Question
I have algae growing on an exterior surface of my home and was wondering if I can remove it using a combination of laundry detergent and bleach.
Answer
You can use a bleach and water solution made with Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach for cleaning algae and mold from exterior sealed non-porous surfaces like stucco and painted wood, siding, tile, brick and patio stone. In some cases, bleach and water are all that’s needed to clean away mold and algae. Check out the detailed instructions here: How to Clean Mold & Mildew Outside With Bleach.
If you would like to add cleaning agents to the bleach and water solution, you could add a tablespoon of laundry detergent along with the bleach and water, or you could try Clorox® Outdoor Bleach. It has the same sodium hypochlorite bleach active as our regular bleach, as well as cleaning agents that work well for outdoor cleaning projects. Just follow the same procedure you would to clean a patio with bleach, which also includes instructions for using Clorox® Outdoor Bleach.