‘All the green vanished overnight’ cleaning whizz raves about ‘magic’ product that banishes algae from wooden fences
WITH warmer weather upon us, many people are turning their attention to their gardens and sprucing them up for summer.
And if your garden’s wooden fence has unsightly green algae on it, you aren’t alone.
Thankfully people have been sharing a “magic” product which can banish it “overnight”, without any scrubbing required at all.
Algae tends to flourish on wooden fences that have shaded areas, but it can develop where sunlight falls too.
Not only is it unattractive, but it can accelerate the deterioration of wooden panels too – which can end up being costly to replace.
A debate was sparked only after one woman asked Facebook for help after noticing the problem in her garden.
Taking to the Gardening Hints and Tips Facebook page, she wrote: “Has anyone used the method of white vinegar and water to get rid of algae on a fence? Does it work?
“I just painted over it last year, but need to actually treat it this time.”
Sadly for the woman, many people were quick to comment that it hadn’t worked for them, but they did suggest a product that was highly effective.
One person wrote: “Tried white vinegar, didn’t work for me.”
A second added: “I used white vinegar and it just removed the paint without taking off the algae.”
However the product that worked “brilliantly” to remove green marks was Patio Magic.
Currently it retails for £10.63 at Argos – where it has a majority of five stars reviews – and is said to have “visible results in 2-4 days.”
One person explained: “We used Patio Magic, was gone within a day or two, brilliant stuff.
“You dilute it as per instructions on the back and then can either spray or paint on with a paint brush.”
Another continued: “I use a large paint brush to paint on a thin layer of Patio Magic, it should remove the algae almost on contact.
“This avoids any damage to plants too.”
May gardening jobs
The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you need to crack on with in May.
GARDEN growth can go from nought to ninety in May, depending on the weather. The last UK frosts are generally seen at the beginning of the month, so all of a sudden there’s so much more to do and grow.
Plant out dahlia tubers
It’s a joy to finally plant out your dahlia tubers. Remember how big they can get – and space accordingly – anything up to half a metre apart.
It’s a good idea to put your support stakes in now instead of trying to work around them.
And make sure you include lots of well rotted manure or decent compost to feed it and then mulch to keep it moist and suppress weeds. They generally start blooming in July.
Final feed to Spring flowers
You can give a cheeky feed to all your remaining tulips and daffodils.
Although the majority of bulbs aren’t guaranteed to come back year after year any more, as long as you’ve left them to die back naturally there’s a good chance they’ll have stored enough energy to come back again. Tomato feed is fine.
Tie up climbers
Your clematis, honeysuckle and rambling roses should be well on their way by now – try to use plastic free string to tie them back into their support, or tuck them round each other to make sure they don’t sprout off in crazy directions.
Feed the lawn
It’s not too late to give your lawn a good feed.
Whether you use granular or liquid, it can give it a good boost to see it through the harsher summer months.
While mowing, don’t go too low with your cut length yet and never take more than a third off the grass height.
Get creative
It’s also time to get creative with hanging baskets and pots.
Trailing pelargoniums, which a lot of people call geraniums, and Begonias are a good, low cost way of getting lovely returning blooms throughout the summer in your baskets.
And pots can be planted with spring bulbs.
Don’t forget the greenhouse!
Give your greenhouse a good tidy and clean the glass inside and out.
The improved light will help plants grow quicker inside and tidying is good for the soul.
You can just use a household white wine vinegar and water solution – or even neat if you’re feeling spendy – which gives a really good shine.
Meanwhile, one offered up: “Don’t use a pressure washer as this just creates an environment for more algae to take hold by roughing the surface up more. I use Patio Magic. It was a game-changer for me.”
A fourth shared: “I used patio magic in a spray bottle. I did 25 fence panels with some left over. All the green vanished overnight.”
The Patio Magic product description reads: “Has your patio seen better days? Get rid of the grime!
“Patio Magic is a great way to restore your patio to its former glory!
“It requires no tiresome scrubbing or pressure washing. Just dilute, apply & leave to dry.
“Patio Magic is biodegradable, works in days and lasts for months.
“Also suitable for indoor use & as a pre-paint fungicidal wash.
“No scrubbing, easy to use.”
It is said to “destroy” algae and lichen on glass, garden furniture, walls, paving and driveways.
Gardening tips and hacks
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How to preserve your favourite flowers at home – 5 easy tips explained
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