A SAVVY cleaning expert has shared a purse-friendly way of tackling green algae on your fence with no faff.
The glorious sunshine is back, which means many of us will be enjoying the lovely weather outdoors – however, the view may not be so pleasant if your garden fence is covered in unappealing algae.
Wooden fences, patios, and decking are often coated with algae film, as the wet UK climate is the perfect environment for its growth.
But although it may seem like a lot of effort to clean it, it’s essential to tackle the issue straight away, as algae could also lead to wood rot, experts have warned.
Brian Bayse from Decks and Docks, a specialist in the area, commented: “While green algae on a deck may not be aesthetically pleasing, its presence on your wood deck can pose significant hazards.
“It’s crucial to understand the importance of promptly removing algae to prevent potential damage and ensure the safety of your outdoor space.”, he added in a chat with The Express.
Luckily, there’s no need to fork out for pricey treatments to make your fence look as good as new – as the perfect remedy is already sitting in your kitchen cupboard.
According to Brian, one of the most successful hacks for banishing algae is using white vinegar, which you can buy for £1 at most supermarkets.
Due to its acidic nature and antifungal properties, white vinegar is safe for surfaces while still being effective at breaking down bacteria.
What’s more, the pantry essential also acts as a solvent, breaking down organic matter, such as algae and mould, and makes it a breeze to wipe it off.
For best results, he instructed to mix one gallon of water with one cup of white vinegar and scrub the wooden fence with the solution – this also works for decking too.
Allow the vinegar mixture to soak into the wood for 15 to 30 minutes, giving the acid time to dissolve the algae – and if you’re struggling with mould and mildew, this cheap concoction works like a charm too.
Once the time is up, use a broom or bristle brush to briskly scrub the area and watch the green algae should come off easily.
Complete the process with rinsing the wooden area thoroughly with clean water to eliminate any remaining residue – and voila, your fence and decking now look brand new.
Brain added: “Unfortunately, there is no magic spell to cast on your deck to prevent algae growth, but there are some measures that can be taken to slow or prevent it.
The Sun's Gardening Editor Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you need to tackle this July in your garden.
1. Prune Wisteria
You should only prune back Wisteria twice a year – and July – or mid summer – is one of those times. After flowering cut back long side shoots to around seven buds.five or six leaves.
2. Pinch out tomatoes
Your tomatoes should be really picking up – so pinch out all the side shoots without flowers – and remove all the leaves that are shading the tomatoes – this will give them maximum light and energy.
3. Keep weeding
Hand weeding and hoeing the surface of the soil will keep your weeds under check.
4. Feed Dahlias
To keep Dahlias flowering until Autumn, you must keep feeding them weekly with a liquid fertliser high in potassium – which encourages blooms.
5. Keep deadheading plants
Keep up with deadheading your bedding plants and perennials – so they keep coming back for the season. With roses make sure you’re deadheading back to a set of five leaves, giving you the best chance of them flowering again.
6. Check on your pond
If you’re lucky enough to have a pond – make sure it’s clear of algae, which can really bloom when the sun beats down.
7. Feed your lawn
Whether that’s with a liquid feed or granules. If you’ve chosen granules try to get them down before the rain comes, so they soak into the soil.
8. Tend to strawberry plants
Cut the leaves off strawberry plants after you’ve picked them – leaving the crown untouched – which should help with next years fruit.
9. Sow extra seeds
July weather is a great time to sow seeds as the warm soil and sunshine is great for germination. Try carrots, winter broccoli and other brassicas.
10. Move young plants into soil
Get any young plants you’ve got left in the greenhouse – like courgettes – into the soil.
“The first is cleaning annually or biannually. Algae spreads quickly, so the longer you allow it to build up, the more it grows.”
This is why it is important to have a regular cleaning schedule, he added, noting that it’s also a good idea ”to seal your deck with a quality water repellant”.
As explained by the pro, algae needs moisture or standing water for it grow – so ensuring your deck is dry is key.
Although using bleach may seem like an effective way to clean algae from a fence, ”it should always be done with extra precaution to avoid damage to the fence and surrounding areas”, warned fellow expert Nick Ee, product, and training manager at BLACK+DECKER.
“If your fence is wooden, particularly if it’s stained or painted, using bleach will fade the colour and varnish.
“So consider using a less harsh cleaner specifically designed for wood.”
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