How do you remove lichen from paving stones without using chemicals? Why should lichen be removed from paving stones? How can you prevent a large spread of lichen on paving stones?
It is inevitable that moss and lichens will appear on your pavement over time. However, with the right products you can not only remove the plaque, but also prevent stubborn lichen with regular care. In today's article we will explain to you whether stone lichen is harmful and how you can remove white lichen from paving stones in an environmentally friendly way.
Lichen on pavement – what is it about?
You've probably had one beforeLichen bodies on treesseen and as we have already explained, they are not harmful to the plants. They also appear on roof tiles, walls or other similar surfaces over time. Many people don't feel bothered by the sight, because this natural patina on stones creates an authentic look, especially in rustic-style vintage gardens.
However, in some cases it is advisable to remove lichen from paving stones. There is a risk of slipping, especially on paths or stairs in wet weather, as the lichen can become quite slippery, especially if several of them have already settled in one area (the quicker you remove them, the easier it will be). What you should also know is that the lichen bodies secrete an acid that, over time, attacks the material underneath and makes it brittle. It starts with simple cracks. To avoid this, lichen removal makes sense.
Remove lichens from paving stones without chemicals
Home remedies are perfect for gently cleaning any surface. Not every product is suitable for every material, but since most paving is made of concrete, you will probably be lucky with how easy it is to maintain. Here's how you can clean your stones without using harmful commercially available lichen removers:
Remove small lichen bodies with a simple brush and without a high-pressure cleaner
Depending on how stubborn the lichen is (the older it is, the more resistant it is), you can use a brush with hard bristles or a wire brush. This also depends on the sensitivity of the material on which the lichen has formed. With the help of plenty of water, which should soften the lichen a little and of course rinse it away, and strong, scrubbing movements, the lichen should disappear fairly quickly.
The high-pressure cleaner for less effort
Scrubbing with a brush can require a lot of force, which is not a problem for individual specimens, but is a problem for larger areas. So if you have the opportunity,to use a high-pressure cleaner, and should the material be suitable for this (notfor soft stones), we recommend this step. How to do this correctly:
- Start at a low level or initially stand further away for lower pressure. If the cleaner can work with warm water, this function is recommended for faster success.
- Always clean from the side at an angle and not directly from above on the lichen, as this will only press it more firmly onto the surface.
- If the braid doesn't come off right away, you can try the next level up or move a step or two closer and try using higher pressure.
The weed burner against stone lichen
You can also use paving stonesClean with the weed burner. This has a good advantage compared to a high-pressure cleaner. You can use it to remove the lichens on paving stones for a longer period of time, so they don't come back as quickly because the spores are destroyed in the process. You simply burn them down and sweep away any loose residue.
Remove lichen from paving stones with home remedies
There are some household remedies that are said to be effective when cleaning concrete pavement, but can have a negative impact on the environment when used outside. This includesVinegar and baking soda, although the former is even completely forbidden for use between the joints. They get into the groundwater and also damage surrounding plants, which is why it is better to avoid them. Instead, you can try hot water and a brush if regular water wasn't effective enough.
Also read:Remove lichen from stones without harming the environment
Also removing lichenwith colais very controversial, both in terms of environmental friendliness and effectiveness. If you want to clean paths, stairs and terraces without chemicals, it's best to stick to a brush, high-pressure cleaner or weed burner.
How you can prevent a large spread
You can probably already guess: it's easy to remove lichens from paving stones as soon as you notice new ones. Individual, small structures do not pose a problem (in terms of the risk of slipping or acid secretion). However, it won't take too long for them to expand or expand. So it's worth sticking with it. All you need is plenty of water and a hard brush, as explained above.
How to remove lichen from wooden garden furniturefind out here.
