Gardening enthusiasts have shared a hack for removing green algae stains from wooden fences - and it involves a common household cleaning product. While wooden fences add a natural looking finish to your garden, they are also more susceptible to dirt, mould, mildew and algae than metal fencing.
What's worse, some of the unsightly colouring and stains these can cause over time can be very difficult to clean off. Discolouring from algae on fences, decking and outdoor furniture is not an uncommon sight after winter - and many people will be looking to get rid of it as they head back into their gardens for spring.
One woman took to social media to ask for advice on the best way to get rid of green algae stains from her fence. And there was one product in particular that many amateur gardeners said they swear by.
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On the Gardening UK Facebook group, Saffy Fry wrote: "How can I get rid of this green algae on our fence? I have tried mould and mildew remover and also, sanding it down and retreating, but it still comes back", as reported by The Express.
Members of the groups replied with their own tips - and one popular suggestion was to use white vinegar. Some gardeners said it not only effective but, unlike bleach, doesn't kill anything else other than the algae.
Jayne Fidon wrote: "White vinegar mixed with hot water and work it in with a brush and leave for 30 mins or more, then house down. Repaint when dry with good quality fence paint." She added: Normally this happens when a fence is in the shade most of the day, less of a problem in full sun."
Sinead Crawley commented: "Vinegar in a spray bottle, spray it on, leave and it will get rid of the green stains in a few days. I’ve done all my decking and fences last week, starting to see a difference already.”
Amy Caner agreed: "Definitely white vinegar. Easiest and most effective way to get rid of it." Lindsey Hall added: “I use white vinegar diluted with water to remove algae from my fence and it doesn’t even take the paint off."
Frankie Hudson replied: "White vinegar or similar. Don’t bother with power hosing - that only opens up the timber grain and allows more water inside, making the problem worse down the line."
Callum Goth suggested: "Please don’t use bleach in the garden, it kills a lot more than the mould. Use white vinegar instead, it just kills the algae."
For cleaning fences, you can make a solution with a ratio of one part white vinegar and four parts water. This can then be applied to the fence with a spray bottle then scrubbed away with a brush or rubbing pad.
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