Three gardeners share 'most effective' way to remove moss from patios in 10 minutes

Moss can quickly take over your patio if left untreated, but there’s no need to splash out on expensive cleaning products – as three gardening experts have shared the same simple solution A square concrete patio paver (stepping stone) with moss covering it surrounded by mulch Moss will disappear with this method(Image: Photo by Katkami via Getty Images)

Moss thrives in cool, damp conditions away from direct sunlight, and with a steady moisture supply, it can quickly establish itself virtually anywhere. When it comes to patios, moss has essentially discovered its perfect sanctuary. The porous nature of paving stones allows water to be readily absorbed, creating an ideal breeding ground for moss growth.

If your concrete area has become overrun with moss, you’ll need to address it immediately. Once moss discovers a favourable spot to establish itself, its expansion can be remarkably swift. While pressure washers offer instant moss removal from patios, they can be a costly purchase and cause damage to paving when operated improperly.

For a simpler approach that yields excellent results, three horticultural specialists have recommended the same natural household ingredient they believe performs best in just 10 minutes: white vinegar.

Half of the stone slabs were cleaned with a high-pressure cleaner, before and afterwards Pressure washers can damage patios if used incorrectly(Image: Getty)

Petar Ivanov, gardening and plant specialist at Fantastic Gardeners, revealed that “one of the most effective household items for removing moss” from paving stones, without requiring a pressure washer, is white vinegar, reports the Express.

He stated: “It’s natural acidity helps to kill moss, and it’s readily available and safe to use compared to harsh chemical alternatives.

“Pour it directly onto the affected areas, let it sit for around 10 to 20 minutes and then scrub with a stiff brush. For stubborn patches, repeating the process once or twice over a few days will often achieve a thorough result.”

Following the treatment, a gentle rinse with water helps avoid residue accumulation. Employing vinegar proves especially beneficial for smaller sections or detailed paving where pressure washers might cause harm or disturb the joints.

Pair this approach with routine sweeping and light brushing every few weeks, and you’ll stop moss from becoming re-established.

Angelika Zaber, gardening expert working for Online Turf, suggests preparing a solution of equal parts vinegar and water, placing it in a spray bottle, and applying it to your moss.

Moss growing on paving Moss can be a pain(Image: Getty)

She said: “Make sure to leave it to sit for about 10 minutes or so and then scrub the area with a stiff brush. Finish by hosing the area off.”

Garden designer and owner of Nisho, Chris Turner, also advocates using vinegar, though like Petar, he doesn’t recommend diluting it with water.

He said: “My go-to household item for removing moss is plain white vinegar. The acidity breaks down the moss’s structure without having to use harsh chemicals.

“It also doesn’t leave behind residue that clashes with other plants. I always tell clients to apply it on a dry day, let it sit for about an hour, and then brush it off.”