If you have black spots and moss on your patio, you’ll know that they are a nightmare to remove. But now homeowners have shared a ‘game-changing’ product to get rid of them
Moss and black spots can be a nightmare to remove from your patio(Image: Simon McGill via Getty Images)
Moss and black spots, an unwelcome type of lichen, leave homeowners grappling with removal from patios as they stubbornly adhere to surfaces, eluding even the most spirited pressure washing efforts. This unsightly nuisance often leaves many pondering whether there’s a foolproof method to eliminate these blemishes permanently.
Yet, seasoned gardeners within the Mrs Hinch Gardening Tips Facebook group have been swapping their tried-and-tested techniques for getting rid of moss and patio black spots. Sodium hypochlorite has emerged as a crowd favourite in the community, lauded for its potent ability to wipe out the organisms behind the black spots and moss growth.
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Cassandra recounted her positive outcome to other members: “Sodium hypochlorite cleared mine. I sprayed it all over my patio, left it for half an hour, and then just rinsed it off. Leave longer if you prefer.”
David Simkins likewise hailed the chemical, advising: “Sodium hypochlorite from eBay. Just brush on and rinse off after an hour. It will kill any weeds, too.”
Charlotte Lodge concurred with the efficacy of the treatment, remarking: “Sodium hypochlorite worked so well for me to get the black spots and moss off.”
Shannon Booker offered additional insight, explaining: “Sodium hypochlorite is undiluted bleach, which is really good at cleaning any paving. This year I have used this and the stains and have all gone now. It even helped to kill off my driveway weeds.”
Jess Gwyen couldn’t contain her excitement at the quick results, sharing: “Sprayed my slabs and within 10 minutes the moss and black spots had gone. It really works like magic.”
In agreement, Fiona Stewart also praised the method, commenting: “I’ve found this to be the only thing that works to get the black spots off. The moss died instantly.”
The key ingredient behind this method is sodium hypochlorite, commonly found in bleach, which can be watered down for treating unsightly lichen stains and thriving moss on patios and driveways.
While it’s a potent solution, caution is advised to prevent any discolouration or damage to the surfaces being cleaned – moderation is key. Ensure to wash down the treated area completely after applying, reports the Express.
Another tip before you start – check the forecast. Any unexpected rain could water down your efforts, potentially reducing the effectiveness of the treatment, so be sure to choose a dry day with no rain predicted.