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AN outbreak of unsightly algae is being reported around outdoor areas at homes across Britain.

People’s fences, patios, decking and even walls are excessively covered in the brightly coloured organism.

An outbreak of unsightly algae is being reported around outdoor areas at homes across Britain
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An outbreak of unsightly algae is being reported around outdoor areas at homes across BritainCredit: Getty
A before (left) and after (right) image of the green algae that has been found on a British patio.
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A before (left) and after (right) image of the green algae that has been found on a British patio.Credit: Partridge Exterior Cleaning

Two-thirds of Sun readers say the algae in their yards and gardens is worse than last year.

It means professional jet-washers are in high demand, with companies charging as much as £150 a time to blitz patios and outdoor furniture.

Gardening experts attribute the explosion to the weather conditions of the past few months.

Guy Barter, chief horticulture adviser for the , says: “October to March has been the wettest for that period on record, so it’s no surprise that there is a lot of algae, especially as the weather has been mild too.

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“It particularly favours the prolonged drizzle we’ve been having.

“As we expect winters to become milder due to climate change, it’s likely we could see more of this type of algae growing.”

He says the “green slime”, part of the same family as seaweed, is essentially a plant without roots.

Guy adds: “This means it finds it hard to get water, which is why you’ll typically find it in shady places where the drainage is poor and there is a lack of airflow.

"It’s a tough old thing and if there is an opportunity to grow, it will find it.”

Although unsightly, Guy says it is not harmful to humans or wildlife, but its slipperiness is what can cause us grief.

He adds: “It will typically affect paving, especially if it is in the shade or near overhanging branches.

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“It will attack any surface. There will almost certainly be some on the lawn and in the soil — the sort of places where you get moss or lichen.

“You might see it on wooden fences and posts, or roofs. It won’t cause damage as it doesn’t have roots, but it could be a sign that things are already rotten.

“If you are concerned about traversing slippery surfaces, get some sand sprinkled on the area.”

Emma Young, 37, a marketing manager, has spent hours tackling the green invader in her garden in Scunthorpe, Lincs.

Emma Young says the algae has been worse in her garden in Scunthorpe this year, but  jet-washing the patio "helped to eliminate the algae and take away the slippery feel".
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Emma Young says the algae has been worse in her garden in Scunthorpe this year, but jet-washing the patio "helped to eliminate the algae and take away the slippery feel".Credit: Supplied
Using a jetwasher can often bring block paving and walls up green-free.
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Using a jetwasher can often bring block paving and walls up green-free.Credit: Getty

“We had some mild algae on our patio last year,” says Emma, who is married to Colin, 34.

“But this year it has grown all over our patio slabs, the wooden fences and panels, as well as the wooden slats on our house.”

Emma, who is mum to two-year-old Amber, said she researched how to banish it, but was concerned about using chemical products because most warned of potential harm to pets and children.

Instead, she opted for more natural solutions such as white vinegar, jet-washing and plenty of elbow grease.

Algae season

She says: “The white vinegar has helped to some degree and the ‘greenness’ has faded. We’ve repeated the spraying and scrubbing a few times. It’s not gone completely, but it has done a good job.

“Jet-washing the patio helped to eliminate the algae and take away the slippery feel.

“Our plan is to tackle the algae then use fence-protecting treatment to prevent it.”

Sid Partridge, who has run in the East Midlands for seven years, has never known business to be so busy.

He says: “Demand for everything — roofs, patios, driveways, guttering — has been unprecedented. My colleagues with 20 years’ experience in the industry say the same.

Professional cleaner Sid Partridge says demand for exterior cleaning has been unprecedented this year.
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Professional cleaner Sid Partridge says demand for exterior cleaning has been unprecedented this year.Credit: Supplied

“Often the moss and algae will be there during the drier months, but the constant rain makes it look dirtier and grow more.”

Using the right type of service for the surface is vital to prevent permanent damage, he stresses.

“For patios and driveways, pressure washing with cold water will lift the dirt brilliantly and make it look like new – just make sure you top up sand or aggregate between block paving afterwards.

“Softer surfaces like sandstone and wood need a steam wash, as the pressure can damage them. You don’t want the wood to get that fluffy type of surface.

“For a rendered wall, I’d opt for a softwash made of chemical cleaner. Apply it and leave it for a few weeks to do its job properly, as it isn’t always immediate.”

Greener ways to banish the green

Cleaning expert Petya Holevich says you can keep algae at bay naturally.

“Always spot-test the cleaning solution you choose on a small area of the surface you’re cleaning before applying it to a larger part, to make sure it doesn’t cause damage or discolouration,” advises Petya, of .

“Some of them will be more effective than others, depending on the severity of the stains.

“But keep in mind that algae is an organism that’s survived many destructive conditions since before the dinosaurs. It’s very difficult to control.”

Vinegar solution
Create a solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Apply generously, allow to sit for 15-20 minutes, scrub with a stiff-bristled brush and rinse.

Baking soda and water
Mix one cup of baking soda with approximately four litres of water until it forms a paste. Apply, leave for at least 30 minutes, scrub and rinse.

Lemon juice
Cut a lemon in half and rub the cut side over the stains. Leave to sit for 10-15 minutes, scrub and rinse.

Lime powder
Sprinkle this organic product onto the algae spots, leave to sit for two hours and wash it away.

Sharp sand
This is especially effective for patios. Mix with water and use a brush or broom to scrub the affected surface.

Ponds are another place where algae can be a problem, as it can block sunlight for other plants and interfere with the oxygen available for fish and other creatures.

“We put barley straw into the ponds at the RHS gardens and as it rots, it produces hydrogen peroxide, which suppresses the algae without doing any other harm,” says Guy Barter.

“You can buy it from garden centres and specialist pond suppliers.

“A more expensive option for ornamental ponds is ultraviolet cleaners, or add a special dark water dye, which cuts out the light and stops the algae growing without harming the fish.

Ponds are another magnet for green algae.
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Ponds are another magnet for green algae.Credit: Getty

“Growing water lilies to cast shade and keeping the number of fish low – because their droppings can enrich the water – will also help.”

But algae season should end soon, according to Guy.

He says: “As the air gets drier and the rain hopefully gets less, the algae won’t become a problem until next November.

“In the meantime, think about tackling the underlying cause, with better drainage and airflow, using a wood preservative treatment.

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"Or get covers for furniture to block out the light and water next winter. Ultimately, it’s something we just have to live with.”

Patio saviours for your anti-algae toolkit

A regular jetwash or using specialist cleaners will keep your garden algae free.
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A regular jetwash or using specialist cleaners will keep your garden algae free.Credit: Titan
  • Titan TTB1300PRW High Pressure Washer, £59.99, Screwfix
  • Wet & Forget Mould, Lichen & Algae Remover 2L, £16, Wickes
  • Newman & Cole Long Handle Patio Brush, £11.99, Amazon
  • Liquipak Softwash Surfactant 5L, £24.29, B&Q
  • Patio Magic! Concentrate 5L with Battery Operated Power Sprayer, £25.60, Argos
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