Cleaning vinegar is prohibited, but how do you get rid of that miserable green algae? | Lifestyle

It is not without reason that the EU has banned the use of cleaning vinegar for cleaning the terrace. The product is, just like salt and chlorine, harmful to soil life and much-needed insects. Not only the algae and weeds die, but also flora and fauna that you want in the garden. Natural vinegar may still be used, but it works less well because of the lower acetic acid content.

High-pressure spraying only worsens the nuisance

What is the alternative? It is tempting to reach for the high-pressure sprayer because those green tiles and pavers need to look bright again in the spring. The problem is that such a sprayer roughens the surface of tiles, which makes it easier for algae to grow again and ultimately makes the deposits worse.

There are several alternatives. For example, scrubbing or brushing with a solution of soft green soap, or with ready-made (biological) tarnish cleaner. The use of joint sand is also recommended. This fine sand can be used as an abrasive with a broom to remove the nasty green algae from the tiles or pavers. Make sure you wet the tiles beforehand and test whether they will survive this ‘scrub’ unscathed.

Grandma’s tip: use potato cooking water

Preventing algae from getting on the tiles is actually the best solution. In autumn and winter, ensure that as little water as possible remains on the tiles. Wipe away dirt and leaves regularly. And, yet another old-fashioned home remedy from grandma: regularly pour boiling water from potatoes over the terrace. By boiling the potatoes, starch is released into the cooking water and algae do not like that.

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