Are you worried about how to stop your patio from going green? This can be an unsightly problem, but fortunately, it’s one that you can easily fix. Here are some simple steps to prevent and treat algae growth on your patio.
The days are getting shorter, leaves are beginning to change color, and your patio is starting to look like it’s covered in bright green moss.
If you’re anything like me, you know the struggle of trying to keep your outdoor living space clean and free from any unwanted growth–especially when it comes to that pesky green stuff!
Fortunately, there are ways to help prevent your patio from going green–from proper maintenance practices to tips on how you can decorate other items in order to distract attention away from the hue. Read on for my top tips on how to stop patio going green!
What Can Make Patio Go Green?
Patios can go green due to the presence of algae, a type of plantlike organism that thrives in warm and humid environments. Algae can be spread via wind, rainwater, or even pet droppings. The longer it remains on your patio, the more likely it is to transform into the greenish hue that’s so difficult to remove.
Fortunately, you don’t have to give up on your outdoor living space just yet! You can take several steps to help prevent the growth of algae and keep it from returning.
What Will You Need?
To prevent and treat algae growth, there are a few things that you’ll need:
- A stiff brush or scrubbing pad
- A pressure washer (or your garden hose)
- Patio cleaning solution
- Protective eyewear and gloves
Once you have all of the necessary items, it’s time to start tackling how to stop patio going green.
10 Easy Steps on How To Stop Patio Going Green
1. Pressure Wash Your Patio:
One of the easiest ways to remove algae from your patio is to use a pressure washer. Make sure to wear protective eyewear and gloves while you’re doing this, as the high-pressure water flow can be dangerous if used improperly. Start by spraying at a low setting and gradually increasing until you’ve removed all of the algae growth.
2. Scrub & Clean:
After you’ve finished power washing, use a stiff brush or scrubbing pad to thoroughly clean all surfaces where algae may be present. This will help remove any stubborn growth the pressure washer may have missed. If needed, use a patio cleaning solution to provide a deeper clean.
3. Rinse It Off:
Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse your patio with a garden hose or pressure washer to remove any stubborn residue that may remain. Make sure to dry the area afterward using an old towel or rag so that no moisture is left behind. It’s also important to ensure you don’t leave any pooling water on your patio, as this could lead to further algae growth.
4. Treat & Protect:
Now it’s time to treat and protect your patio from future algae growth! Look for cleaning solutions designed specifically for outdoor living spaces and apply them liberally in areas prone to accumulation. This will help to prevent future infestations.
5. Cover Up:
The best way is to cover it up! Hang colorful umbrellas or awnings over your outdoor living space to provide some shade and prevent the sun’s UV rays from reaching the concrete. This will reduce the likelihood of algae growth and make your patio look more inviting!
6. Keep It Dry:
Another key factor is to keep it dry. If possible, install drainage systems around your patio so that excess rainwater can be diverted away from the area and not create a breeding ground for algae. You can also try adding fans or dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels.
7. Fix Any Cracks:
If your patio has any cracks or crevices, be sure to fill them in as soon as possible! Algae take root more easily in these areas and can quickly become a problem if not addressed promptly. Fill any gaps with appropriate sealant and ensure the surface is completely dry before applying.
8. Choose The Right Materials:
When choosing materials for your outdoor living space, be sure to select ones that are resistant to algae growth! For example, porcelain tiles are less likely to accumulate green stuff than other surfaces such as concrete or wood. Be careful when buying pre-treated stone or wood, as these can sometimes contain chemicals that can harm plants and people.
9. Opt for Artificial Turf:
Not only does artificial turf look great, but it’s also a great way to stop the patio from going green. It’s much less likely to become infested with algae than natural grass and is easy to maintain. Plus, you won’t have to worry about mowing or fertilizing!
10. Clean Regularly:
Another, the best way to stop the patio from going green is by regularly cleaning your outdoor living space! Use a pressure washer once a month to remove any excess dirt, debris, and organic matter that may be present. This will reduce the likelihood of algae growth and keep your patio looking its best.
By following these simple steps, you can help prevent the formation of algae on your patio and keep your outdoor living space looking great all year round!
With these tips, you’ll surely have a patio that stays green-free and looks amazing. So get out there and start cleaning today! Good luck!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
1. Adding a sealant to the patio can help protect the surface from absorbing moisture and greening up. The sealant should be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions but can help to keep your patio looking its best for longer.
2. Make sure that any furniture or other items placed on the patio are up off of the ground so that they don’t block water from running off and pooling in one spot. This will also help keep mildew and mold away, which can lead to the greening of your patio as well.
3. Sweep away leaves, dirt, and debris regularly with a broom or leaf blower. These things can trap moisture and create an environment where algae and moss can grow, leading to green patches on your patio.
4. Make sure that the patio is in a well-drained area, away from any places where water might accumulate or collect on and around it.
5. If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, consider installing a drain to ensure that standing water doesn’t remain on your patio for long periods of time. This will help keep it looking clean and green-free.
By following these simple steps, you can easily keep your patio looking great by preventing it from going green. With regular maintenance and the right care, your patio can provide a beautiful outdoor space for years to come!
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Leaving potted plants in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Potted plants are more prone to becoming green with algae, fungi, and other organisms because they trap sunshine, heat, and moisture around them.
- Not cleaning off furniture regularly. If you don’t regularly clean your furniture from dust, leaves, and other debris, it will accumulate over time in between cracks and crevices, causing an ideal environment for algae to grow and spread across your patio area.
- Failing to repair any leaks or cracks. If there are any leaks or cracks in your patio area, seal them with proper concrete patching material.
- Allowing puddles of water to stand on the patio surface for extended periods of time. Puddles can act as a breeding ground for green algae and should be cleared away as soon as possible with a broom or wet/dry vacuum cleaner.
- Not using protective treatments on the patio surface every few months. Using an anti-algae solution such as Algae-X or a protective sealer such as Eco-Seal will help prevent and reduce the number of green algae on your patio.
Following these steps can help you stop your patio from going green and keep it looking clean year-round!
Conclusion
To keep the patio from going green, using the tips and solutions in this post has been a great way to keep the beautiful outdoor patio you have and make it last longer. It’s not always easy, but with proper care and maintenance, your patio can last for years to come and maintain its original beauty.
If you’re looking for an extra layer of protection, the sealer is a great option to prevent dirt and grime from settling into the stones, which cause discoloration over time.
Additionally, keeping up with basic maintenance such as sweeping and cleaning regularly will go a long way towards maintaining the color of your patio. Finally, investing in furniture covers and having a regular schedule for rinsing off debris and dirt should be followed to ensure your patio stays green-free.
Hopefully, the article on how to stop patio going green has been helpful. Take the necessary steps to ensure your outdoor living space looks great and remains green-free!