Moss growing on paving slabs can hold a certain charm for gardens. However, many homeowners find moss unappealing, and it poses a genuine slipping risk. The growth can prove hazardous, particularly in garden areas with pathways. Fans of cleaning influencer Mrs Hinch have shared their top methods for eliminating moss without investing in a pressure washer, spending time scrubbing or resorting to aggressive chemicals, such as bleach.
In the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook group, one user asked for guidance on tackling what appeared to be moss on her patio. Yaz Elizabeth posted: “Hey all, we moved recently and have noticed our back garden, where the slabs are, keeps going green, almost like mould. We jet-washed it a week or two ago, but it’s back again. Does anyone know what is causing this? Or if there’s anything I can use to stop it coming back? It also does seem to stain.”
Whilst several group members proposed chemical solutions, the vast majority championed an approach using something most households already possess – laundry detergent. Tracey McKeown advised: “Sprinkle Daz washing powder on it then leave for the rain to wash off or hose it.”
Joelle Scannell said, “I’ve been told to use Daz also. I haven’t tried it, but a lady I know swears by it.”
Gill Breaks commented: “I sprinkle Aldi’s biological washing powder on the patio and driveway, where we get green moss. Washing powder kills the moss —just sprinkle; you don’t need to scrub—it looks like snow! We get a lot on the drive; it’s in the shade. My neighbour asked me about it, did the same, and it got rid of his moss too.”
Sonia Hunter suggested: “Sprinkle with soap powder whilst the ground is damp so it can absorb the powder.”
Linda Waddington stated, “I had the same problem, and being in a huge area was also a problem. I used a box of biodegradable washing powder. Just sprinkle over the moss and leave for 15 minutes. That was two years ago, and it’s never returned.”
Michelle King instructed: “Sprinkle washing powder and leave on for a few minutes before washing off. It’s effective at getting rid of any weeds too.”
Debbie Mc added: “Ok, this sounds weird, but it worked a treat for me. I have a part of my patio that doesn’t really get the sun and always ends up green and covered in moss. My friend (who has an immaculate garden/patio) told me to dampen the area and cover it with washing powder—it kills all moss and weeds.
“So I did exactly that, and after a day, it started to go brown as it was dying. Three days later, I rinsed it off, and it came away like it was dust. Yes, it takes a few days, but it takes virtually no effort at all.”
When users asked whether Debbie used a specific brand of washing powder, she responded: “Nope, no particular brand. I tend to buy the cheapest there is to be honest. When I was told about it, I googled it because I thought someone was having a laugh here, but it seems that quite a lot of people use this method. Honestly, try it. Cheap washing powder all over the moss, you’ll see it change as it starts to die.”
It isn’t just Mrs Hinch fans who recommend this approach. According to Ben Hilton, gardening expert at The Yard and Garden, it can prove an effective solution.
He explained: “Detergent works by breaking down the cell walls of moss, causing the plant to dehydrate and die. It is most effective when used sparingly and only on the moss itself.”
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