An expert has tried and tested a method for making decking less slippery, and she says Brits should try it themselves. Decking can turn into a slippery mess once enough algae builds up, and it can be a nuisance to get rid of. While some people think they need to just blast it with enough water, this expert recommends a simple £1 item that you might already have in your bathroom. 

The best part of it is that this method doesn't involve a power washer or any professional garden cleaners. The experts at Decking Superstore have revealed exactly how it works and why you should try the cleaning hack. The handy item you need to clean your decking, they said, is shaving foam. This is something you may well already have in your home. If you don't, you can pick it up from a discount store or a supermarket for as little as £1. Sophie Willoughby, a volunteer with the Royal Horticultural Society, gave it a go after nearly slipping on a set of slick steps in her garden, explaining how she went about it and what the results were.

"I thought it was one of those silly hacks that wouldn’t actually work," she said. "But I was shocked. I left it for about ten minutes, gave it a light scrub, and the algae just lifted off.

"I’ve used expensive deck cleaner before, and this worked better — plus it smelled nicer." She says that it's a trick she swears by now, saving her money and a lot of effort. 

Here are the steps to follow when using shaving foam to clean deckings that are covered in algae:

1. Pick up a can of plain white shaving foam (avoid gels or anything fancy)
2. Spray a generous layer over any green or slippery patches
3. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes
4. Scrub with a stiff broom or brush
5. Rinse thoroughly with water

The experts at Decking Superstore explained why it works. Shaving foam is thick and sticks to a surface rather than running off like other liquids would. It is therefore a gentle option that has the time to break down the algae. 

It is also not a harsh chemical, making it safer to use around children and pets. Deckings and patios can form algae when there are wet and damp conditions. Despite the UK having a particularly warm and dry summer, the weather here can still be quite wet and damp. 

Algae is likely to form in areas where there is poor air circulation and high moisture levels, such as corners shaded from the sun.