longevity of your patio. It will also save you time on having to clean more aggressively on a frequent basis.
Along with drainage improvements you can see if sunlight and airflow can be enhanced as well. Cut back any trees or bushes that cast excessive shade on your patio. Periodically rearrange patio furniture to ensure all areas receive sunlight and airflow.
After rainfall, you can use a leaf blower to remove excess water from the patio surface. This helps the area dry faster, reducing the chance of algae forming.
Applying a sealant to your patio can create a protective barrier against algae. Again, this will also make your regular cleaning process easier as well. Select a high-quality sealant that’s appropriate for your patio material, whether it’s concrete, stone, or brick.
Then, simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. Typically, you’ll need to clean the patio thoroughly, allow it to dry, and then apply the sealant evenly with a roller or sprayer.
Sealants can wear down over time, so plan to reapply every 1-3 years, depending on the product and the amount of foot traffic your patio receives.
That does it for our guide on how to clean algae from patio slabs. While this yucky green substance can take a toll on the enjoyment, safety, and longevity of your patio, you’re now equipped with everything you need to know about how to remove algae from patio.
The only thing left to do is invest in the best driveway cleaner or patio cleaner and pair it with the best heavy-duty pressure washer in the UK. All of this is just a few clicks away at Jennychem.
Work smarter, not harder, with powerful, reliable cleaning solutions to put your algae problem in the past today!
