Fences in the darker parts of your garden are often a haven for algae.

It’s not dangerous, but let’s face it: the murky green stuff crawling over fences and patios is anything but a pretty sight and can make even the neatest garden look pretty neglected.

While the standard solutions to green algae often involve using a pressure washer or scrubbing with white vinegar or bleach, fans of Mrs. Hinch apparently have a very special “magic” recommendation that apparently wipes out algae with a single spritz.

Gillian Kinsella sought advice on the Mrs Hinch Gardening Tips Facebook page, hoping for eco-friendly options: “I’m looking for suggestions on how to treat the algae on the fence while protecting the flowerbed. Thanks in advance.”

Their request received numerous responses, but the suggestion with the clever name stood out in particular.

Michelle Sheldon chimed in: “I would spray a product called Spray and Leave on it and the algae would go away.”

Julia Stanton also praised it: “Spear and Jackson. Spray and leave. We just did it a few weeks ago. The algae are gone.”

Stressing the importance of taking care of nearby plants, she added: “We simply put a towel around a bamboo pot while we made the fence next to it and there were no problems. We just bought another pot for next year.”

Simon Hughes said: “Spray and Leave has finally got rid of the storm. So easy to mix and apply and you can literally see results in 20 minutes. Perfect for the whole garden. I use it on wooden fences, seats, concrete, paving, garden furniture and my walls.”

Lina Anderson told us her technique: “I covered my plants with polyethylene sheets and prepared a spray bottle with Spray and Leave. Once it is dry, it is harmless to the plants. Works wonderfully.”

You can grab the Spear and Jackson Select Spray and Leave complete with long hose from Amazon for £14.99 or from Thompson and Morgan for £21.99.

The product description states: “Spear and Jackson’s Spray and Leave algae, lichen and mold killer contains active ingredients designed to counteract and prevent growth.”

“The advantage of this formula is that it is effective in all weather conditions. Every time it rains, the formula is reactivated and helps to control the dirt and grime without scrubbing or damaging the affected surface. A magical patio cleaner!”

Another recommended method for controlling the green pest was using Wet and Forget. Joanne Schofield recommends: “Wet and Forget will get rid of every bit of green. Just spray and let it work. You can cover the plants with plastic bags while you spray. From Amazon.”

Trish Burrin advised: “Yes, wet and forget. You won’t regret it. It’s incredible.”

Meg A wrote: “I used the wet and forget method on mine and it got rid of it. You do have to protect the plants though.”

Gardeners can buy Wet and Forget from Wickes for £18 or from Amazon for £18.40 (currently down from £21.99).

Customer reviews claim that the product is easy to use and makes fences and patios look like new. However, opinions differ on the value for money.