Wickes’ garden expert has shared how to banish stubborn patio moss and weeds without the need for an expensive pressure washer
Wickes’ garden expert has shared how to banish stubborn patio moss and weeds without the need for an expensive pressure washer(Image: Tim Parker via Getty Images)
If you’re eagerly anticipating getting out into the garden this spring, you’ll want to ensure everything is looking its absolute best. One particularly unsightly issue for garden enthusiasts is a stained patio blighted by moss and algae.
Patio moss tends to develop due to a combination of persistent moisture, shade, and accumulating debris, which together create an ideal, damp, nutrient-rich environment for spores to take hold, particularly throughout the UK’s autumn and winter months. Moss growth can be triggered by poor drainage and insufficient sunlight, enabling it to flourish even on concrete or stone surfaces.
To help homeowners smarten up their patios without resorting to a pressure washer, Clair Albone, senior category manager of gardens at Wickes, has offered some invaluable guidance.
A weed brush will help keep patios spotless without the mess, cost or water waste of pressure washing(Image: Getty)
All you’ll need is the right equipment to hand, and a pressure washer isn’t among them. Speaking to Express.co.uk, Clair said: “Most people think getting a patio looking fresh means blasting it with a pressure washer – but that’s not actually the key to keeping it clean. The real trick is stopping weeds, moss and algae before they take over.
“If you don’t have a pressure washer, you don’t need to panic – a good weed killer and a solid patio brush will do the job brilliantly. I recommend Patio Magic Hard Surface Cleaner Concentrate 2.5L (£12), which not only cleans but prevents regrowth, saving you from repeat battles with the same problem.
“Apply it evenly across your pre-swept patio surface, making sure you get good coverage over all the areas affected by moss and algae. The brilliant thing about Patio Magic is that you don’t need to scrub or rinse it off!
“Just apply it and let it dry naturally. Over the next few days, you’ll see the green growth disappear as the powerful formula gets to work, leaving your patio looking fresh and clean.
Prevent moss and weeds from returning in between deep-cleans with white vinegar(Image: Getty)
“Team it with a Patio Weed Brush (£6.50) and you’ll have a spotless patio without the mess, cost or water waste of pressure washing. After the Patio Magic has done its job, your brush is perfect for giving it an occasional sweep to keep it pristine and remove any new surface debris.”
Maintaining a clean patio is also about prevention rather than cure, so if you’d rather not spend hours toiling outdoors to keep your slabs looking their best, there are a handful of tasks worth doing. Between thorough cleans, Clair suggested returning to basics to keep moss under control.
She said: “For those looking to keep their patio tidy in between deeper cleans, simple home methods like warm soapy water and a stiff brush can help lift everyday dirt, while white vinegar solutions may tackle small patches of moss or algae. However, these tend to offer only short-term results and won’t prevent regrowth in the same way.
“For long-term prevention, I’d always recommend using a dedicated treatment like Patio Magic every six to 12 months, especially before damp seasons, to keep that sparkling finish year-round. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it works year-round – no power tools required!”
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