How To Remove Black Lichen From Patio

Black Spot Lichen Remover Sandstone Cleaner Block Cleaner Patio Cleaner 5l Natural Stone Cleaner

• Black Spot Lichen Remover! Sandstone cleaner. Block Cleaner. Patio Cleaner
• Kills Moss, Algae, lichens & Weeds! Green Algae Remover. Sandstone Cleaner.
• Easy to use for Home Owners & Professionals! Patio Cleaner. Sandstone Cleaner. Lichen and algae.
• Industrial Strength to get the Job Done! Black Spot Lichen Treatment
• At Last a Product That Really Kills & Removes Black Spot Lichen!

Results Speak For Themselves

So its still there admittedly, but this was £1.50 for 2L and it actually worked better. Its a massive improvement and you could do the whole patio once for about £8 and Im sure a couple of treatments would yield fantastic results.

So give bleach a go first, it may work wonders for some people and do nothing for others. The thing with any product is to follow the instructions. Dont mix chemicals together, and ALWAYS try on a small out of the way test patch first. Just be wary of using with animals around and rinse well after, dont leave it to dry out.

Patience is a virtue, if we get any more luck with other methods we will post them on here.

Cleaning Black Spots From My Patio

There are numerous methods and products out there on the market that claim to be the best way to clean off black spots on your patio. But, how can you know for sure which ones work, let alone the best, cheapest, and most effective ways of getting your patio sparkling? 

Discussed in this article are three of the best patio cleaning products on the market, whether theyre any good, and how you use them.

Remember to always test a small, discreet area of paving using these products to see if you are happy with the results. 

What Does Patio Magic Contain

Is Patio Magic harmful to pets?

Although Patio Magic is completely acid and bleach-free, it is always best to keep children, pets, and wildlife away from it when it is applied. Once it is dry, it is safe to walk on. However, make sure to clean any paws that accidentally touch the recently applied Patio Magic.

Please be mindful of nearby ponds. Runoff from Patio Magic may cause harm to aquatic life. 

How Does It Work

To use the old adage:  It does what it says on the tin, the Patio Black Spot Removal System removes black spots immediately and permanently.  There is no need to call in any tradesmen or specialists either because you can use the product yourself.  It is really simple to apply and is quick-working too.

How Do You Remove Black Stains From Paving Slabs

It can be a pain to get rid of on paving and patios. What, then, is the best, most efficient, and effective way of removing these unsightly stains? 

Pro-Kleen is an inexpensive, fast-acting product that can be easily applied. It kills and removes black algae, lichen, and stains and prevents re-growth. 

How Do We Carry Out Our Patio Cleaning Service

• Step 1 We measure out the area that needs pressure washing.

• Step 2 We confirm the price before preparing the pressure cleaning equipment. Of course, we need access to electricity and a water source.

• Step 3 With the pressure washing machine set up, we start the patio cleaning process. The machine shoots out a powerful stream of water, blasting away accumulated black and white spot from your patio.

We can only carry out this patio jet washing service if there is adequate drainage nearby.

Will Patio Magic Kill Plants

Patio Magic does not contain acids or bleach. But, if you do accidentally get some on plants, please spray them down with clean water immediately. 

Patio Magic does not harm the environment and breaks down naturally.

Always exercise caution and take safety measures when using this product. All possible health and safety concerns are mentioned in the papers that come with Patio Magic.

Yes We Can Remove Them Keep Reading

Lichen, the bane of lovely stone. So its been a nice sunny few days and you thought you would attempt a patio clean yourself, or maybe you have had a professional round to do it for you. The grime, moss & weeds have gone, but wait.What are all those black spots covering the stones? Thats whats known as lichen.

For our dedicated video on black stains and their removal, see our YouTube video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K37EdIeBpU4

Black Splodges or Lichen is a Common and Difficult Problem

What Are Black Spots On Sandstone Patio

Sandstone is the most popular kind of paving material used for patios. Thanks to its gritty, rough texture and surface it offers a high level of grip for walking on. Whats more, sandstone is a strong and durable material and it has a beautiful veined surface that adds character to any outdoor area of your home or office.

