Mrs Hinch fans reveal the £1 cleaning solution from Aldi to avoid £1,500 in fence repairs
WITH the recent damp weather, your fence could be prone to growth of unsightly algae, moss, and mould - which could leave it damaged.
Thankfully there is a Mrs Hinch fan-approved hack that can have your garden spring-ready in minutes.
The easy trick could even save you up to £1,500 in future fence repairs, making it a cost-effective and convenient way to remove green algae and mould.
Taking to the Facebook group Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips, one user asked: “Any handy tips for removing green mould from garden fences?”
This seemingly common problem had numerous fans flocking to the comments to provide solutions.
It turned out that one product stood out as a clear favourite.
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Cleaning whizzes said they swear by using white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda to restore fences to their former glory.
One Mrs Hinch fan commented: “White vinegar, bicarbonate of soda and warm water.
“Just brush on and green algae goes.
“Did mine last spring, excellent and easy.”
DIY expert Simon Wardle, from Armstrong Cheshire, confirmed that this quick and convenient hack really does work.
He said: “The combination of vinegar and bicarb creates a gentle, mild-abrasive cleaner that removes green algae and mould from your fence and the best part is - it doesn’t strip the paint!
"This cleaning method is quick and convenient since most people already have the ingredients at home.
“If not, you can buy baking soda and vinegar for just £1 at Aldi."
How to remove algae with vinegar & bicarb spray
- All you need is distilled white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, warm water and a spray bottle.
- Mix one part warm water with one part vinegar and two teaspoons of bicarb, and pour into a spray bottle.
- Spray onto affected areas of your fence and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse off with water.
- Any stubborn areas may need scrubbing with a hand brush for complete removal.
Now sunnier weather is on the horizon, gardeners can start preparing their outdoor spaces for spring.
TV legend Monty Don has shared a list of jobs you should start with before the end of February.
From sewing seeds to pruning back older plants, there are many jobs on the to-do list.
On his blog, BBC star Monty shared: “February is the month when the garden really starts to come alive and grow even if the weather can be severe and the days are still short.”
While it may seem too cold for many plants, it’s actually a good time to start planting seeds, claims the gardening expert.
You can start by filling some seedling trays with soil to start growing plants inside with some light and a bit of warmth.
Some seed trays come with a lid and can be plugged in to warm up the seeds - giving the effect of an incubator or greenhouse in summer.
Monty advised that you should remove seedlings from a warm heat source when they have started to sprout so it builds up hardier plants.
He wrote in Gardener's World: “It's very tempting to mollycoddle seedlings, especially early in the spring. This is always a mistake.”
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Monty shared how they should be planted in a sheltered area with plenty of ventilation.
The gardening expert recommended that vegetables that you can plant now include “leeks, peas, kale and rhubarb.”