How to remove algae from garden furniture.
“Le My garden furniture: “Use to hate algae, but now it’s growing on me!”
Patio Table and Chair Set on a Garden · Free Stock Photo (pexels.com)
What are algae?
Algae is a plant-like organism. They do not have roots, leaves, and stems like other plants. They only have a simple structure of reproduction. They create their food by the process of photosynthesis. They can grow fast and can double their size in only one day. They are found in any sufficient moisture. Algae is a freshwater species. They are usually found in freshwater ponds and lakes.
There are seven species of algae that commonly grow on outdoor furniture. They are based on the different kinds of colors and food supplies.
Green algae (Chlorophyta) …
Euglenophyta (Euglenoids) …
Golden-brown algae and Diatoms (Chrysophyta) …
Fire algae (Pyrrophyta) …
Red algae (Rhodophyta) …
Yellow-green algae (Xanthophyta) …
Brown algae (Phaeophyta)
What factors help the algae to grow faster
The growth and expansion of algae blooms likely result from a blend of environmental circumstances including accessible nutrients, climate, sunlight, ecosystem irritation (stable/mixing conditions, turbidity), hydrology (river flow and water repository levels), and water chemistry (pH, conductivity,
Moisture
Algae usually grow in moisture or wet areas. They are found in damp places. They need moisture for the reproductive system.
Warm temperatures
A warmer temperature is the other major factor that aids algae growth. They can be thicker and faster in warm water.
Sunlight
In sunlight, the algae double their size through photosynthesis. They are aquatic creatures. They need water and sunlight to grow. Extreme sunlight helps the algae thrive faster. However, algae lack roots, stems, and leaves, like land plants they use photosynthesis, which is the procedure of utilizing sunlight to transform carbon dioxide and water into nutrition for itself.
Nutrients
Some nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus are the most crucial for algae growth. Carbon Dioxide is the key factor for algae occurrence. Algae need a few requirements to grow: water, sunlight, carbon, and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. From saltwater to fresh water and everything in between, the variety of algae means that there are sufficient strains that can take benefit of almost any water reserve.
Techniques to remove algae from the metal furniture
You can use the same method of vinegar, water, and baking soda to clean algae from metal furniture. Another solution for cleaning algae from metal furniture is:
Take ⅓ cup of powder detergent, 3 quarts of water, and 1 quart of bleach.
Mix all the ingredients well, use a brush or scrubber for this purpose, spray the affected area with the solution and scrub the surface gently. Clean the surface with water.
Ways to remove the algae from wood furniture
Treating the molded wood with vinegar and water solution is the most common method. But you can use any liquid or powder detergent to clean the algae. Ammonia is also used for this purpose. For simple and budget-friendly cleaning, use an equal amount of warm water and white vinegar. Pour the solution on the algae wood and leave for a few minutes. Scrub the surface vigorously. But do not scrub the stained parts of the furniture busily, it will make scratches on the chairs and tables. Rinse off the sponge and furniture with plain water. Taking care of your outdoor accessories is also important, find all about that here Keeping your garden accessories safe and lasting for a long time.
There are different methods to remove algae from the furniture. These are as follows:
Warm soapy water
Create a mixture of liquid dish soap and warm water. Mix it until the leather comes out. Use a sponge or brush and dip in the solution. Scrub the surface gently or vigorously depending on the algae stage, rinse it with plain water.
Vinegar
Vinegar works very well for easy stains removal. The great thing about vinegar is that it can be used alone and with other chemicals like baking soda.
Baking soda
Baking soda is also a great thing to clean the algae from the furniture. Sprinkle the baking soda on the molded area, scrub it off with a brush and clean it with plain water.
Vinegar and Baking Soda together
Baking soda and vinegar is the best way to clean the algae from the garden tools and furniture. Vinegar is the most traditional and common ingredient to get rid of algae. Make a homemade solution of vinegar, water, and baking soda.
- Two parts of vinegar
- One part of water
- Three spoons of baking soda
Add all the components together in a spray bottle. Shake it well and spray it on the affected area, leave it for about 10 mins and scrub off the algae from the surface. Rinse it with clean water.
For wooden furniture make a solution of 1 cup ammonia, 1⁄2 cup white vinegar, and 1⁄4 cup of baking soda into 1 gallon of water. Utilize a kitchen sponge or a cloth to apply. If you witness any mold growth coming back, use full-strength white vinegar instantly to cut it in the bud.
Bleach
Bleach can clean the algae from the furniture very easily. Make a simple solution of ¾ cup of bleach, a full spoon of detergent, and warm water. Use it carefully. Wear gloves to scrub the furniture with this mixture otherwise, bleach can damage your skin and hands. Keep it away from plants and sensitive material.
Pressure washing
To clean the algae from the furniture, a pressure washer is a chemical-free method that can be used. But the pressure washing can also damage the furniture with its high water pressure. The main key to keeping the furniture safe from pressure is to keep a safe distance between the washes and furniture. After washing it with the water, dry the furniture properly in the sunlight. Make your outdoor even more attractive with some mesmerizing outdoor fountains, find all about that in this article Your Queries for an outdoor fountain.
Algae cleaning products
There are many products in the market that clean algae from furniture, pools, and other materials. They kill all algae species and prevent them from occurring again. The pool is the main place that gets molded very often. You need an anti-algae solution to keep your pool algae-free. Super algae guard is one of the best products to kill the algae and keep your pool healthy. It is a non-foaming solution that destroys the algae fast. Hydrogen peroxide, used as a homemade disinfectant and cleaning agent, destroys algae.
