Moss on patios can be a slipping hazard, but you don’t need expensive equipment or harsh chemicals to tackle it.
Angela Patrone Senior Lifestyle Reporter and Rebecca Koncienzcy Content Editor for Spare Time
14:44, 31 Dec 2025
Kill patio moss in 15 minutes so it ‘never returns’ with 1 household item cleaners love(Image: Getty)
While moss on paving stones might add character to some gardens, numerous property owners consider it unsightly and recognise it as a genuine slip hazard. This vegetation can create dangerous conditions, especially along garden walkways.
Enthusiasts of cleaning expert Mrs Hinch have revealed their preferred techniques for removing moss without purchasing a pressure washer, engaging in laborious scrubbing, or using harsh chemicals like bleach. Within the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook community, one member sought advice on addressing what looked like moss covering her patio, reports the Express.
Yaz Elizabeth wrote: “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.”
Although some group participants suggested chemical treatments, the overwhelming majority endorsed a method using an item found in most homes – washing powder.
Tracey McKeown said: “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 shared her method and said: “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 offered her advice: “Sprinkle with soap powder whilst the ground is damp so it can absorb the powder.”
Linda Waddington revealed her experience: “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.”
Mrs Hinch fans recommend using laundry powder to rid patios of moss(Image: Getty)
Michelle King recommended: “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 her unique solution: “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.”
She said: “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 followers enquired about whether Debbie favoured a particular washing powder brand, she replied: “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.”
Mrs Hinch enthusiasts aren’t the only ones who advocate for this technique. Ben Hilton, a gardening specialist from The Yard and Garden, confirms it can deliver impressive results.
He noted: “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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