Moss and weeds can survive the winter and spread rapidly in spring, but experts say baking soda can help kill them and prevent them from returning
Katherine McPhillips and Isobel Pankhurst Audience Writer
15:06, 24 Dec 2025
Baking soda will stop moss and weeds growing back(Image: stigalenas via Getty Images)
While December’s freezing temperatures might tempt gardeners to remain tucked up indoors, it’s actually an ideal time to tackle moss and weeds. These persistent plants can endure winter by embedding themselves deep within patio crevices, where they’re sheltered from the harsh conditions.
Left unaddressed, they can cause damage to stone slabs and proliferate quickly come spring, creating considerably more work to prevent them from overwhelming the garden.
While boiling water is typically an effective method for eliminating weeds and moss, it shouldn’t be used during winter as the abrupt temperature shift can cause surfaces to crack.
Other commonly used remedies, such as vinegar, prove ineffective because they only deal with surface growth, allowing the spores and roots to simply regenerate.
A simple yet effective way to remove moss and weeds is with baking soda(Image: fcafotodigital via Getty Images)
However, the gardening specialists at Good Grow have revealed a straightforward solution for clearing your patio entirely, requiring just a small amount of baking soda.
They explained: “Baking soda, a common household item, is a versatile agent that can effectively kill moss on various surfaces, including lawns and hard materials like paving stones.”
The remarkable property of baking soda lies in its high absorbency, enabling it to rapidly extract moisture from weeds and moss. It penetrates deep into the root system to dehydrate and eliminate them within just a few hours, requiring no manual effort.
Furthermore, baking soda’s alkaline nature alters the surrounding environment, preventing regrowth as these plants require slightly acidic conditions to thrive.
Spray the baking soda solution all over a patio to stop the weeds and moss growing back (Image: Lucy Lambriex via Getty Images)How to use baking soda to clear patio weeds and moss
To start, mix two to three tablespoons of baking soda into a basin (around 950ml) of water. Stir the mixture until the baking soda is fully dissolved, then transfer it into a watering can or sprayer.
Apply this solution to your patio on a clear day when no rain or wind is forecasted, as these conditions could cause the mixture to run off onto garden plants or a lawn.
Spray the mixture directly onto any weeds or mossy areas on your patio, and then simply wait. Within a day or two, they should have withered and turned a crispy brown colour.
If the moss or weeds still appear green, just reapply the mixture to kill any remaining spores or roots. Your patio should now be gleaming clean, allowing you to enjoy the rest of winter without any garden worries.
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