How to prevent the growth of algae
Phosphorus free fertilizers
Phosphorus is the main nutrient that helps the algae to grow faster. To prevent the growth of algae use phosphorus-free fertilizers and detergents. Liquid fertilizer helps the plants to strengthen and it help them to fight against algae. Regularly change the water.
Chlorine
Chlorine is also useful to aid to slow down the growth of algae. Chlorine is the most beneficial way to fight the surviving algae and get your pool back to a hygiene conditioning solution
A sealing solution can be applied to outdoor places to discourage algae growth. It needs a little investment, but it will keep the area safe from algae to even begin.
Maintenance
You need to maintain and clean the walls to keep them away from algae to grow. Cracks and chips should be repaired quickly. Regular maintenance prevents algae and fungus growth.
Put the furniture under sunlight
Putting the furniture under the sunlight once a year can be a great way to dry the moisture. It can help the furniture to stay safe from algae growth, moisture, and bad odor. But putting the furniture under the sunlight for a long time can damage the furniture. It can fade the colors and can damage the wood. It can cause permanent discoloration. In addition to clean furniture, make you’re outdoor even better with some awesome wind chimes How to Choose the Perfect Wind Chime For Your Space
Clean the furniture often
We should clean the furniture at least once a year. Polish the upholstery once or twice a year to maintain its texture and colors. If you have children and pets you should clean the furniture more often like three or four times a year. Kids and pets are the main factors that can damage the furniture with spills, stains, dirt, and scratches. Make your furniture kids and pet-proof with covers and sheets. Catch the spill on the furniture as soon as possible to prevent water stains and keep the moisture away.
How to keep the furniture safe from moisture?
Sealants are the best way to protect the furniture from moisture. Two coats of sealants are enough to make the furniture moisture-free. You can apply the sealants with a brush or spray gun. You should give the coated wood a day to be perfectly dry.
Use sheets or plastic wraps to avoid spills and moisture. Use some moisture absorbers for the furniture to keep it dry
Put the furniture some inches away from the walls as they can absorb the moisture from the walls. Baking soda can be used to absorb the moisture from the furniture. Sprinkle some baking soda on the furniture and leave it for a few minutes. Blow the furniture with air.
During winter sweep off the snow from your furniture to minimize the algae growth
Snow can cause algae growth on the furniture because of the moisture. Your outdoor furniture can get a lot more damage with snow than the inside furniture. You should clean the snow from the furniture more often to keep the furniture safe. Cover the furniture with some plastic sheets to protect it from snow or getting wet. The moisture from the snow would damage the wood and make it molded. Aside from furniture, if you want to clean your patio, here’s something that you’d be interested in Ideas to Cover and Decorate Your Patio
Other questions: what is the green stuff on my patio furniture?
Outdoor furniture often gets dirt, moisture, and grime. It makes the furniture rusty and molded. It can fade away the color of the furniture and the dust will create a permanent discoloration. If the furniture is neglected, it can get stained with algae.
What to put on the outdoor furniture to protect it from algae?
Some anti-algae products can be used on outdoor furniture to prevent algae growth. Spray and liquid solutions are used for this purpose. A homemade chemical-free solution is also helpful to remove algae. Mix warm water and white vinegar to make a solution. Scrub the furniture with this solution and rinse it with clean water.
How do you get rid of algae from outdoor furniture?
For removing the algae from the fabric, use bleach and water. Mix one cup of bleach and a fourth cup of detergent in a gallon of water. Allow the molded fabric to soak in the solution. Take a soft brush and rub it softly. Rinse the fabric with clean water.
Spray white purified vinegar onto the mold and leave it for an hour. Clean it with warm plain water and apply the second application of vinegar. Let the vinegar dry without washing it away. Bleach can carve white plastic outdoor furniture. Some more detailed and better guidance about outdoor furniture is here in this article How to Buy Outdoor Furniture That Lasts.
Baking soda
Baking soda is the best way to kill algae naturally. Make a solution of baking soda or sprinkle it on the mold. Take a brush and some baking soda. Bicarbonate, the effective ingredient in baking soda, is a helpful spot treatment to help destroy the algae and lessen it from the wall. Make sure you get every last particle-free; black algae has especially long and stubborn roots which makes it a lasting strand.
Vinegar
Vinegar is also an outstanding ingredient to get rid of algae. Vinegar is reasonable to use for destroying algae and clearing a pond when it is drained. The acid is useful at lifting away the persistent algae residues and pigments without damaging the liner substance.
Bleach
Bleach can also help to kill the algae. Some people also try to get rid of algae by consuming bleach. Bleach is an acidic chemical that can destroy your grass and plants. It can also wear away your downspouts and cause your shingles to shed their defensive granules early. Using bleach on algae needs quick brushing and rinsing.
Barley straws
Barley straw is a natural way to kill algae. In touch with water, the straw begins to crack, and as it does so it discharges peroxides into the water which fight algae. Accessible in mini bales, or as a rich extract of barley straw liquid, it’s a natural way of chemically combatting algae.
Experts’ Advice
Taking care of your garden furniture is equally important as caring for and maintaining your indoor furniture. Every good piece of furniture can cost a handsome chunk of money out of your pockets so it’s crucial you know how to protect the furniture. To get the best value for your furniture, you need to get the best guidance on how to clean and clear your furniture. Let’s get that alga off of your furniture!. Happy Cleaning!.