Sandstone is also porous. It is in those open pores that the black spots develop. In fact, different colors of sandstone rocks have different porous qualities, and it is the lighter-colored ones most popular that actually have the larger pores that enable the black spots to develop in greater numbers.Those black spots are lichen. It grows most prolifically on the stones surface in damp and sheltered areas and most commonly where your patio is positioned and your patio furniture rests. Lichen forms on the underside of leaves on trees and plants as microscopic spores.

These spores are released by the leaves and carried by the wind to fall on your sandstone paving. You wont even see the spores until theyre settled and growing in the sandstones pores. It takes about two years for lichen to germinate and take root in your sandstones layers.

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These hyphae eventually and gradually spread over the surface and it sometimes seems like large blotches on the surface and those stones with larger pores only exaggerate the problem to make it seem much larger than it really is.

How To Easily Remove Lichen On Outdoor Surfaces

Lichen grows on many exterior surfaces including sidewalks, decking, pavers, siding, and even outdoor furniture. Lichen can be especially damaging to roofs, so its important that its treated properly to avoid any costly damage.

Keep reading to learn more about how lichen grows on outdoor surfaces, and what you can do to easily remove lichen!

What is lichen and how does it grow?

Lichen is an invasive organism, formed by a partnership of fungus and algae that live together. Fungus is the main component of lichen, and the fungus relies on algae to produce nutrients that allow it to spread and develop.

Lichen requires sunlight, water, air, and nutrients in order to grow.

How can I tell if lichen is growing on a surface and what does it look like?

Lichen can appear in a variety of shapes and sizes. They can be seen in a wide array of colors including; blue, green, yellow, orange, red, brown, black, gray, and white.

The three main types of lichen are foliose, fruticose, and crustose. Foliose lichens have two distinct, top and bottom sides. They can be flat, leafy, or ridged.

Fruticose lichens can be shaped like coral or shrubs, with round or flat branches. Some fruticose lichen structures are hollow at the center, while others grow out from their core.

Crustose lichens are patches that form a type of crust over a surface.

How does lichen harm surfaces?

Roofs are especially susceptible to the growth and can be significantly damaged by lichen.

Application Tips

How To Remove Lichen

23 June, 2011

Lichen, a combination of algae and fungi, grows naturally in gardens and surrounding areas. Although lichen is not debilitating to to plants or rocks that it grows on and around, gardeners often find it undesirable. Lichen can be removed for aesthetic purposes.

Mix water and glycerin in equal parts, then add enough clay particles to create a thick mixture.

Spread the mixture over the lichen and allow it to sit for five to 10 minutes. Then scrub it off with a hard-bristled brush.

Wash the surface with water.

• Lichen, a combination of algae and fungi, grows naturally in gardens and surrounding areas.
• Although lichen is not debilitating to to plants or rocks that it grows on and around, gardeners often find it undesirable.

Mix water and bleach in equal parts. Using gloves and a sponge, apply the mixture to the rock surface from which you removed the lichen. This will prevent lichen from growing there again.

How Do I Remove Black Spots From My Patio

There are 2 real options when it comes to removing lichen from your patio, and thats the use of a domestic or commercial jet wash, as well as the use of chemicals. Below I will discuss the use of a jet wash compared to the use of chemicals, and if any of the 2 can actually remove black spot from your patio! Unlike a lot of other websites giving advice on how to remove black spots from your patio slabs and simply research and re-type the information, I have came face to face with lichen many, many times! I will be speaking from real experience!

Is Patio Magic Any Good

. Patio Magic does all the hard work for you when it comes to cleaning your patio thoroughly. You can use it on a variety of different hard surfaces such as patios, paving, brick, walls, driveways, and other paved areas around your property. 

The results of Patio Magic may take longer to show than others on the market, so patience is required.

