Gardeners urged to pour white vinegar on patios in May
The cheap household cleaning product can prove effective in outdoor spaces.
Gardeners across the UK are being urged to pour white vinegar on patios in May to keep two common problems at bay - green algae and spiders.
Green algae is a familiar sight in gardens at this time of year, as the wet and damp weather conditions mean there’s a lot of moisture in the air, which gives the green stuff the perfect conditions to thrive. It’s often found on patios, paved areas and garden walls as stone surfaces are naturally porous, meaning moisture is easily absorbed, so these areas are more susceptible to algae spores. The problem is also made worse if your patio is in a shaded spot, as a lack of sunlight means dampness takes longer to dry out.
But there is a cheap, natural solution to rid your garden of the slippery green scourge, and all you need is a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water.
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White vinegar is naturally acidic and can effectively kill and remove algae in as little as 30 minutes, so you don’t have to scrub surfaces for hours on end. And as it’s very cheap, it’s a good, affordable option that can get the job done quickly without breaking the bank.
Erik Collado Vidal, horticulturalist and cultivation industry expert, and CEO of Growbarato.net, told The Express: “To get rid of algae, I use a mixture of white vinegar and water. It is very easy to make, and it is affordable. If you give it some time after you apply it to the area covered with algae, it can work wonders for your patio.
“All you need to do is mix white vinegar and water in equal parts. It would be ideal if you have a spray bottle, but if not, a good old bucket will do the trick. The goal is to fully cover the algae, not just lightly spray it.
“When you apply the mixture, leave it for 30 minutes, and the vinegar will loosen the algae so it is easier to scrub off. This is the part where a little patience really helps. After thirty minutes, use a firm brush to scrub the patio.”
The green colour should brush clean from your patio as you scrub, but make sure to give it a rinse with water afterwards to remove any lingering vinegar.
Be sure to contain the vinegar solution to the patio area only and take care when rinsing it away, as vinegar is acidic and can be harmful to plants if it reaches the soil.
To prevent green algae from returning, sweep the area regularly, particularly in the corners where leaves often accumulate, and make sure your patio gets enough sun by trimming back any trees or hedges that may be blocking light.
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Cleaning your patio with a white vinegar solution can also serve another useful purpose this month - deterring spiders. While the peak spider season begins in early September, the eight-legged creatures are also commonly spotted in May due to warmer weather.
Spiders become more active during spring as they emerge from winter dormancy, leading to an increase in sightings both inside and outside your home.
One of the best ways to deter spiders from sneaking into your home is by first creating an outdoor space they don’t like, so they’ll move on in search of somewhere more appealing. To do this, experts suggest introducing scents in your outdoor space that spiders detest, such as white vinegar.
The acetic acid in vinegar not only gives off an off-putting smell but also disrupts a spider's ability to sense its environment, causing them to avoid the area altogether.
Daniel Steward, managing director of Shield Pest Control, said: "A great natural spider deterrent is a mixture of white vinegar and water sprayed onto areas where spiders are commonly found.
"Spiders are highly sensitive to strong smells and acidity, which overwhelms their senses and encourages them to stay away. Spiders smell through their legs, making strong scents particularly effective."
Landscaping Expert Andy McLaughlin at RF Paving added: "With the right methods, you could use your garden paving cleaner as a spider repellent. Vinegar is not only an affordable kitchen staple, but also a powerful patio cleaner.
“A balanced mixture of white vinegar and water is an effective method for cleaning your patio slabs, and the acetic acid composition in white vinegar makes it especially effective at removing moss from paving slabs. Spiders dislike the pungent odour of vinegar, so they will steer clear of any treated areas.
“Allow the solution to sit on the paving slabs for 30 minutes to an hour, and then gently scrub the patio to work in the solution. The diluted mixture can also be sprayed in any potential hiding spots, such as cracks, corners and outdoor furniture.”
