Algae on paths

Solomon_Broad

I'm looking for something that I can remove algae/lichen from a slab path with. I don't want to use chemicals, as it goes right through my veggie patch, and I'd rather not have to use a pressure washer.

I've seen this stuff, and variants thereof, but I'd also like to be able to use stuff that I have in the house (I'm a bit strapped for cash at the moment ).

Any ideas, folks?

pboae

If you are willing to spare the elbow grease it'll come off with a stiff scrubbing brush. It's tough work though.

You could use a vinegar mix to help the process (as far as I know the Algon stuff is acetic acid based), but obviously you'll need to consider the effects of acidic run off into your veg patch.

ariba10

Bleach is what we use to kill it, then leave it a few days and it will wash off.

Cardew

The trouble with any method of killing the algea is that you still need to remove the debris. Otherwise the new algea just grows on the old dead stuff.

Having tried all sorts of methods I find that the only way is to use the pressure washer. The disadvantage of pressure washers is that over the years they make the surface of the slabs slightly rougher(pitted) and thus harder to remove the algea.

Kinnairdy

Hot Water, Soda Crystals, Hard Brush, pour on water/soda mix, scrub and rinse.

pboae

I wouldn't want washing soda running into my veg patch :-\

Cardew, although I am not a fan of pressure washers because of the damage they do and the amount of water they waste, I completely agree about removing the debris. However, on a path through a worked area it will be a constant (and losing) battle anyway. Every time it rains or the area is watered fresh algae will be washed onto the path. Even if you used something harsh like Jeyes it wouldn't be long before the process started again.

Using a pressure washer over doing it by hand may slow regrowth a fraction, but I don't think it will make a huge difference in the end. They work much better on driveways and patios where there is high traffic and less fresh organic matter being washed over it regularly.

Mrs_pbradley936

Dilute bleach (very much diluted if red tile/paviers) and a yard broom. Do it often rather than wait for a build up.

twobob_2

Brush away any you can to start with.

If you wait until its getting a bit warmer sprinkle on some biological washing powder and brush in. I think youll find that should shift quite a bit of it.