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Has anyone ever heard of using permanganate of potash to clean the patio. B-in- L who is a professional gardener with years of experience certificates etc has suggested we use this to clean algae off patio but I can't find any info via google  ??? so I thought I would ask the other experts.
I have bought it & it says on the tub to be disposed of as hazardous waste, is a danger to the environment & can harm fish so I don't want to use it unless anyone knows anything to the contrary.

I wouldn't use it at all for patio cleaning. See this: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0672.html

Possibly an environmentally friendly way is to use one of those high pressure water  sprayers, they work well without chemicals. I have a small patio and use boiling water from the kettle and a stiff brush.

Is that the same as potassium permanganate?

Yes.

Used quite alot for curing fish ailments. :)

As it's an oxidizing agent, it would work very well - but there are other less severe substances. 'VIM' if you can now get it & a lot of elbow grease will do a fine job.

Quote from: janet h 1948 on April 06, 2006, 21:51:09
to clean algae off patio

My vote is for the jet wash, unless you are in a hosepipe ban area.

If you want something domestic with a bit of oomph, how about Cillit Bang!  ?  The powered form shifts just about anything in our house, just keep away from limestone and other similar surfaces.

Until about 25 years ago potassium permanganate was used in a strong solution for the treatment of various human fungal infections, and in particular athlete's foot.

Strangely enough there were side effects.

Bet you didn't know that..

Or care?

Quote from: delboy on April 15, 2006, 22:23:05
potassium permanganate

The only time I have ever used PP was in a chemistry lesson.  As I recall, it had an extreme reaction with water.  Would make patio cleaning a little less boring :o