When the balcony season has finally come, a green veil on the floor often spoils the joy. The reason for this is so-called green growth, which can be removed with special cleaners. We will show you how to use green growth remover correctly.

In a nutshell

  • Green growth consists of moss, algae and plant microorganisms
  • not to be confused with verdigris
  • Special biocides from the hardware store can help
  • Effect often dependent on the material to be treated
  • pay attention to environmental compatibility

green covering

Colloquially, green covering is often also called verdigris. However, these are two different things. Verdigris is the name of the copper patina that forms on copper components as a result of corrosion. In contrast, green growth is caused by algae, moss, lichen and plant microorganisms that adhere to stone, wood or plastic. Since the greenish discoloration tends to form on horizontal or slightly sloping surfaces,

  • terrace slabs
  • cobblestones
  • Roofs,
  • tombstones and
  • garden furniture

often affected. In addition, green growth makes the floors slippery, which in turn can lead to nasty injuries.

Source: Fabian Horst, 2022-01-23 - Green covering on roof surface1, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Notice: Green growth occurs primarily in a permanently humid climate. This is why the green haze often appears at the beginning of the winter season or on surfaces that dry poorly.

Green growth remover

Green growth removers are the chemical solution to the problem. They have the advantage that, compared to a mechanical approach, i.e. scrubbing, they are used without any muscle power. Because conventional green growth removers are cleaning agents that are composed of washing-active substances and chemical agents, the so-called biocides.
Whether the contained biocides pollute the environment or not depends on the basis on which the remover kills algae and the like. Green growth removers containing quaternary ammonium compounds such as benzalkonium chloride are the most environmentally harmful. Because when used outdoors, it is unavoidable that the harmful chemicals get into the groundwater.
A biological alternative are products based on nonaic acid, also known as pelargonic acid. This is a natural fatty acid that occurs in cranesbill plants, which also include the eponymous pelargonium. The acid is considered to be biodegradable and therefore not acutely hazardous to water.

application

Using the cleaning products is easy. However, you should protect yourself as nonacids, like benzalkonium chloride, irritate the skin, mucous membranes and eyes. Therefore, when working with the remover, you should

  • rubber gloves
  • goggles and
  • a mouthguard

carry.

Deck Floor Instructions

Choose a nice, dry day to clean your patio floor. If precipitation is forecast for the next 24 hours, you should postpone the treatment because rain dilutes or washes away the green growth remover. Proceed as follows:

Source: Fabian Horst, 2022-01-26 - Green covering on terrace wood, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
  • remove coarse dirt such as fallen leaves, moss nests or windblown soil
  • treat the surface with a conventional cleaner
  • Allow the patio floor to dry thoroughly (to avoid unnecessary dilution of the green growth remover)
  • Apply the remover to the affected area, diluted or undiluted according to the manufacturer's instructions
  • use a pressure sprayer or garden sprayer for targeted dosing
  • leave on for several hours

You can then remove the loosened coating with a mop. Then wash with clear water so that no cleaning agent and/or dirt remains.

Tip: In the case of particularly strong green growth, you can leave the remover to work for several days. To prevent this from drying on, add diluted cleaning agent if necessary.

Flower pot instructions

If green growth has spread on flower pots, you can also use the remover there. So that the plants are not damaged later, you should only use green growth remover on the outside of the container. Terracotta or other pots made of absorbent material should be soaked in water beforehand so that the remover is not absorbed. Once the cleaner has done its job, you should always rinse the pots thoroughly with water so that no residue remains in the pot. Because the biocides contained do not distinguish between green growth and potted plants.

frequently asked Questions

Are Green Layer Removers Toxic to Pets?

Yes, therefore you should keep dogs and cats away from the balcony and terrace during treatment. If you do come into contact with the cleaning agent, you should consult a veterinarian. Once the agent has dried completely, there is no longer any danger to the animals.

What damage can plants take on contact?

The leaves usually turn yellow when they come into contact with the remover. To avoid major damage, flush the plants with plenty of water. However, it is better if you clear away potted plants before applying the cleaner.

What eco-friendly alternatives are there?

You can remove green growth from non-sensitive surfaces with a high-pressure cleaner. Another alternative is boiling water dripped onto the affected areas.

Category:

Garden maintenance