If you live in humid climates and are the proud owner of a concrete paver patio, you know very well how frustrating algae can be. They can be a real problem if not dealt with properly and right away. So how exactly should you approach that? How to clean algae from your concrete patio?
There are some number of way in which you can remove algae. Some are more simple, some are more chemical and dangerous, some are even mechanic.
You have a lot of options to choose from, and one of them is sure to leave you satisfied. So let’s present you with these options right away, and then talk a little more about how algae forms and the importance of removing them.
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Methods for Cleaning Algae From Concrete
Method 01 – Boiling Water
Let’s start simple, with something that everyone has a home and completely non-chemical.
Fill a bucket with boiling water and carefully pour in the area. Then take some form of stiff brush and start scrubbing the area.
Be careful with that technique if you are working with polished pavers prone to scratches. In that case, you want to use a soft brush and be a gentle as possible.
Once that is done, you can hose the area to wash away the debris.
Method 02 – Drying and Heating the Area
Algae thrives in humidity and shadow. If there’s any way you can expose your patio to sunlight, that is the best remedy you can ask for.
However, we are all aware that sometimes exposure to the sun is out of our hands. In that case, we recommend you use a heater, a big fan or a leaf blower.
If the area becomes dry enough, magically, the algae almost comes out on its own. So all you have to do is use a broom to brush them away.
Method 03 – Pressure Washer
If the previous methods didn’t work, now we are starting to move into the resistant algae territory.
A pressure washer is an excellent way to clean algae, given you can dry your area well later.
But be careful with pressure washers! They can damage your pavers if not handled properly.
If this is your first time using one, start with the lowest possible psi configuration and from a safe distance. Increase the psi or close the distance until you see it affect the algae, but find that sweet spot little by little.
Method 04 – Commercial Products
Time to bring the big guns and buy a specialized concrete cleaning product. In the worst of cases, you’ll have to buy a mold stain remover.
Simply follow the instructions on the label of your product of choice, but most of them will tell you to spray the product on the area and then wait for about 15 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing it away.
Bleach and Vinegar to Clean Algae From Concrete
On the subject of how to clean algae from a concrete patio, we will often see people saying that bleach and vinegar can be used as a cleaning option.
Although it is true that bleach and vinegar can damage the algae, they can also damage the concrete itself, so you can see why we consider that a problem.
In a world where you have specialized concrete cleaning concrete and mold cleaning solutions, why risk damaging your pavers with an unreliable method?
Damage to pavers is, sometimes, irreversible. So is never safe to risk staining them for the sake of cleaning it. You don’t want to end up with a bigger problem than you begin with.
We don’t recommend the use of bleach or vinegar. Not when there are safer specialized solutions out there.
Preventing the Formation of Algae
Like we previously mentioned, algae loves to grow in humid and shadowy areas.
Your patio either receives sunlight or doesn’t, there’s not a lot we can do about that. We recommend to always think about that during the planning phase of a patio installation, but maybe that ship has already sailed for you.
In that case, the best thing you can do is get rid of the humidity.
Start by checking for drainage issues, both in the installation itself as in the structures surrounding it.
Avoid the accumulation of furniture and large debris on the pavers. Keep everything as exposed to sun and air as possible.
That also goes for plant life. It is nice to have plants around, maybe too many, especially blocking the sun, can do more harm than good.
Professional Help on How to Clean Algae From Concrete Patios
As you could see, there’s no mystery when dealing with algae.
For the simple cases, there are some easy possibilities to clean it. And in the most drastic cases, there are tons of specialized cleaning products in the market you can choose from.
The difficult thing is to identify the causes of an algae problem and fix it. For that, your best course of action is to hire professionals to help you do so.
Professionals in the landscape area can help you identify the problem and give you an outline not only on how to clean algae from a concrete patio, but also to fix the problem for good.
And if you happen to be around the Sarasota County, in FL, why not give us here at JS Brick a call?
For 20 years we have been providing the area with top quality work in the supply, maintenance and installation of pavers.
Call us anytime at +1 941 586 9140 for a free estimate on our services. We would be happy to hear from you.
