Banish patio moss for good with common kitchen ingredient - no vinegar
Cleaning moss can be incredibly frustrating when it persists no matter how thoroughly you scrub. Luckily, an affordable kitchen item can stop it coming back.
Patios often accumulate grime, but moss, in particular, is especially stubborn and tends to spread quickly, taking over the area.
Moss can adhere to porous materials like stone, brick, or concrete and infiltrate tiny crevices, making it challenging to remove despite vigorous scrubbing.
Lenard Nagy from Perfect Clean Cleaning Services explained: “Moss growth on surfaces is a common problem that can make your concrete look dirty, dull, and unattractive.
“It can also damage your concrete over time by creating cracks and holes and pose a safety hazard by making your concrete slippery and causing falls and injuries.”
Fortunately, according to Lenard, there's a remarkably simple and effective method to eliminate this green nuisance without the need for harsh chemicals or specialised tools.
It turns out that baking soda is one of the most effective methods for eliminating moss from stone surfaces and preventing its return.
Baking soda works by rapidly dehydrating and killing the moss, and, since moss thrives in acidic environments, baking soda's high alkalinity adjusts the pH of the stone surface, creating conditions that are inhospitable for moss growth.
Lenard Nagy said: “Baking soda is a common household item that you can use to clean moss from concrete.
“Baking soda is a base that can raise the pH of the moss and kill it…[and it] is also gentle and safe for your concrete and the environment.”
To remove moss from your patio, start by generously sprinkling baking soda over the affected areas, ensuring the moss is thoroughly covered.
Don't miss...
UK town home to one of Britain's most popular tourist attractions [TRAVEL]
Gardeners urged not to prune ivy in garden this September or October [LATEST]
The beautiful Dutch city where the children tend to the gravestones of heroes [INSIGHT]
Be careful to keep the baking soda away from any plants or grass, as it can dry out and harm organic matter. Although a small amount of baking soda is unlikely to damage your garden, it's best to avoid using this method on windy or rainy days to prevent the baking soda from spreading unintentionally.
After applying the baking soda, let it sit for 24 hours. During this time, it will penetrate the moss and cause it to turn brown as it dries out.
Once the waiting period is over, the moss should be completely dried. Use a broom or stiff brush to sweep away the dead moss from the patio.
Finally, rinse the patio by hosing it down or pouring a bucket of soapy water over it to wash away any remaining baking soda and dead moss. Your patio will be left clean and free of moss.