Patio Magic will also kill and control most algae, moulds, and moss on your patios and driveways. It takes one application. 

Prevention Is Better Than Cure:

Naturally, if there was some way of preventing the airborne lichen spores reaching the paving in the first place, that would save all the kerfuffle involved in cleaning, as outlined above. Luckily, there are two reasonably effective strategies that can keep the lichens off a paved surface.

• – like the regular swilling down with diluted bleach mentioned above, there are commercially available products that claim to keep lichens at bay if used regularly. As with many of these cleaners, YMMV. 
• – protect the paving by keeping it beneath an impenetrable transparent coating. As long as the sealant remains intact and competent, the lichen has nowhere to go.

Sealants are a whole new headache, and are covered in more details , but even the best sealant is pretty much useless if detritus is allowed to accumulate on top of it. Not only will the lichens find a home in all that crud, other enemies of the pavement, such as dandelions, dock and scruffy grass will move in too!

How To Remove Black Spot From Stone Surfaces

If your patio has developed black marks which you are struggling to remove, the probability is that your patio is suffering from Black Spot.

Read this blog to understand what Black Spot is , and the best way to remove it:

What is Black Spot?

Black Spot is a lichen which thrives on stone surfaces in the damp and shady conditions that are so common in the UK. The characteristics of the lichen are that as it matures, it sends out tendrils into the pores of the stone seeking nutrients from the minerals in the stone and the detritus that collects on the patio. These gradually spread through the surface of the affected stone like fine roots. The hyphae are an anchoring system for the black spot visible on the surface of the stone.  This in part is what makes this problem so difficult to remove, as many cleaners only deal with the surface issue. To effectively remove black spot long term, the hyphae have to destroyed, which in turn will enable the surface black spots to be removed by manual brushing or power washing after treatment.

Which stones are worst affected by Black Spot?

Black spot is a bigger problem on stones that have larger pores as part of its structure because they offer the ideal surface for the hyphae to spread.

Conversely, Sandstone has a much more open texture with larger pores and is therefore much more likely to be affected by Black Spot.

However, there is a hierarchy within the Indian Sandstones, whereby some colours are more affected than others.

Patio Black Spot Preventer

• For use on both artificial and natural stone
• Targets the black lichen spores, killing them before they can germinate, avoiding the use of harmful and impractical pesticides
• Also kills green and red algae that grows on garden paths, patios and other decorative stonework
• Can be used with a simple pneumatic garden type sprayer
• Removes the needs for power washing
• Offers complete protection when used annually

How to use

Damage Caused By Lichen On Exterior Surfaces

Lichen and black spots are a major problem in the UK. Not only is it an eyesore, but it also decreases the lifespan of your exterior surfaces. It anchors deep inside, causing erosion and loosening mortar and joints.

Lichen growth is difficult to remove, and excessive scraping can damage the surface material. Pressure washing or scraping tools also ruin the paintwork and colour of your outdoor surfaces.

Lichen creates small holes in stone and brick, making the surface of your patio and driveway uneven and dangerous. The lichen roots travel deep down to causing cracks and structural damage.

It can grow under tiles, increasing moisture and rotting roofing material. Asphalt shingles bend and come loose with lichen growth. It sticks fast to surfaces when removed and takes off the top layer, aging your roof and paving.

Lichen holds water, and in cold icy temperatures, the water freezes, retaining moisture on roofs and causing leaks.

Moss and mould thrive in areas where there are lichens, leading to rot and health hazards for you and your family.

Lichen removal is not a one-time procedure. It takes several tries and a lot of patience.

Whats the solution?

Recognising the first sign of the black spot on your patio or roof and taking measures to stop them immediately.

When the first spot lichen first appears, it is only a shallow growth. You can remove it with high-pressure washing or a jet wash.

You will still need to repeat this process several times to get most of the lichen out.

