How do I Remove Green Algae Stains From White River Rock?
Green or black algae stains tend to be common on stone or concrete exterior surfaces, especially in humid climates and where shaded from direct sun. Though unsightly stains caused by algae are typically only surface coatings, they can be removed with common household cleaners and some elbow grease.
Things You Will Need
- Clean water
- Scrub brush or stiff-bristle broom
- Trisodium phosphate
- Household bleach
- Spray bottle
- Safety glasses
Once removed, growth can be kept under control with regular maintenance.
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Flush the stones with clean water. Loosen the algae deposits with a stiff-bristle brush and rinse away the debris with more water. Rinse the brush or broom thoroughly to remove loose particles.
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Mix 1 ounce of trisodium phosphate and 1 cup of bleach into 1 quart of water. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
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Spray the cleaning solution over the entire area that is stained with algae. Coat the stones liberally and keep them wet for several minutes. The solution will kill most algae. Wear safety glasses when spraying this solution as it is caustic.
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Scrub the stones with a stiff brush to clean away the remaining matter. Rinse all surfaces thoroughly with clean water.
Tip
For larger areas, use a stiff-bristle broom instead of a brush and a garden sprayer instead of a spray bottle. For very large areas, a power washer can be used instead of a scrub brush or broom.
Warning
Do not use any sort of acid on natural stone surfaces.
Cover plants that may be hit by the overspray. When finished, thoroughly rinse plants and leaves with clean water.
References
Resources
Tips
- For larger areas, use a stiff-bristle broom instead of a brush and a garden sprayer instead of a spray bottle.
- For very large areas, a power washer can be used instead of a scrub brush or broom.
Warnings
- Do not use any sort of acid on natural stone surfaces.
- Cover plants that may be hit by the overspray. When finished, thoroughly rinse plants and leaves with clean water.
Writer Bio
Kelvin O'Donahue has been writing since 1979, with work published in the "Arizona Geological Society Digest" and "Bulletin of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists," as well as online. O'Donahue holds a Master of Science in geology from the University of Arizona, and has worked in the oil industry since 1982.
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