Those persistent black marks on your patio represent a particularly troublesome variety of lichen that penetrates deeply into surfaces and creating a genuine challenge for property owners. Even more stubborn than slippery moss and relentless algae, these stubborn spots can resist even the strongest pressure washing, leaving numerous households puzzled about how to remove them.
However, there’s no cause for concern, as Daniel Scholfield, owner of The Expert Gate Company, shared a simple removal method requiring no specialist products whatsoever – just a stiff brush, water and white vinegar. Daniel explained that while 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 secret is to “kill off the black lichen completely”, for which you’ll need the “right product”.
As reports The Mirror, 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 addressing the affected area, proper preparation is vital. Start by using a brush or your hands to remove any plant debris and excess dirt that could interfere with the cleaning solution’s efficacy, then give the patio a quick rinse with fresh water.
You’ll need a clean and clear 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 advised carrying out a test on a small section of the patio beforehand to ensure it won’t cause damage or discolouration to your slabs.
Leave it to work for up to one hour, then scrub firmly with a stiff brush to remove all traces of residue and debris, before rinsing thoroughly with clean water. Should any of the dark marks remain visible, repeat the entire cleaning process to ensure they’re “gone for good”.
For particularly tenacious stains, consider leaving the solution in place for a longer period or slightly increasing the concentration of vinegar in your mixture.
However, he warned, “Don’t overdo it as too much may begin to damage the patio surface.”
To prevent these unsightly marks from returning, regularly treat your paving with a vinegar and water solution to keep it looking pristine.
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