More people are spending more time outdoors now that the weather is sunny, but nothing can spoil your garden view more than a green and slimy fence stained with algae. Wooden fences look beautiful, but they need to be cleaned regularly in the UK, as our damp weather can attract not only algae but also moss and mould. 

It may seem obvious to just use a pressure washer, but the intense force can damage any plants or flowers near your fence and even uproot them. Instead, Steven Age Fence Experts has shared a safe and simple way to remove algae without damaging the garden — vinegar. 

They said: “Prepare a cleaning solution of one part white vinegar to two parts water—a natural and safe option for plants.” 

White vinegar is a popular patio cleaner because it is very effective at removing green marks caused by algae, moss, or mould on a fence. 

This simple ingredient contains acetic acid, which breaks down algae and alters the pH level of a fence so it cannot grow back. 

White vinegar is not good for plants, as it dries them out, but they will survive if it touches them, as it is not strong enough to reach the roots. 

It cannot penetrate leaves or stems very well unless mixed with other ingredients like washing up liquid, so you can safely use it in your garden to clean a fence without any worry. 

How to remove green stains from wooden fences

All you need to do is fill a bucket with warm water and vinegar and use it on your fence. 

You can simply dip a sponge in the solution, but you can also pour it into an empty spray bottle and then use that. 

Add the vinegary solution to the fence and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This gives the white vinegar time to break down the algae, moss, or mould cells. 

Once the time is up, give the fence a wipe and the green stains should come off easily.

Rinse your fence with a hose or bucket of water, and it should now be completely clean.

If there are any particularly stubborn green stains, add more vinegar to your bucket and let it sit on the fence for a longer amount of time.