If you are reading this, I’m assuming you have black spots (black lichen) on your patio that you want to get rid of?
I have the ideal answer for you, which is quick and easy – and it won’t harm your patio slabs!
To get rid of black spots on your patio, you’ll need to use a chemical such as Patio Magic, Wet and Forget, or Pro-Kleen Black Spot Remover. Whatever strength your pressure washer has, it won’t be able to remove the black spots.
In this article, I’ll teach you how to get rid of black spots on your patio slabs using a variety of chemicals that are both fast and easy.
If you are looking to maintain your patio this year, you might find this article handy – When Is The Best Time Of Year To Pressure Wash Your Patio And Driveway?
Contents
What Are The Black Spots On My Patio? (What Causes It)
Lichen is a fungus that grows in damp environments, as evidenced by the black spots on your patio (also known as Lichen). A lichen, also known as a lichenized fungus, is really two organisms functioning together as a single unit. Lichens include a fungus living in an intimate partnership with an alga or cyanobacterium
Don’t worry though, the lichen that lives on your patio slabs is not harmful to humans, but it does leave a black stain on the surface of your patio.
Note: The more concrete you have in your patio slabs, the less likely you are to get black spots. The more natural the stone, the more prone it is to develop black specks, unfortunately.
If you are looking to maintain your patio this year, you might find this article handy – When Is The Best Time Of Year To Pressure Wash Your Patio And Driveway?
Here’s How to Get Rid of Black Spots on Your Patio
Store-bought patio black spot remover
Here is a list of store-bought black spot removers that you can use:
Jeyes fluid black spot patio
Jeyes Fluid is an excellent, multi-purpose exterior cleaning product. If your patio has an unsightly black spot/lichen on it, you may use Jeyes Fluid to clean it.
Patio magic
Patio Magic is a one-coat solution that kills and controls most algae, moss, and mold on driveways and patios.
Related: How Do I Remove Green Algae From My Patio? (STEP BY STEP)
Wet and forget
Wet and Forget is a moss and algae remover that will eliminate black spots from your paving slabs with just one application.
How does wet and forget work?
Wet and Forget is designed to be sprayed onto the surface of the paving to facilitate removal. The Wet and Forget solution will attach itself to moss or algae and begin working immediately, causing it to die.
Pro-kleen black spot remover
Cleaning with Pro-Kleen Black Spot Remover is a versatile method to get your surfaces clean without the use of harmful chemicals. It’s effective on such things as concrete, brick, stone, and stucco.
Related: How To Clean A Patio (Without Chemicals)
Universeal No More Black Spot Remover
No More Black Spot is a professional-grade outdoor cleaner that says it removes all traces of obstinate grey/white lichen and common black spots.
If you live in the UK, you can also purchase store-bought black spot removers from B&Q, Screwfix, and Homebase.
The downside to using store-bought black spot removers is that they can be expensive, and sometimes they don’t work as well as they promise.
All of these products work in a similar way – by dissolving the lichen on your patio slabs.
Producing Your Own Homemade Black Spot Remover Formula
You’ll need Sodium Hypochlorite (commonly known as bleach) to create your own black spot remover solution. This is the primary active component that will dissolve the lichen.
Other ingredients that you will need are:
- Water
- White vinegar
- Liquid dish soap
- Borax
Here is a basic recipe for homemade black spot remover:
- 1 gallon of water
- 1 cup of bleach
- 1/2 cup of white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap
- 1 tablespoon of Borax
You can also add 1 cup of ammonia to the mix, if you have it.
Mix all of the ingredients together in a bucket, and then apply using a spray bottle.
Make sure to wear gloves and goggles when using this mixture, as it can cause skin and eye irritation.
Related: Household Goods That Make Excellent DIY Cleaners
FAQs
How to remove black spots from york stone
Removing black spots from York stone is a little different than other methods. The best way is by using a metal scouring pad and elbow grease. Simply scrub the black spots away and then rinse with water.
How to remove black algae from concrete
To remove algae from concrete, mix 1 quart of household bleach with 1 gallon of water. Apply the mixture to the concrete with a brush and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with a hose.
How do I get rid of white spots on my driveway?
To get rid of white spots on your driveway takes regular cleaning with a stiff brush and water can help to loosen and wash away some of the deposits, reducing the time it takes for stains to go away. Pressure washers may also remove discoloration, but excessive pressure might cause the pavers to fracture, so caution is advised.
Can I clean my patio with bleach?
Yes, bleach can remove black spots from your patio. Black spots sneak into the paws of your paving slabs before they show on the surface, so be careful to treat all of your paving slabs, even if they appear clean. Before applying diluted bleach to your patio, dampen the surface and ensure that you do not over-spray onto plants. Be sure to avoid any areas that may be slippery when wet. Allow the bleach mixture to sit for about 15 minutes, then hose off and allow to dry. For tougher spots, you may need to repeat the process.
How do you remove black mold from patio pavers?
The most popular cleaning solution for removing mold from pavers is one part bleach with three parts water. Apply the mixture with a brush, and then rinse with water. If the mold is more severe, you may need to repeat the process. Be sure to avoid any areas that may be slippery when wet. Allow the bleach mixture to sit for about 15 minutes, then hose off and allow to dry.
Summary
Removing black spots from your patio isn’t as difficult as you think. As long as you use the technique recommended for the task, you’ll be able to get rid of those pesky black marks in no time!
What have you used to remove black spots from your patio slabs in the past?
Let us know in the comments below.
Some other useful articles:
How To Get Rid Of Black Spots On Patio Slabs (Fast!)
The Cheapest Way to Lay a Patio (INC. THE BEST MATERIALS)
How To Remove Moss From Patio And Driveway Block Paving
Patio Laying Guide (In Just a Weekend)
The Patio Guide: (Everything You Needed to Know)
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