Removing green deposits: also works without household remedies, soda and baking soda

The unwanted green veil appears especially in and after the rainy months of autumn and winter. Facades, terraces, driveways, wooden fences, but also flower and plant pots are increasingly affected. A beautiful sight next spring when you want to enjoy the first rays of sunshine on your patio. But it is also the ideal time to find out how to remove algae, as it multiplies via spores and seeds and is very difficult to get rid of. This makes it all the more important to detect the culprit early and remove the green biofilm as quickly as possible. There are numerous methods for removing algae and moss. However, most of these methods require a lot of perseverance in scrubbing or a lack of environmental awareness.

There are spores in the air that are carried by the weather, wind and insects. If the microorganisms find a suitable surface, they quickly colonise it. Moist, porous surfaces are a dream for algae and moss. Uneven and soft surfaces are more frequently affected than smooth surfaces. However, the decisive factor is how well the moisture is retained in the material.

Whether wood, concrete or stone is of little relevance here. It doesn't need much sun either. The greasy green film therefore prefers to settle in shady places and on north-facing sides. The result is a vicious circle. The vegetation on the surfaces ensures that the moisture is retained in the substrate and that green deposits, algae, moss and lichens spread even more easily. In addition, the damp environmental conditions favour rotting and infestation by pests, for example. The green film, often incorrectly referred to as verdigris, should therefore be removed quickly to break the cycle.

Green film differs from toxic verdigris in its formation and occurrence. Only copper and brass objects are affected by genuine verdigris. Here the green discolouration is caused by corrosion.

A tried and tested method of tackling algae and moss is the combination of hot water and a wire brush. This method is suitable for cleaning paving or natural stone, for example. The hot water is poured generously onto the infested surface. The hot water destroys the cell structure of the plant. Photosynthesis can no longer be carried out and the plant consequently dies. The coating is then brushed off with a wire brush. This method is very environmentally friendly, but it is also sweaty and uncomfortable for the knees and back

• Adjust the hardness of the brush to the surface to be treated
• Use a soft brush on sensitive surfaces, otherwise the surface may be damaged. Moisture builds up more quickly and the tedious work starts all over again
• Make sure you only apply the hot water where you want to remove plants
• Work carefully to avoid burns. The water should be as hot as possible during application

Destroy, clean and disinfect weeds

Destroying weeds with hot water is up to 20 times more effective than using conventional methods such as gas burners or hot air blowers and other household remedies.

This powdered mineral, also known as washing soda or baking soda, is very versatile. Add the soda to hot water to combat green deposits. If you have a large affected area, you will need a lot of water. For the mixture, use approx. 2 tablespoons of soda to one litre of water and applythe water all over the affected areas, including the surrounding areas. The spores of the algae are microscopic and not immediately visible. Leave the mixture to work for at least 24 hours. Rinse the surface with clean water the following day.

What else needs to be considered

• Please note that soda attacks the surface, which can cause damage to high-quality materials. Therefore, start your first attempt on a small, invisible area
• Be careful to work selectively when rinsing, otherwise surviving spores could be spread to other areas of the garden
• Spread the solution precisely and evenly. It will only become apparent the next day whether you have forgotten any areas and you can start again
• Unsuitable method for areas with corners and angles such as garden furniture

Chemical agents against green deposits are harmful to the environment and have no long-term effect. As a rule, these are strong disinfectants that not only kill the green deposits. They contain, for example, chlorine or special surfactants (quaternary ammonium compounds), the use of which as plant protection is controversial.

The household remedy vinegar should also only be used with caution. Ideally, you should avoid it completely for the sake of your garden. To remove algae and moss, only use diluted vinegar (ratio min. 4 :1) sparingly and only on small areas. You will also need to scrub vigorously. Use a spray bottle to spread the thinner over the green coating and then scrub the surface with a brush. Important: Then rinse again with clean water.

The lower pH value makes it harder for the unpopular green build-up to grow back, but it does damage the floor quality. Vinegar penetrates the soil through precipitation and harms other plants and microorganisms. Vinegar can also attack surfaces such as natural stone with a high lime content.

None of the products mentioned can be used without hesitation. Instead, use a natural way to remove algae, moss and lichen.

Removing weeds with hot water is up to 20 times more effective than with conventional methods such as gas burners or hot air blowers and other household remedies.

Unkrautfuchs works with constantly regulated hot water (temperature above 90°). Our patented control ensures a constant temperature close to boiling point. Only at temperatures close to boiling point does the effect occur and the plant cells are destroyed. As a result, the weeds can no longer absorb water and photosynthesis can no longer take place - the plant dries out.

Advantages of the Unkrautfuchs

• The Unkrautfuchs is your ideal companion for combating green deposits, moss, algae and lichen, even on sensitive surfaces such as ceramics. Thanks to the selective application, surrounding plants are not damaged and the spores are not spread unnecessarily far and wide
• The Unkrautfuchs also eliminates the need for tedious scrubbing
• The application with hot water only, the convenient handling - without bending down and the lasting effect after just a few applications are convincing
• Can be used in all weather conditions, no more waiting for good weather
• Easy to use on wooden fences, patios, paths, high-quality ceramics, lawns and sandboxes

Includes steam function for cleaning and disinfecting

Removing weeds with hot water is up to 20 times more effective than with conventional methods such as gas burners or hot air blowers and other household remedies.

Unkrautfuchs works with constantly regulated hot water (temperature above 90°). Our patented control ensures a constant temperature close to boiling point. Only at temperatures close to boiling point does the effect occur and the plant cells are destroyed. As a result, the weeds can no longer absorb water and photosynthesis can no longer take place - the plant dries out.

Advantages of the Unkrautfuchs

• The Unkrautfuchs is your ideal companion for combating green deposits, moss, algae and lichen, even on sensitive surfaces such as ceramics. Thanks to the selective application, surrounding plants are not damaged and the spores are not spread unnecessarily far and wide
• The Unkrautfuchs also eliminates the need for tedious scrubbing
• The application with hot water only, the convenient handling - without bending down and the lasting effect after just a few applications are convincing
• Can be used in all weather conditions, no more waiting for good weather
• Easy to use on wooden fences, patios, paths, high-quality ceramics, lawns and sandboxes

Includes steam function for cleaning and disinfecting

If you take a few things into account when creating your outdoor area, you will reduce the likelihood of green build-up spreading in your garden in the first place.

• Take away the basis for the proliferation of green build-up by laying patios and driveways on a slope. This will allow moisture to escape more quickly and the green cover will not take hold so easily
• Choose your garden design materials carefully. This prevents the stubborn green build-up from spreading. There are, for example, certain coated paving slabs. Ask a specialist for advice on this
• As a rule of thumb, the softer the material, the easier it is for moss and algae to grow. It is therefore best to use hardwood for wooden fences