Removing Black Spots from Patios
If you are suffering with unsightly black spots and stubborn biological staining on your patio, block paving or render, then you require a cleaning solution that effortlessly removes black spots, discolouration and microbiological contaminants on porous surfaces.
Using a specially formulated cleaning solution that is gentle on more delicate substrates will ensure a clean result, whilst maintaining the integrity of your patio, block paving or concrete.
What Are Black Spots?
Black spots that grow in your garden on stonework, such as patios, walls etc, are a combination of fungi and bacteria which causes black lichen. They begin their life as small dust spores that grow on the underside of leaves on trees and plants, before being carried by the wind and rain to take up residence on your patios and stonework.
They are then encouraged to germinate in warm, damp conditions, feeding off the minerals within the stonework, and spreading slowly as they burrow down into the stone. This makes them extremely difficult to remove with a pressure washer alone.
Are Black Spots Harmful to Patios?
The answer to this is yes, black spots are harmful to patios and stonework if left untreated. Damage will not occur overnight, however, the fungi will continue to eat away at the stone’s surface which causes deterioration over time.
Preserving the patio with regular cleaning will prevent deterioration, saving you money in the long-term as you will not need to replace your patios. Black spots can also pose a threat to humans as they can become slippery when wet. Removing black spots will remove the slip hazard, protecting you from injury due to falls.
How to Remove Black Spots from Patios
GK Black Spot Remover is a premium solution that has been specially designed to remove black spots, discolouration and microbiological contaminants on porous surfaces. Tailored for use on a range of surfaces including stone, concrete, render and block-paving, this high-performance cleaner is able to revive surfaces that have been marred by stubborn black stains.
GK Black Spot Remover has a thixotropic, slightly viscous, and non-penetrating liquid composition. It boasts a unique alkali formula that’s enriched with wetting agents, creating a blend that targets organic and non-organic staining with precision. This ensures a thorough cleaning that leaves surfaces free of unsightly blotches, marks and staining.
How Does Black Spot Remover Work?
GK Black Spot Remover is a specially formulated blend of chemicals designed to remove black spots and break down the bonds between the lichen and the stone surface. Its gel-like formulation improves application, and concentrates the active ingredient on the required area, breaking down dirt, stains, and grime in a matter of hours.
GK Black Spot Remover thins when it is agitated, allowing for optimal contact with surface contamination. Due to its non-invasive nature, GK Black Spot Remover allows for an extended on-surface dwell time (up to 24 hours), so the solution has ample time to work its magic.
Unlike the chemicals used to remove algae and moss (often biocides) black spot remover requires dwell time and agitation to achieve optimal results. It can be used as a standalone treatment, or in conjunction with GK Pro biocidal treatment.
How to Apply GK Black Spot Remover
One of the key areas to applying GK Black Spot Remover is the dwell time after applying the product. Each patio will be different, some black spots may have only recently formed and are quite easily removed, whilst on other patios, the black spots may have taken many years to form.
We recommend that you leave the product on the surface for 24 hours where possible to achieve optimum results with minimal effort, however this is not always practical and therefore you may want to undertake a test patch to see how long the product will take to work for you.
GK Black Spot Remover is a professional strength cleaning solution which contains high levels of active ingredients that should be applied without dilution, using appropriate PPE and workwear.
Preparation
Before applying, make sure the area you are treating is clear and any surface dirt or debris has been removed. You may want to break your patio down into areas, only tackling a section at a time.
Pre-wet your patio so the surface is wet (damp), and the stone is saturated but with no surface water. This will improve capillary action and assist with application. If you think the overspray, or run-off, will affect adjacent plants and lawns, use more clean water to wet these areas down. Do not allow the product to run into ponds or encounter fish or other aquatic life as it contains sodium hypochlorite.
Application
Apply GK Black Spot Remover with a pump-up sprayer or watering can (make sure you rinse out the sprayer or watering can afterwards).
Apply the product across the surface area to be treated and leave to dwell, periodically agitating the surface with a stiff brush. Ideally, the surface should be kept wet for as long as possible which may require additional product to be applied.
Rinsing
Once you have left it for sufficient dwell time, rinse the surface down with clean water (ideally a hose pipe) and for best results, use a pressure wash to rinse the patio. Some people like to pressure wash the surface before and after treatment.
It may be necessary to repeat the process on areas with heavy build-up of black spots. However, you can treat small patches again rather than doing the entire area.
Key Features
Advanced Thixotropic Blend: Formulated with a specialised alkali mixture and wetting agents, this product effectively dissolves both organic and inorganic stains, ensuring deep and thorough cleaning.
Targeted Deep Clean: Engineered to eliminate stubborn black discolouration and microbiological contaminants from porous surfaces, including stone, render, block paving, and concrete, restoring their original appearance.
Dynamic Agitation Activation: The unique thixotropic formula thins upon agitation, maximising contact with surface contaminants. This allows for a gentle, yet effective cleaning action with extended dwell time, ensuring optimal ingredient performance.
Flexible Treatment Protocol: Designed for versatile application, this product can be used independently or in conjunction with GK Pro biocidal treatments, offering a comprehensive solution for various cleaning needs.
Can You Remove Black Spots from Patios Using a Pressure Washer?
Using a pressure-washer may be effective in the short term for very light black spot staining, however, a pressure washer is not capable of penetrating the patios surface to allow for a deep clean of heavier soiling.
Pressure washing can also be damaging to patios in the long-term, especially on sandstone and other more delicate surfaces. This method is not recommended for treatment of black spots.
Can You Remove Black Spots from Patios Using Vinegar?
Distilled white vinegar can be an effective solution for removing black spots from your patio. Its acidic nature can cut through fungi and moulds, and its anti-fungal properties can provide some protection against future staining.
However, vinegar is acidic, and this can be corrosive to patios made of natural stone such as Indian or sandstone. It is not recommended to use this method often.
There is also the added worry of discolouration. To avoid this, you should dilute the vinegar with water or bicarbonate of soda before application.
Summary
The safest and most effective way to remove black spots from your patio is to use a specially formulated commercial cleaner like GK Black Spot Remover. This premium solution has been designed to be tough on black spots, but gentle on the patio’s surface to prevent corrosion or discolouration.
