Ditch pressure washers for 1 natural household item to remove moss from paving and patios

Three gardening experts have all recommended the same natural household product for tackling moss on patios – and it’s one you likely already have at home.

Ditch pressure washers for 1 natural household item to remove moss from paving and patios(Image: Adipra via Getty Images)

Moss thrives in cool, damp conditions away from direct sunlight, and with a steady moisture supply, it can quickly establish itself almost anywhere. Patios provide ideal conditions for moss growth, as the porous nature of paving stones absorbs water readily, creating a perfect environment for moss to flourish.

If moss has taken hold of your concrete surfaces, prompt action is essential. Once established, moss can spread rapidly across suitable areas. While pressure washers offer instant moss removal, they represent a significant financial outlay and can cause patio damage when used improperly.

For a simpler yet equally effective approach, three gardening specialists have recommended the same natural household solution that works in just 10 minutes – white vinegar.

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

Whilst pressure washers offer instant moss removal, they represent a significant financial outlay and can cause patio damage(Image: Getty)

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

“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 prevent residue from building up. Vinegar is especially effective for smaller spaces or intricate paving where a pressure washer might cause harm or loosen the joints.

When combined with regular sweeping and light brushing every few weeks, this approach will stop moss from taking hold again.

Angelika Zaber, a gardening expert working for Online Turf, suggests making a solution of half vinegar and half water, transferring it into a spray bottle, and applying it to the moss.

Make sure to leave the vinegar to sit on the moss for about 10 minutes beofre scrubbing(Image: Getty)

She advised: “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 champions the use of vinegar, though unlike Petar, he recommends against 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.”