In relatively moist and shady places, Green alga begins to grow on concrete and cement. Though it is a part of nature, it is undesired in homes and other important places like offices. So, at some point, one must have to look for ways to remove algae from surfaces like concrete patios, basement floors, and walls of your homes or other buildings.
Though it doesn’t result in permanent damages to the structure and stability, it might bring many other troubles, if overlooked. For instance, the area may become slippery or produce a permanent discoloration on the concrete. There are many ways to prevent algal growth that you can try home or you may simply ask for Pressure washing services. Some of the useful methods to get rid of algae or moss on concrete are as following:
Tip 1: Use a pressure washer
In this method, a pressure washer is used to direct a stream of water through its nozzle onto the surface. Selecting the correct nozzle will make the cleaning fast and more effective will no damage to the property. For pressure washing, you just need an outdoor water connection to water and power. So, you can buy, borrow or rent a pressure washer for this purpose. It is necessary to maintain an ideal distance and choose an appropriate water pressure to prevent any damage. While blowing the algae off, don’t forget to such up any wastewater with the vacuum or sweep the water into a sump pump.
Tips 2: Dry it away
You want to try and prevent algae spore dispersal as much as possible. If you cannot dry the area in sunlight, you can attempt to dry with a heater or a fan.
Algae removal is much easy if the concrete surface is dry. You can also reduce the spores’ dispersal into the air by tackling algae on a sundry surface.
On a completely dry area, the use of a deck broom or a stiff push broom to scrub the area is useful. However, you may use a plastic scraper to deal with particularly more resisting surfaces.
Tip 3: Use boiling water
Boiling water should be preferred over chemicals as their use might prove harmful for you and the surrounding environment. All you need is to get a bucket filled with boiling water and carefully pour it over the green surface. After a while, take a stiff brush and clean the affected areas. Lastly, use a hose and wash off any debris left.
Tip 4: Steam clean
It is also helpful in this regard. Fill water into the steam cleaner. Allow the machine to warm up and then blast the algae with spurts of hot water steam. After steaming the area thoroughly, scrub it with a brush and rinse it off to make it clean.
Tip 5: Use bleach or vinegar
For immediate cleaning, use oxidized bleach. However, use this option as the last one, more specifically to save any plants or living things.
