What Kills Algae Outside of the House?

Power Washer

• A power washer will remove mold, moss, dirt and algae off outdoor surfaces without chemicals or cleaning products. Secure the water hose to the power washer, and spray the surface in a horizontal and steady motion. The pressure from the water will push the algae off the surface. When using a power washer, always read and follow the instructions in the owner’s manual. In addition, never point the power washer at people or animals.

Vinegar

• A naturally acidic and pungent liquid, vinegar kills algae as well as fungus from any hard outdoor surface. When using vinegar, saturate a scrub brush in distilled white vinegar at full strength, and scrub the algae off the surface. Give the vinegar enough time to kill the algae by letting it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing the surface clean with a water hose.

Oxygen Bleach

• Safer than chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach will remove algae from the exterior of your home without discoloring or damaging surfaces. Start by dissolving 1 cup of oxygen bleach with 1 gallon of hot water, and stir thoroughly for several seconds. After you have saturated a brush broom in the mixture, scrub the algae off the surface in a vigorous motion. Once you have waited 10 to 20 minutes, rinse the oxygen bleach mixture off the outdoor surface with water.

Liquid Dish Soap

• Less toxic than most commercial cleaners, liquid dish soap gets rid of grime and algae without polluting your environment. Before cleaning the algae off the exterior of your home, first mix the dish soap with water. A mixture of 1/4 cup of liquid dish soap and 1 gallon of water will remove the algae gently off hard surfaces. Once you have removed the algae, wash the soapy residue off with cool water.