Remove Lichen From Roof Shingles

Lichen does not have roots like most other plants and it can grow without soil. In moist or damp climates lichen flourishes, growing on roofs and walkways and garden walls. However, if allowed to grow, it may turn black and become visually unattractive. Inspect the roof shingles visually. To correctly wash a roof you will need to stand at the top of the roof and point the hose downward. Mix 1 cup of bio-degradable liquid dishwashing soap and 1 cup powdered oxygen bleach in 5 gallons of water and apply to lichen prone areas with a push broom brush or hand scrubbing brush. Follow manufacturer’s label directions carefully. Enlist the services of a professional roofing contractor to remove excessive lichen build-up on the roof. Zinc strips , available for purchase from hardware stores and home and garden centers. An application of vinegar kills lichen. Use an organic liquid soap.

• Mix water and bleach in equal parts.
• Mix 1 cup of bio-degradable liquid dishwashing soap and 1 cup powdered oxygen bleach in 5 gallons of water and apply to lichen prone areas with a push broom brush or hand scrubbing brush.

Warning

Determine what type of lichen is growing in the garden before you remove it, as some types are rare and should not be removed. For example, Boreal Felt Lichen is extremely rare and grows in dark brownish-gray to bluish-green velvety fronds. All lichen types can be determined with the aid of online plant encyclopedias.

Related Articles

Patio Black Spot Remover For Block Paving

• Allow to cure for a minimum period of 90 minutes during which time it must stay wet. During that period you will notice the colour being restored to the Blocks. If the area to be treated is in direct sunlight apply in the evening and leave over night.
• DO NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED COVERAGE OF 4.5 SQUARE METRES PER LITRE. Coverage rate maybe reduced on clay or more porous blocks and will be affected by surface profile, such as a sloping driveway. N.B applying at a rate greater than 4.5 square metres per litre will seriously reduce the performance of this product.
• ONLY APPLY when the surface is DRY. do not apply when threat of rain is imminent or the temperature is below 5 degrees celsius

Black Spot Lichen Remover Twin Pack Sandstone Cleaner Block Cleaner Patio Cleaner 2 X 5l Natural Stone Cleaner

• Black Spot Lichen Remover! Twin PK 2 X 5L Sandstone cleaner. Block Cleaner. Patio Cleaner
• Kills Moss, Algae, lichens & Weeds! Green Algae Remover. Sandstone Cleaner.
• Easy to use for Home Owners & Professionals! Patio Cleaner. Sandstone Cleaner. Lichen and algae.
• Industrial Strength to get the Job Done! Black Spot lichen Treatment
• At Last a Product That Really Kills & Removes Black Spot Lichen!

Circular Marks On Flagstone Paving

Circular-ish stains on flagstone paving? What causes this and how can it be fixed? This FAQ looks at what’s involved.

Table of Contents

I have some slabs laid as patio.They now have dark circular stains, I maintain that this is a manufacturing fault , but the manufacturer says that it is to be expected due to natural variations in the materials used. What is the truth?

To read more about the second problem featuring multiple spots and circles on each flagstone, click to the page.

What You Need To Do:

What Causes Black Spots On Patio

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Universeal No More Black Spot is a professional grade outdoor cleaner which eliminates all traces of stubborn grey/white lichen and typical patio black spot from all masonry and natural stone surfaces. We believe it’s the best black spot lichen remover on the market, as do our customers.

Furthermore, does bleach remove black spots on patio? While the power of a pressure washer is sometimes enough to remove black lichen, detergent and bleach can be very effective when it comes to getting rid of stains. As for bleach, you should avoid thick or clinging bleaches, for the chemicals they hold can cause damage to a patio.

Similarly one may ask, what is black spot on patio?

What are black spots and what causes them to grow on stonework? ‘Patio Black Spots‘ are those hideous black marks and spots that colonise on the surface of most garden stonework after an average 3 year period. They begin life as tiny dust-like microspores , originating from the tree.

Does patio Magic get rid of black spot?

