I have a small balcony off my kitchen that need some TLC

Anny Palanzi
by Anny Palanzi
I just moved into my rental. The balcony is a big plus but it has green lichen? or a green slimy floor. Whatever. It looks not pleasing. I'd like to use bleach to get the green out but I want to know if there is something else I could use that's not so harsh. I also need to keep in mind my neighbor beneath me and don't want anything to drip through the spaces between the floor boards and land on her head. So I'm guessing it'll have to be a hands and knees project. Any ideas from anyone? Thanks, people.

  7 answers
  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Sep 23, 2017

    There is a product called Spray and Leave, Not sure how big it is, but that would do the job! Sold on QVC in UK. Otherwise put a piece of artificial Grass on top OR. Plastic Grill Tiles for Gravel would look smart too.........

  • Kim Kim on Sep 23, 2017

    I would try Vinegar and a green pad to clean with. Vinegar kills bacteria and most molds so it should kill the stuff on your balcony without bleaching your neighbors.

    *Do not mix Vinegar with bleach as it will form a toxic cloud.

    I hope that helps

    : )

  • Karen Tokarse Karen Tokarse on Sep 23, 2017

    If you want this junk GONE, use straight BLEACH and a little water. Wear rubber gloves and wash in a way that won't drip on your neighbor.

  • Melissa V Melissa V on Sep 23, 2017

    This sounds like something your landlord should be made aware of, then take care of.

  • Klo22582948 Klo22582948 on Sep 23, 2017

    Ask your downstairs neighbors what they clean their balcony deck with. That green mossy stuff is often found on the northern side of roofs and buildings, so they must have had the same problem.


  • Ellis Ellis on Sep 23, 2017

    There is a product called Wet and Forget, sold in hardware and home stores. You just mix it with water, according to the instructions, and spray on. You could use a large spray bottle for this. Or, you could mix it up in an old plastic pitcher, then pour into a spray bottle. It's a product you just spray on and leave, and the lichens/algae dies.

    • Anny Palanzi Anny Palanzi on Sep 23, 2017

      thank you Ellis. I'll check into that. Anything I can use to save myself some back-breaking labor.

  • First, the landlord should perform this task. If you do decide to take it on yourself, use vinegar, with a water rinse. Bucket with a giant car wash sponge will work great. Get a garden pad from the dollar store to protect your knees too!

    • See 1 previous
    • It is me too. I get grumpier as I get older and very little tolerence for lazy behavior. And those that refuse to learn, the list is endless - good thing I live alone with a bunch of pets!


      Glad we could all provide useful suggestions! Enjoy your new home!