Moss often grows back quickly if you do not know how to clean it properly, and the most effective way to get rid of it does not include harsh chemicals or power washing
There’s a simple way to remove patio moss (Image: css0101 via Getty Images)
While moss can lend a charming, rustic feel to a garden, it poses a genuine safety hazard, significantly increasing the risk of slips and falls when it takes hold on patios. The danger intensifies during spring, as it accumulates into a thick, slippery layer throughout the colder months, remaining treacherously wet during April’s frequent rainfall.
The most compelling reason to remove it promptly, however, is that moss retains moisture on surfaces, which can cause stone patios to crack or wooden ones to rot if left persistently damp. While most homeowners reach for a hose or pressure washer, landscape designer Mary Stone has cautioned against this approach.
As reported by reports the Express, Mary said: “I once used a power washer, which is risky for damaging the stone. Then there’s the ick factor of scum kicking back at you.”
She added: “The power washing outcome was clean centers of each stone, while the areas near the joints remained green. Not so pretty.”
Moss can be a slipping hazard and begin harming patios once spring begins(Image: Getty)
What is the best way to get rid of moss?
Moss is a rootless plant that survives by spreading its spores into cracks and joints, but if any small fragment remains, it will grow back extremely quickly.
Pressure washing frequently proves ineffective at eliminating moss from patios, as it fails to dislodge spores embedded deep within the joints, meaning it typically returns within just a few weeks.
There’s no need to spend hours scrubbing your patio or resorting to harsh chemical moss killers, as one of the most effective solutions is simply pouring washing-up liquid directly onto the affected area.
Mary explained: “A good old soapy water mix made from three tablespoons of biodegradable dish soap (free of harmful bleach or fragrance) to one gallon of warm water, can do the trick. Be sure to use a plastic or natural-bristle deck brush; never a metal brush, as it will scratch.”
Moss and algae will stay off patios for good(Image: Getty)
Why does washing-up liquid prevent moss from returning?
It may sound straightforward, but washing-up liquid effectively breaks down the waxy protective coating on moss, rapidly dehydrating the spores and causing them to perish.
Washing-up liquid penetrates deeply into moss, reaching spores buried within patio surfaces to eliminate every trace and prevent regrowth throughout spring.
Your patio will be completely clear and moss-free without needing a harsh chemical solution(Image: Getty)
How to remove patio moss using washing-up liquid
Simply combine washing-up liquid with warm water in a bucket and apply the mixture directly to the moss.
Leave it to sit for several hours, allowing the solution sufficient time to break down the moss and dry it out completely – at which point it should appear entirely dead.
Use a stiff brush or broom to sweep away the dried moss. Once finished, rinse the area thoroughly with clean water or a hosepipe to dilute the washing-up liquid, preventing any damage to nearby plants or grass.
Your patio should now be spotlessly clean, achieved using an inexpensive product that poses no threat to your garden.
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