Stubborn black spots on your patio can be difficult to shift — but one expert says a simple solution is all you need to remove them for good
Stubborn black spots on your patio can be difficult to shift — but one expert says a simple solution is all you need to remove them for good(Image: frazaz via Getty Images)
Those stubborn dark marks on your patio are an especially troublesome type of lichen that embeds itself deep into surfaces, creating a real challenge for homeowners. Even tougher than slippery moss and stubborn algae, these persistent stains can survive even the strongest pressure washing, leaving many households puzzled about how to remove them.
But there’s no cause for concern, as Daniel Scholfield, owner of The Expert Gate Company, has shared a simple removal method that requires no specialist products at all – just a stiff brush, water and white vinegar.
Daniel noted that while pressure washing the affected spots may remove the visible black marks in your garden, “it won’t kill the organisms that are still present” within the surface, and could potentially damage your paving or patio in the process, reports the Mirror.
The secret is to “kill off the black lichen completely”, which requires the “right product”. He said, “Household cleaning products won’t do a thing for black lichen, save for one exception – distilled white vinegar is the only household cleaner that works.”
That said, before addressing the problem area, proper preparation is crucial. Start by using a brush or your hands to remove any plant debris and excess dirt that might hinder the cleaning solution’s performance, then give the patio a quick rinse with fresh water.
Before you begin, ensure you have a clean, clear surface to work with. Championing the power of vinegar, Daniel explained: “This miracle cleaner can be mixed with water at a 50 to 50 ratio, and then poured over the affected area.”
He advised testing the solution on a small section of your patio beforehand to ensure it won’t cause any damage or discolouration to your slabs.
Leave the mixture to soak for up to one hour, then scrub firmly with a stiff brush to remove all traces of residue and debris, before rinsing thoroughly with clean water.
Should any stubborn dark marks remain, simply repeat the process until they’re “gone for good”.
For particularly tenacious stains, consider leaving the solution on for longer or slightly increasing the concentration of vinegar in your mixture.
However, he warned, “Don’t overdo it as too much may begin to damage the patio surface.”
To prevent those unsightly marks from returning, make a habit of regularly applying a vinegar and water solution to keep your paving looking its best.
