Don’t you just hate it when you go out to sit on the balcony and find green stuff on the corners and floor?
Do you want to enjoy the sun on your patio or balcony uninterrupted? The green stains on your balcony and around the patios are called algae.
They are photosynthetic, aquatic microorganisms that can grow on any surface with a moist environment and direct sunlight.
Since nothing stops algae from growing, keeping your balcony and other outdoors clean is important to keep algae at bay.
Algae look unpleasant and affect the house’s appearance, but it’s also dangerous and can cause specific allergies.
Various methods can help eliminate algae; some are easy and quick fixes, while other methods are more detailed and can stop algae from growing for a long time.
Algae-removing methods include the use of store-bought algae removers and DIY algae removers.
If you want to get rid of growing algae on your balcony, read ahead. We have shared a list of techniques that can be used to get rid of algae.
To better understand why getting rid of algae is important, you will find the dangers, causes, and prevention of algae below.
What Are Algae, and Where Does It Grow?
As discussed earlier, algae are photosynthetic, aquatic microorganisms. It has plant-like characteristics and is mainly found in and around water bodies.
However, algae can also grow on wet mud and moist rocks.
There are multiple kinds of algae, including green algae, Euglena, Golden-brown algae, Fire algae, red algae, Yellow-green algae, etc.
Algae can grow almost anywhere and in any condition. They are present in soil and use sunlight as a food source.
Wind plays a significant role in carrying and transferring algae. The outdoors includes a balcony, porch, patio, driveway, roof, deck, sidewalks, fence, and outdoor furniture.
Other factors transfer algae around. Humans tend to carry algae around without knowing; the boats, diving, and fishing equipment transfer algae from one water body to another.
Similarly, some animals contribute to transferring algae, including turtles and geese.
What Are the Dangers of Algae?
Although algae seem harmless, it is hazardous to humans and animals. In addition, the continued growth of algae can also damage outside furniture.
Algae produce toxins that mix in the air we breathe. If people come in contact with such toxins, they can get sick, especially those prone to allergies.
Direct contact with algae also irritates and can lead to illness.
In addition, algae are slippery and can cause people to slip and fall, resulting in several injuries.
Pet dogs and cats can get a bad itch if they walk on algae-covered surfaces or come in contact with algae-produced toxins.
Conversely, algae are harmful to outdoor furniture. Algal buildup on wood surfaces, like the roof and deck, can seep deep into the wood, causing damage and splinters.
What Are the Causes of Algae?
The main culprit of algal bloom is water. Other factors that cause algae growth include weather conditions, pollution, sunlight exposure, increased nutrients, and inevitable human activities.
If you have a pool in your backyard, there is no stopping algae from growing.
Similarly, excessive rain and moist weather contribute to algae growth on your home’s furniture, deck, and other outdoor spaces.
Human activities that cause algal growth include a poorly maintained or completely neglected septic system and water runoff from fields due to rain, irrigation, or melted snow.
In addition, not cleaning the deck, balcony, and other outdoor spaces can cause algae growth leading to furniture and wood damage.
How to Get Rid of Algae on the Balcony?
Removing algae from the balcony is crucial to maintaining a clean and safe sitting space. Additionally, you can save your furniture and flooring from destroying.
Here are some techniques that can help eliminate algae on the balcony.
Store Bought Algae Remover
HG Algae and Mold Remover
Store-brought algae removers are the easiest way to get rid of algae. HG algae and mold remover is a multipurpose solution to remove algae and mold buildups from the balcony.
It can also be used on patios, driveways, decks, etc. In addition, this remover is safe to use on plants and flowers.
This remover works best when diluted and takes about 36 hours to get rid of algae.
We suggest using store brought algae removers during spring, allowing you to enjoy algae and a mold-free balcony in summer.
Patio Magic! Concentrate
As the name suggests, this algae remover can be used on concrete surfaces. Patio Magic! Concrete is an ideal algae remover for patios, driveways, and paths.
However, if you have concrete balcony flooring, the algae remover will work to get rid of it.
