Fences are the perfect spot for algae to flourish, as they soak up rain and dew, creating an ideal environment for this slippery green blight. Algae have a particular affinity for moist and shaded areas; if your fence is in a part of the garden that lacks sunlight, algae invasion is far more probable. Fortunately, followers of cleaning guru Mrs Hinch have divulged their favourite tips for banishing this unsightly green presence from garden fences.
Taking to the Mrs Hinch Gardening Tips Facebook page, Hayley Senior wrote: “Any tips for getting rid of all the green algae type stuff on the fence and patio and furniture? I sprayed the fences black, so it looks worse this year!” Among the many suggestions, there was one product that kept getting repeated – Wet & Forget.
Hayley Jones said: “A product called ‘Wet and forget’ literally spray it on and in a day or two it’s like new! It can be used on any material. Works on wood and composite decking.”
Sandra Hill claimed: “Wet and Forget is game-changing! Our fences got green, we mixed up some Wet and Forget with the appropriate amount of water, and it was literally all gone in one hour. A container lasts ages.”
Alison Reardon pointed out: “Wet and forget, but needs to be above five degrees and no chance of rain.”
Joanne Schofield said: “Wet and Forget is amazing, my fences were completely green. It removed all of it just by spraying it. You’ll need to dilute it with water and use a spray bottle. It also cleans your patio.”
Julie Kelly mentioned: “Most caravan users use wet and forget for their decking. I’m hearing it’s fab.”
To use this product, dilute it with water in a garden pump sprayer. Use one part Wet & Forget to five parts water.
Thoroughly spray your fence and avoid touching it for the next four to five hours. There’s no need for any scrubbing, as the solution will get rid of the algae on its own.
Additional tips shared by followers of Mrs Hinch for tackling green algae on garden fences included using a pressure washer or Jeyes Fluid.
Cheryl Pryke said: “Get the round patio brush attachment for the pressure washer. It makes it so much quicker to do. It is so good. It took me nearly three hours to do my back garden, I bought the round brush attachment and did it this year in 45 minutes.”
Kath Morgan assured: “Use Jeyes Fluid. It will keep it away. Emma Gill said: “Jeyes Fluid is brilliant and keeps working.”