Garden tool banishes ‘green and slippery’ algae from decking, claim gardeners

Mould, mildew, algae and moss are commonplace on decking, patios and paving, especially in shadier areas of the garden.

The reason decking is more prone to mould, mildew and algae is because the pores in the wood have not had a chance to dry out in the shade. In sunny locations, it’s less likely to develop but not uncommon.

Now, fans of cleaning influencer Mrs Hinch, whose full name is Sophie Hinchliffe, have shared their simple solution removing moss and algae from decking.

The cleaning and lifestyle influencer has more than 4.6 million followers on Instagram and often shares her garden and home tips online.

Fans of hers have taken to social media in recent years to share their own hacks for solving common household problems.

On one such group, Facebook user Victoria Pendlebury posted: “What can I do please with slippery decking? It’s gone green with a moss-like look.”

The post was inundated with responses but the most suggested solution was to use a pressure washer.

Aileen Russon said: “Pressure wash. My patio does this over the winter too. The jet wash is coming out this week and a paint refresh is being done too.”

Nat Rose commented: “Scrub it! Or use a pressure washer! You can buy anti-slip varnish so it doesn’t get slippery. It’s algae that makes it green and slippery.

“Unavoidable I’m afraid but nothing a regular scrub won’t sort. We do ours about once a week or two.”

David John Boyle replied: “Karcher and patio/decking scrubber attachment. Let it dry totally then retreat with your choice of stain or other finish.”

Heather Crimmins wrote: “Use a deck or path cleaning fluid and scrub or pressure wash. Not bleach as that would be harmful to wildlife and plants.” Graeme Zuffenhausen posted: “Jet wash then re-treat with anti-slip decking stain.”

Pressure washers can be purchased online or from local hardware stores.

Bosch Aquatak Corded Pressure washer 1.3kW 3600HA7F01 costs £59 from B&Q. Karcher K4 Universal Pressure Washer 130 bar costs £149.98 from Toolstation. Karcher K2 Compact Home Pressure Washer costs £100 from Argos.

Other suggestions from Mrs Hinch fans included using biological washing liquid, Wet & Forget, sand and bleach.

Rachel Morgan said: “Best thing we used was biological washing liquid and a scrubbing brush. Came up beautifully and smelled lovely too!”

Jacqui Jacklin replied: “Put on Wet and Forget. It doesn’t require you to do anything else, it comes up perfect.”

Maureen Gallagher commented: “Add sand to decking paint after jet washing it.”

Nancy Giles Gray posted: “Pour thick bleach all over [it], brush over with hot water, scrub, leave 30 minutes and rinse.”