Summertime is meant for barbecues, pool days, and spending time outdoors with friends and family. But if your patio looks more like a scene from The Grinch, you might not be too eager to have people over. Don’t worry—we’re here to help! In this blog post, we’ll give you tips on preventing your patio from turning green.
Patios become green due to moisture accumulation and a lack of sunshine. Concrete pavers and wood patios are incredibly porous materials that absorb water and allow mold, mildew, and algae to develop on the surfaces, resulting in the green hue you see.
How to Keep Your Patio From Turning Green
Installing a patio cover and regularly cleaning it with a low-pressure, high-pressure washer can keep a patio from becoming green. Soap and hot water can be used as cleaners. Copper sulfate crystals, borax, and vinegar can eliminate and prevent patio green algae (diluted with water). A high-quality patio sealer prevents water and moisture from seeping into your patio, preventing mold, mildew, and algae growth. Installing a drainage system helps eliminate patio water.
To prevent your patio from turning green, follow these tips:
1. Increased sun exposure:
Algae and mold love damp, dark places. So among the most beneficial things you can do is ensure your patio gets plenty of sunlight. Move any furniture or potted plants blocking sunlight from getting to your patio.
Sun exposure is said to kill algae and mold, and it does this by destroying the nucleic acids in the cells. UV light can immediately enter the mold cells and does this quite efficiently. This way, you can prevent your patio from turning green and keep it clean.
2. High-pressure washing:
High-pressure washing will kill and prevent the patio from turning green. Nevertheless, be cautious not to use too much pressure, as this can damage the surface of your patio.
Some aspects to consider before utilizing a high-pressure washer include: using a lower pressure setting, keeping the washer moving, and avoiding pointing the jet at any one spot for too long.
3. Soap-and-hot-water solution:
You can make your own cleaners using soap and hot water. Just be sure to use a gentle soap to not damage your patio’s finish.
4. Algae killer that is specific:
Several products may eradicate and prevent green algae on the patio both ISO OUTDOOR and Simple Green spring to mind. Follow the instructions given diligently, and don’t overdo it.
If your patio is moldy or unclean, try one of these eco-friendly solutions: Vinegar, and high-pressure water work beautifully, but use chemicals sparingly when cleaning outside.
5. Crystals of copper sulfate:
Copper sulfate is a chemical compound that is effective at killing algae and moss. Be vigilant when applying it since it can harm plants and animals if used at too high a concentration.
6. Borax and vinegar:
These are two natural agents that can prevent your patio from turning green. Borax is a powdery white product often used as a cleaning agent. It is also efficient in eradicating algae and moss. Vinegar, on the other hand, is a liquid derived from ethanol fermentation. The chemical has multiple practical applications, including as a cleaning agent and a food preservative.
Vinegar on its own can kill mildew and mold mixed in water. Before using either Borax or vinegar on your patio, it is important to dilute them with water to prevent damage.
Boric acid is a natural agent to keep your patio clean and green-free. This substance is found in soil, water, and plants. It is biodegradable but remains toxic, so it is essential to use protective apparel and a mask when handling it.
7. Bleach:
Bleach is a powerful cleaning agent that can kill mold, mildew, and algae. However, it can also damage your patio if misused. Be sure to use bleach that is safe for use on patios, and follow the directions carefully.
8. Patio sealant:
A quality patio sealant will help to prevent water and moisture from seeping into your patio, which will, in turn, prevent mold, mildew, and algae from growing.
9. Use a patio cover:
A patio cover is a great way to protect your patio from becoming wet and damp in the winter and provide shade and rain protection in the summer. In addition, a patio cover can help to keep algae and mold from growing, making it valuable all-around protection for your patio.
Several patio covers, including large patio umbrellas, awnings, pergolas, and solar screens, are available. You might want to consider a patio roof if starting from scratch. Remember that the sun’s rays are needed to prevent and kill moss, so a durable and mobile patio cover might be the best option.
10. Install a drainage system:
Water will naturally accumulate on your patio when it rains. Mold, mildew, and algae can flourish if this water is not extracted. This can cause the patio to turn green and be dangerous for anyone who may walk on the patio.
A drainage system will help to remove any water that accumulates on your patio, which will help to prevent these problems from developing.
Final Thoughts
While a green patio may not be aesthetically pleasing, it is essential to remember that the moss, mildew, and algae are not damaging the patio. However, if you want to remove the green from your patio for aesthetic reasons, there are several ways to do so.
Some of these methods may require more work than others, but they will eventually lead to a green-free patio. With some elbow grease and perseverance, you’ll have a lovely patio to be proud of.
