What’s the Difference Between Mould, Lichen & Algae?

Ah, the troublesome trio of the outdoors (and sometimes indoors): mould, lichen, and algae. At Wet & Forget, we understand how to deal with these annoying contaminants, but what exactly are they, and why do they insist on hanging around?  

Mould: The Indoor Intruder 

Mould isn’t just unpleasant—it can cause serious problems, from ruining your décor to triggering respiratory issues. Catching mould early can save you a lot of bother (and a hefty cleaning bill). 

How Does Mould Happen? 

Mould spores float around looking for their ideal home, a damp, humid spot like your bathroom, under your sink, or by that window that always seems to leak. Once they find the perfect conditions, it’s game over: they grow, spread, and start giving your home a “musty” vibe. 

Spot the Signs of Mould 

Mould tends to appear in black, green, or white patches and often has a fuzzy texture. If you’ve noticed a musty smell that makes you think of your gran’s old attic, mould might be the culprit. 

Lichen: The Clinger 

Lichen is the stubborn squatter of the group, showing up on your roof, patio, fences, or driveway without so much as a polite introduction. All it needs to thrive is air and a bit of sunlight, which is why it loves clinging to outdoor surfaces like nobody’s business. 

What Exactly Is Lichen? 

Lichen is a combination of algae and fungi working together. It’s usually pale green or greyish and can sit flat on surfaces, though some species look like they’ve had a bad hair day. 

Did you know there are over 18,000 species of lichen? Most are harmless, but they’re all annoyingly persistent. Once they’ve claimed a spot, they won’t budge without a fight. 

Fun Fact: Lichen loves rooftops. Luckily, you don’t have to climb a ladder armed with a scrubbing brush. Wet & Forget Rapid takes care of the hard work for you. 

Algae: The Slippery Nuisance 

We’ve all seen it - that green, slimy film that turns patios, driveways, and paths into a skating rink after a bit of rain. Algae isn’t picky; it’ll show up anywhere there’s a bit of moisture, shading, and nutrients. 

Why Is Algae Everywhere? 

Algae thrives in damp, shaded areas, think north-facing patios, garden paths, or that driveway you keep meaning to jet wash. After a good downpour, algae takes the opportunity to spread like wildfire, leaving your outdoor spaces looking less “home and garden” and more “pond life.” 

Spot the Signs of Algae 

Algae often appears as green, slippery patches that vary in size. It’s not just an eyesore, it can also be a safety hazard if you’re not careful where you step. 

No Need for Jet-Washing: Forget scrubbing. Our Outdoor Mould, Lichen & Algae Remover tackles algae without the faff. Spray it on, leave it to work its magic, and enjoy the results. 

Why Should You Care? 

Whether it’s mould lurking indoors, lichen clinging to your roof tiles, or algae turning your patio into an obstacle course, these three culprits are more than just a bit of grime. Left unchecked, they can damage surfaces, make your home less safe, and even impact your health. 

Wet & Forget has the perfect solution for each one. Our range of patio cleaners, mould removers, and outdoor cleaning products are specially designed to tackle these problems head-on, saving you time, effort, and stress. 

Ready to take back control? Check out our full range of hassle-free cleaning products here.