Compared to cleaning algae with a broom and soap water, power washing allows you to get rid of algae faster and is less likely to return again. After you power wash the surface with algae, don't forget to treat the concrete.
Pressure washing and bleach aren't the best options for cleaning green and black algae. Even if you try to remove the algae, it can easily grow back because these cleaning methods don't effectively attack the full growth. Meaning there are traces of algae left behind, and it can quickly come back.
Bleach is great for killing algae (and other organisms that may lurk in your tanks) and for keeping it from coming back.
To combat mold and algae stains on concrete, consider Mold Armor E-Z House Wash concrete cleaner. This water-based cleaner uses Microban foaming technology to lift dirt and mold from concrete surfaces, and provides long-term stain resistance. It works on most stains in minutes with no scrubbing required.
One of the keys to fungus and algae prevention on concrete is to control the flow and presence of water. For exterior surfaces, this is commonly achieved with a suitable design that uses gravity to channel the water flow away from the structure.
Black algae is a stubborn organism. Its protective outer layer sets roots into the surfaces it clings to. This makes it one of the toughest algae strains to get rid of.
Shock Your Pool
Shocking is the process of adding chemicals to your pool to raise chlorine levels and kill bacteria and algae. We recommend using a calcium hypochlorite shock to treat your algae problems.
Barley straw. Barley straw is a natural way to fight algae. On contact with water, the straw starts to break down, and as it does so it releases peroxides into the water which combat algae. Available in mini bales, or as a concentrated extract of barley straw liquid, it's a natural way of chemically fighting algae.
For each gallon of water, mix a cup of bleach. Use a scrub brush to scrub the mixture into any algae stains. Wait for 10 to 15 minutes before continuing. Rinse the concrete clean with a hose.
I've had fantastic success cleaning algae from just about every outdoor surface using liquid dish soap and my favorite exterior cleaning brush. This brush is one that's made to clean RVs. It's got lots of bristles that are about 2.5 inches long and they're soft.
Hardware stores and home centers sell products designed to kill moss and algae, but you can save money by using inexpensive chlorine bleach or a non-creamy hand dishwashing detergent, such as Dawn.
Sodium Percarbonate is an excellent killer of bacteria, fungi, various viruses and mold, so it can be used as a very effective agent for removing algae and moss.
We have found that a cyanobacteria bloom usually dissipates within three weeks, though the same body of water may experience several individual cyanobacteria blooms over the course of a year.
In general, add one pound of shock to your pool for every 10,000 gallons of water. But if you're experiencing an algae problem, you'll need to add double, triple, or quadruple the amount of shock.
Dead algae has a distinct appearance, looking grayish in color and dusty when it accumulates in the bottom of the pool. Once the pool water is clear, it's easy to see down there.
Use White Vinegar to Remove Algae
If you have an algae problem, your best friend is white vinegar. White vinegar can quickly kill algae but is not harmful to birds, insects and the majority of plants. Use a mixture of one part water to one part white vinegar to spray down the area and kill the algae.
The main difference between black algae and green algae is that black algae is tougher and more difficult to remove. Unlike green algae (and yellow/mustard, pink, and red algae), it has deep roots and a protective layer that makes it especially resistant to chemical treatments.
Yellow Algae (Mustard Algae) are a more chlorine-resistant type of algae that tends to form in the shade. Unlike green algae that grow better in sunlight, mustard algae grow in dark corners and walls, and form a yellowish-green layer that is pretty easy to brush off.
Clean the area or surface regularly and use a specialist green stain remover, such as our Green Growth Remover, which helps prevents regrowth and delays it coming back. Good drainage and air circulation. Don't place your favourite pine wood planter in a dark, shady corner. Move your patio furniture around regularly.
Mix four cups of vinegar with a quarter cup of salt and some water and spray your tarmac driveway, leave the vinegar solution for 15-20 minutes before washing away with water. Continue spraying your tarmac for up to a week. Once complete, wash your driveway thoroughly using dish soap and warm water, or tarmac cleaner.
Prevent harmful algal and cyanobacterial blooms from forming
Use only the recommended amount of fertilizers on your farm, yard, and garden. This will reduce the amount of nutrients running off into nearby water bodies. Nutrients in the water can help algae and cyanobacteria to grow more quickly than usual.