I’m a gardening guru & I swear by my 99p hack to banish moss & algae from decking – plus a DIY hack that lifts ANY stain
IF you plan on having guests over to your home anytime soon and want to get your garden summer-ready, you’ve come to the right place.
Particularly if your decking is covered in moss, algae, and harsh stains that have been sitting there for months, then you’ll need to listen up.
Decking expert and founder of Ultra Decking, Allan Jeffrey, has shared with Express.co.uk how to remove moss, debris, algae and other stains from decking.
And don’t worry, you won’t need to go out and splash the cash on expensive cleaning products.
Thankfully, with these simple tricks, you probably have the secrets at home already.
MOSS OFF
If you’ve tried everything to remove the stubborn moss and algae stains from your decking, fear not.
According to Allan, you may even have the secret to removing it in your kitchen cupboard already – and if you don’t, it’ll cost you just 99p.
Not only does moss and algae look unpleasant but they can also increase the risk of slips and falls too.
As a result, it’s important to use a firm brush to clear your decking first.
Following this, although there are a variety of different cleaning products on the market, according to Allan, you can make your own solution using white vinegar and water.
He advised: “Just be sure to rinse with clean water afterwards and then dry to prevent stagnant water from being a breeding ground for additional moss.”
If you fancy giving this hack a go, you can buy white vinegar from Asda for as little as 99p.
SAY GOODBYE TO STAINS
If moss and algae wasn’t bad enough if you’ve noticed stains on decking, whether that’s dirty footprints, paw prints or mess from nearby trees, it’s key that you remove them fast to prevent further damage.
Allan advised that wooden decking needs to be washed regularly and thankfully, this can be done on the cheap using cupboard staples – baking soda and water.
When left on the stain for a few minutes, this “homemade solution will lift any stains”, as Allan added: “For composite decking, gardeners only need warm soapy water and a soft brush as this type of decking is known for being really easy to maintain.
As well as the above, you can ensure your decking is in good condition by sweeping it regularly to remove any dirt and debris
Allan Jeffrey
“Even better, it’s rot-resistant, and there’s no risk of it splintering.”
If you’ve run out of baking soda, you’ll find it for as cheap as 65p from Tesco.
KEEP IT MAINTAINED
Not only this, but Allan also shared his general maintenance tips for people looking to keep their decking clean all year round.
He advised: “As well as the above, you can ensure your decking is in good condition by sweeping it regularly to remove any dirt and debris.”
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Whilst some may be tempted to power-wash your decking, Allan recommended: “Refrain from doing it regularly, as this can cause splinters and damage.”
If you are after a decking type that doesn’t require much maintenance, according to Allan, “composite decking is a good choice.”
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