Slippery Patio in Winter? How to Remove Algae & Stay Safe

The “I’ll deal with it later” problem…

Every year it happens: you blink, the evenings get darker, the weather turns, and suddenly the garden is… a bit questionable. Green patio edges, darker patches on paving, and a driveway that looks like it’s been through something.

Here’s the thing: winter is when the build-up starts, even if you don’t fully see it yet. Moisture + shade = perfect conditions for algae, mould and lichen to settle in.

The good news? A small bit of prep now can save you hours of effort in spring.

Your 30-Minute Winter Prep Checklist

Number One: Start with the “slippery areas”

These are the bits that go green first:

North-facing edges of patios and paths
Steps (especially the lip/edge)
Under pots and furniture
Along fence lines and shed bases

Why it matters: these spots stay damp, and damp is algae’s favourite food.

Number Two: Give patios and paving a preventative clean

If you want a low-effort routine, think spray and leave rather than scrub and suffer.

Our patio cleaner is ideal here because it’s designed to tackle growth at the root (the spores), not just the surface.

Number Three: Don’t forget the driveway and block paving

Driveways love to collect:

Black dots (often lichen)
Green film in the shade
General “winter grime”

If you’ve got block paving, going too aggressive can cause extra work later (hello, weeds). A gentle clean with Wet & Forget for your block paving and driveway is the way forward to save you time now and even more time later.

Number Four: Decking: treat it before it becomes a skating rink

If your decking is even slightly shaded, it can go slippery fast. Our algae remover used before winter helps keep it safer.

Number Four: The Wet and Forget Mindset

This is the nice bit: once you’ve treated the surfaces, you’re not standing there scrubbing in the cold. You let time and weather help do the rinsing.

Tiny habits that help all winter