Gardeners are being urged to pour white vinegar on their patio this May — and it’s not as strange as it sounds

Spraying white vinegar on path — (Image credit: Future)

With summer almost here, it's the ideal time to tackle those crucial tasks and get your garden ready for the season. And whether you’re hoping to entertain in your backyard or simply want a pristine patio, there is one natural organism that can ruin the overall look — algae.

Typically, algae forms a green film or powdery layer and thrives in damp, moist environments. It has no roots or stems and is commonly found on surfaces that are naturally porous and absorb moisture easily, such as stone, paving, tarmac, and concrete. Worse, if your patio doesn’t get enough sunlight or is in a shaded area, this means the dampness will take longer to dry out, which accelerates the growth of algae.

Spray white vinegar on algae

Algae on patio stones (Image credit: Shutterstock)

It seems like white vinegar has superpowers when it comes to cleaning and removing stubborn stains, but it also makes a great patio cleaner.

According to experts, the natural acidity in white vinegar is a fast and effective way to kill and remove algae in as little as 30 minutes, saving you a significant amount of time and effort compared to manual scrubbing. What’s more, white vinegar is an affordable option that won’t break the bank, and a great, non-toxic alternative that can be used safely around the home.

Just beware of these 7 things you should never clean with white vinegar to avoid damaging delicate surfaces.

How to make a white vinegar algae solution

Bottle of white vinegar next to a dish brush (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Simply mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a container or a clean spray bottle. Next, completely spray the solution all over the algae before leaving it to sit for about 30 minutes.

This should allow it time to loosen and lift the algae, making it easier to remove. After this step, scrub the algae from the patio stones using a bristle brush until they are completely clean. Rinse away any residue away with clean water, and you should have a spotless patio.

Be careful not to get the vinegar solution on your lawn or any plants. Since it's acidic, it could harm them or the soil, so always keep to the patio areas only.

Of course, if you’re struggling with algae, you can invest in a good power washer to quickly clean your patio and paving stones. For more tips, check out these easy ways to use a power washer in your yard. As long as you avoid these 5 pressure washing mistakes.

But if you want a quick and fuss-free way to eliminate algae on your patio, you might already have the secret ingredient in your kitchen cupboards.

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As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features.

Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many.

With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she’s not testing cool products, she’ll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain!