Black spots burrow deep into surfaces and can be a nightmare to remove
Those stubborn black spots on your patio are a particularly troublesome form of lichen that burrows deep into surfaces, proving a real headache for homeowners. Even more resilient than slippery moss and persistent algae, these tenacious marks can withstand even the most powerful pressure washing, leaving countless households baffled about how to tackle them.
However, there’s no need to despair, as Daniel Scholfield, owner of The Expert Gate Company, has revealed a straightforward removal technique requiring no specialist products whatsoever – just a stiff brush, water and white vinegar.
Daniel explained that whilst pressure washing affected areas may eliminate the visible black spots in your garden, “it won’t kill the organisms that are still present” within the surface, and could potentially cause damage to your paving or patio in the process.
The key is to “kill off the black lichen completely”, for which you’ll need the “right product”. He explained, “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.”
However, before tackling the affected area, proper preparation is essential. Begin by using a brush or your hands to clear away any plant debris and surplus dirt that could interfere with the cleaning solution’s effectiveness, then give the patio a swift rinse with fresh water.
You’ll need a clean, unobstructed surface for what comes next. Highlighting vinegar’s effectiveness, Daniel noted: “This miracle cleaner can be mixed with water at a 50 to 50 ratio, and then poured over the affected area.”
He pointed out that you may want to do a test on a small patch of the patio first to make sure it won’t damage or discolour your slabs.
Allow it to sit for up to one hour, scrub vigorously with a stiff brush to eliminate all residue and debris, then rinse thoroughly with fresh water.
Should you notice any lingering traces of the dark marks, repeat the cleaning process to ensure they’re “gone for good”.
For particularly persistent stains, try leaving the mixture on for an extended period or marginally increasing the vinegar concentration in your solution.
Nevertheless, he cautioned, “Don’t overdo it as too much may begin to damage the patio surface.”
To stop these dark marks from reappearing, routinely apply a vinegar and water mixture to maintain your paving’s cleanliness.
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