To maintain your garden stonework and stop black spots returning, apply our Patio Black Spot Preventer annually. This will kill any spores before they have the chance to germinate and will also remove green algae without the need to power wash. Patio Black Spot Remover is quickly biodegradable.

Pour Sand In The Patio Slab Joints

Another trick that can be worked easily is to apply a thin layer of polymeric sand in between the patios slab joints.

Make sure to clean the sand from the top, so it does not leave stains.

Also, make it gets down right into the joints completely.

The reason behind the polymeric sand is to hinder the weed growth and prevent the bugs and other insects from making their homes in between the stones.

Kill Weeds With Vinegar Solution

Strong chemicals can destroy your surroundings, so your safe option is to opt for a vinegar solution.

Use half a cup of vinegar and a half cup of borax, or add one teaspoon of vinegar to a spray bottle along with one teaspoon of dishwashing soap.

Spray it on the slabs as it will prevent the weeds from growing along with the spreading of moss, mold, and mildew.

So heres the thing, its very common for patio slabs to get stained and black, but its not hard to get it back in shape.

So, the next time you saw this happening, be considerate.

Keep an eye on the cleanliness of your patio slabs.

Dry out the slabs regularly and make sure there is a proper ventilation system.

This might mean to trim the overgrown shrubs and trees, placing the patio furniture in some different direction or place or creating a proper pathway for drainage to avoid any kind of moisture like pooling water.

Do You Need Your Black Spots Removed From Your Property

Hopefully, you know how to recognize a black spot and determine what stage it is at. You may be able to pressure wash, steam clean, or chemicals to remove the black spot from the patio. However, this is a job best left to the professionals. Dealing with black mold and chemicals isnt safe, and you might not have the equipment and expertise needed to Remove Black Spots From Patio completely.

Get in touch with us for black spot removal services! Well remove black spots from your patio with permanent solutions so that you can enjoy your property all summer. if you need more information on how to Remove Black Spots From Patio, Call us today here !

How To Avoid Getting Black Spots On Your Patio

The best way to remove black spots from your patio is to not get them in the first place! If you have finally got rid of your black spots, or you have a freshly laid patio, be sure to protect it using a patio sealer. These are inexpensive to purchase, much cheaper than chemicals designed to remove lichen, and will seal and protect your patio against grease, dirt, oil, prevents weather damage and stop the lichen from sending tendrils into the pores in search of nutrients by sealing them.

Most patio sealers will recommend repeating the process every 1-2 years to keep your paving slabs healthy all year round, but I would recommend doing this yearly to be safe. Sealing your patio is very easy, with most sealers being able to simply be rolled on and left to dry. Remember, its a lot cheaper to maintain your patio, than it is to replace it!

Please share your questions below as well as your own remedies! I am always keen to help others, as well as learn new ways to remove these awful black spots!

Will Jet Washing My Paving Slabs Remove The Lichen From My Patio

The answer to this question, is that it depends. How long have you had black spot on your patio? Remembering that they start to show after 2-3 years of newly laid slabs, any lichen at 3-4 years of age or younger should be able to be removed with a domestic pressure washer. Of course, this isnt given in every case, but you should at least be able to remove the majority of black spots on your patio with a domestic jetwasher.

Any lichen older than 3-4 years of age will be much harder to remove, as they have now became real hard to remove stains! If youve no idea how long your paving has had black spots and your pressure jet washer has removed some, but not all of the black spots, then a more powerful pressure washer should be able to finish the job off.

Its important to know that pressure washers have a wide range of power ratings which is usually shown as BAR. Lets take a look at domestic Karcher range of pressure jet washers for example;

• Karcher K1
• Karcher K2
• Karcher K3
• Karcher K4
• Karcher K5

Always be careful when using a pressure jet washer to remove the black spots or lichen on your patio slabs as you can easily dislodge and remove the pointing . Although this is an easy repair for anyone hands on. Its also good practice to spray a cleaning detergent on your patio before you start pressure washing to help remove the lichen stains.