So, you’ve spotted some dark spots on your patio. In my landscape cleaning and repair service, I am frequently asked how do I get black spots off my patio. Some of my clients have even chosen to remove and replace the problematic slab. But is this necessary?
Lichen spores are to blame for the black stains on your patio. The spores grow in the wet and shady patio paver. The wind spreads the lichen spores from the trees, and once on the stone, they gradually spread across its surface, leaving terrible black scars on your gorgeous patio stones.
Unfortunately, if your floor or wall has enormous pores as part of its structure, the black spots will be a significant issue.
Removing them once they have spread can be tough and annoying, but here is an expert opinion on efficiently removing black spots on your patio.
Contents
How Do I Get Black Spots Off My Patio?
1. The right cleaning chemicals
These black spots may be tenacious, and while I was growing into the landscaping industry, I realized that the lichen would die, but the black spot on your patio will persist. After applying several cleaning solutions, I noticed that a particular tenacious black spot would occasionally stay on the slab.
I had to do two consecutive treatments and then wash the dead lichen with a power washer on my most recent work, and the results were amazing. The black spot remover and Smartseal patio clean Xtreme have both been shown to be effective.
The black spot remover is simple to use because no dilution is required; wet the area, pour the chemical, and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing.
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However, bleach is my favorite chemical, even though many people do not advocate it due to the damage it may cause to your gorgeous garden plants. It is inexpensive, and if diluted properly, it will function well without causing any harm.
If the lichen is mature, put on your protective gear and dilute 10 parts bleach to 1 part water. For young lichen, a 2:1 combination will be enough.
Then, using a wire brush, scrape the solution into the paving. Even the patio slabs that appear free of black spots should be cleaned. After 3 days, rinse the bleach with clean water and repeat the operation. The end product will wow you.
Whatever patio cleaning agent you choose, ensure it is approved for use on patios. A satisfying effect will be noticed sooner if the proper chemical is used. Wait for the chemical to do its work.
2. Will a pressure washer work?
After two to three years of laying your gorgeous patio slab, you notice that black patches are beginning to emerge on your patio. You consider sanding and chiseling these unsightly blemishes on your fine pavers, but this will only cause further harm.
It would be best if you weren’t alarmed because any lichen less than four years old will be easy to remove with a household power washer. The nicest part about this strategy is that you don’t have to be a wand master to operate a pressure washer.
On the other hand, the pressure washer should be handled with caution. The improper use of a jet pressure washer will easily dislodge and remove cement between your slab, resulting in pitting.
The pressure washer will keep the new lichen from clinging, reducing the number of black patches.
A pressure washer is only effective on young lichen whose roots have not penetrated far into the slab. Because the method works by blasting the spreading hyphae rather than harming the roots so, before you ignore or use a pressure washer, consider how long you’ve had these black stains on your patio.
Also read: Best Kärcher Pressure Washer for cleaning patio
For this method to work, you must understand the power rating of the pressure washer you are using and the maturity of the lichen on your patio. Of course, combining water and cleaning products will produce the desired result.
3. Keep them away
The simplest technique to remove black spots from your patio surface is not to allow them in. It is critical to protect your newly laid patio. You can accomplish this by applying a patio sealant.
Using a sealer is less expensive and more successful than using chemicals designed to kill and remove the lichen. Furthermore, the patio sealer will give your patio paving a stylish sheen while preserving it from stains.
You do not need to hire a professional to seal your patio.
Patio sealer covers the pores on your concrete, preventing the spread of lichen tendrils into the pores. As a result, they die due to a lack of nutrients.
Ensure you replenish the patio sealer after every two years to keep your paving slab healthy
Also read: outdoor misting cooling system
FAQ’s About Black Spots on patios
Does bleach remove black spots on a patio?
Bleach does remove black spots on patio slabs, but it won’t completely remove all spots.
Frequent application with an increase in concentration will give you a positive result.
What causes black spots on patio slabs?
Lichen spores are to blame for the black stains on your patio. The lichen grow in the wet and shady patio paver.
The wind spreads the lichen spores from the trees, and once on the stone, they gradually spread across its surface, leaving terrible black scars on your gorgeous patio stones.
What are the best cleaning chemicals for removing black spots?
The black spot remover and Smartseal patio clean Xtreme have both been shown to be effective. They cause no harm, and they are also easy to use.
You can also use Algon organic path and patio cleaner.
Wind and rain carry the lichen spores into the air. Using these methods, you may give your patio concrete a new look by removing these unsightly black stains.
Black spot formation is a major issue on stones with wider pores. However, this post has answered how do I get black spots off my patio in simple ways without the assistance of a specialist.
The visual value of your patio surface is determined by how clean it is.