The plus point of this algae remover is that it comes with a sprayer, making the use effortless.
The solution takes about 2 to 4 days to kill algae, preventing it from growing for months.
However, the solution is toxic for aquatic life; therefore, it is advised to only use it for the outdoors and furniture.
Additionally, use safety glasses and gloves as they harm the eyes and can cause irritation on direct contact.
Wet & Forget Outdoor
Wet and Forget Outdoor is another algae and mold remover. The cleaner is bleach-free and non-acidic.
Additionally, it comes with a sprayer, allowing quick application and getting the corners of surfaces.
The cleaner requires no scrubbing and rinsing. All you need to do is spray the cleaner on outdoor furniture and surfaces and leave it.
It takes roughly a week to kill the algae and prevents algae growth for about a year.
DIY Algae Remover
Pressure Washer
Using a pressure washer to eliminate algae is the quickest and cheapest method. The pressure washer is used to spray high-pressure water on algae to wash it away.
However, this method only removes algae for the short term and works best if you are hosting an outdoor party and want to eliminate algae for a while.
A downside of this method is that it doesn’t deep clean the algae, allowing it to regrow.
Additionally, the pressure washer can damage tiles and concrete floors by making them more absorbent and porous. As a result, the technique causes more buildup and dirt in the long term.
Vinegar Solution
Vinegar is a great natural cleaner and is available at home. For this technique, make a vinegar solution by mixing equal parts of vinegar and dish detergent in water.
Spray the mixture on algae and molds and let it do its job. Avoid using this vinegar solution on porous and cemented surfaces, as it can damage these areas and cause erosion.
In addition, the solution is toxic to plants; therefore, we suggest covering your plants or removing them before spraying this vinegar solution.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is another ingredient that is present in every household. This technique is the easiest of all DIY algae removers.
Drizzle baking soda on every algae-affected area and leave it for 24 hours. Ensure that children and pets are kept away, as it can be very harmful if consumed.
After 24 hours, sweep the baking soda powder and the algae with it. If you still see traces of algae on the balcony or furniture, repeat the process till you are left with a clean balcony.
Hot Soapy Water
Hot water is yet another technique to get rid of algae and mold. Add a little amount of soft soap to a bucket full of hot water.
Pour the water on algae-covered surfaces and scrub. This technique is comparatively more tedious as it requires a lot of scrubbing.
You might even miss some spots and must redo the process after the surfaces dry out.
Bleach Mixture
Bleach is a great substance to get rid of algae, mold, and moss buildup. Mix equal parts of water and bleach in a spray bottle for this technique.
Spray the mixture on algae-covered surfaces and let it sit for 30 minutes. Next, use a scrubbing brush or stiff broom to scrub the algae off the surfaces.
Ensure that you protect yourself by wearing safety gloves and glasses. In addition, avoid spraying the mixture on plants as it is highly toxic and can kill them.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic chemical compound primarily found in cleaning agents and oral hygiene products.
This chemical compound works efficiently to remove algae and prevent it from growing. Additionally, it is ideal for removing deep algae stains and algae buildups.
This method requires you to pore hydrogen peroxides on a sponge or rough rag and use it to scrub off algae stains.
However, the technique is tiresome and needs to repeat the process. Yet, it is effective, and you will soon see the algae stains disappear.
How to Prevent Algae from Growing on a Balcony
Someone has already said that prevention is better than treatment. Similarly, it is essential to prevent algae growth on the balcony.
If you live near water bodies or an in a humid environment, you are at a higher risk of growing algae outside the house.
Clean the balcony weekly and inspect for algae. If you spot algae on your balcony, treat it as soon as possible because delaying it will result in algae buildup and damaged surfaces.
Since moisture is the leading cause of algae, ensure that you dry your balcony after watering the plants.
Bottom Line
You cannot stop algae from growing. However, frequent cleaning can protect your balcony from growing algae.
In this post, we have shared tips on how to get rid of algae, including store brought algae removers and DIY algae removal techniques.
We hope this post on how to get rid of algae on a balcony will help you deal with algae buildups and deep algae stains.