Remove fence algae for good in 15 minutes with 1 natural item expert claims is ‘the best’ (Image: Getty)
If you’ve ever noticed green plaguing your , it’s most likely algae or . Green algae is a biological microorganism that thrives in damp, shady places, hence why it just loves to reside on wooden fences. Rainfall or watering cause moisture, and if the water doesn’t dry up, then algae spores take up residence and reproduce quickly.
Green algae can be harmful for wooden fences due to the moisture that the algae retains. When wood is affected by excess moisture, rot can set in, which ultimately weakens the fence’s structure. If this happens, you may have to replace the fence, however, replacing a fence is expensive, annoying and definitely avoidable.
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If you’ve ever noticed green stains plaguing your fence, it’s most likely algae (Image: Getty)
Speaking exclusively to , landscaping expert at Eduard Negodenko claims that one natural household item is the “best option” to get rid of algae on fences without a pressure washer and has shared how to stop it from growing back.
He said: “The best option for getting rid of algae on the fence without a pressure wash is a solution. I personally put equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle or garden sprayer for ease of application.
“White vinegar is very safe for the environment, and being a natural product, it kills algae without harming surrounding plants or the soil.”
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How to use white vinegar for cleaning (Image: EXPRESS)
Eduard explained that he likes to let the solution sit for about 15 to 20 minutes after application so “the algae can lose its grip on the wood” or other material of the fence.
If the growth is “obstinate”, the expert pointed out that he sometimes adds a tablespoon of baking soda, which provides “more power for cleaning” and yet is not too harsh.
After letting the solution soak into the algae, scrub it off with a stiff-bristled scrub brush. Eduard said: “To avoid damaging the wood fibres, when working on wooden fences, I scrub with the grain.
“Depending on the strength of the algae, I would repeat the procedure. The next step is to rinse off the fence using a garden hose, which removes any residue of the cleaning solution and algae.” This should be done on a warm, bright day to allow the fence to dry entirely to discourage future algae growth.
Once the algae is removed, gardeners need to prevent its return. One way to do so is to “keep up with minor maintenance”, claimed Eduard.
This involves hosing the fence off now and again and looking out for early algae growth. The expert claimed: “This will go a long way toward keeping your fence looking fine and in good condition for good.”