‘magic’ item to remove ‘stubborn black spots’ from patios - ‘kills weeds’ too

If households have dark areas of discolouration on the hard surfaces of their garden (patio, drive, paths etc) it could just be dirt so it is worth seeing if the stains can be removed with a

scrub over.  If it can’t, and it looks like ink splatters, it’s most likely to be black lichen, also known as black spot. Black spots on paving are lichen which thrives on stone surfaces in

the damp and shady conditions that are so common in the UK.  Black lichen is a combination of organisms that start as tiny microspores carried by weather conditions from trees and plants. 

These organisms live on minerals commonly found in stone, so they settle on the surface and grow both outwards and downwards into the fabric of the stone to make sure they stay firmly

attached.  They also form a hard crust over the surface of paving which is another survival tactic. Fed up of black spots taking over her patio slabs, one woman took to the Mrs Hinch

Cleaning Tips and Tricks Facebook page to ask for some advice.  Caroline Morley wrote: “Hi, can anyone recommend what to use to get these black spots off my patio?  “Have jet washed it

before although it does need doing again, but they didn’t come off. Thank you.” The use of a pressure washer will kill the black spot but unfortunately will not always remove the more

stubborn black marks on the stone. Rather than reaching for the pressure washer, which can damage patios, group members suggested using a common laundry product to remove the stain - washing

powder. Lynne Mitchell said: “Sprinkle with washing powder in the rain. Works like magic. If doesn’t rain you have to brush with water.” Hayley Smith wrote: “Cheap bio washing power.

Sprinkle it on and leave for a couple of days, then wash it off and the stubborn black spots will be gone.” Yvonne Thompson commented: “Sprinkle washing powder over it and use a yard brush

and a little bit of water - that should work.” Noeleen Meyler suggested: “Bio washing powder. Leave on overnight. Hose off the next day. Works great and kills weeds.” Baking soda and white

vinegar can also be effectively used to remove black spots from patios. Simply mix together one cup of white vinegar and a quarter cup of baking soda and leave the solution to sit for 10 to

15 minutes before scrubbing away.