Moss spreading across patios and driveways can be a real nuisance, but experts have shared a simple and inexpensive solution to get rid of the problem using a basic kitchen staple
Parul Sharma GAU Senior Writer
07:00, 14 Apr 2026
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The straightforward home remedy costs just £1.40(Image: Getty)
Spring has arrived, bringing with it the season’s most unwelcome guest – moss.
This green, lush, lichen-like carpet spreads rapidly across patios, driveways, balconies, decking, roofs and virtually any nook that offers the moisture and shade it needs to flourish.
While it might lend a verdant appearance to outdoor areas such as gardens, uncontrolled moss poses a serious safety risk, particularly when it colonises patios, as it dramatically heightens the danger of slips and tumbles.
Spring in particular witnesses an explosion of moss throughout the UK, with April’s intermittent showers transforming that mossy blanket into hazardous and slippery ground.
Perilous falls aren’t the sole drawback of moss – these minuscule, non-vascular, flowerless organisms have a habit of trapping moisture, which can subsequently cause wooden patios, balconies and roofs to decay, while stone structures may crack owing to the constant dampness it creates.
The solution is probably already sitting in your kitchen cupboard(Image: Getty)
While pressure washing tends to be the go-to solution for removing moss that has established itself on patios or driveways, it’s an expensive and labour-intensive household chore, reports the Express.
But what if there was an incredibly simple and straightforward household remedy to eliminate patio and driveway moss permanently, costing just £1.40?
There’s a common kitchen staple that most of us likely already have tucked away in our cupboards which proves remarkably effective against this slippery intruder.
White vinegar, available at Sainsbury’s for just £1.40 per litre, has proven remarkably effective at tackling moss, with numerous experts endorsing its use.
Lifestyle journalist Angela Patrone consulted Petar Ivanov, a gardening and plant expert from Fantastic Gardeners, for his recommendations on moss removal, and the solution was refreshingly simple.
The horticultural specialist revealed that “one of the most effective household items for removing moss” without relying on the conventional pressure washer approach, is white vinegar.
Multiple experts back the easy home remedy(Image: Getty)
He explained: “It’s natural acidity helps to kill moss, and it’s readily available and safe to use compared to harsh chemical alternatives.
“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.”
After application, a gentle rinse with water prevents any residue accumulation. Vinegar is especially advantageous for compact spaces or detailed paving where pressure washers risk causing harm or loosening joints.
Pair this method with routine sweeping and occasional light brushing every fortnight, and moss won’t stand a chance of returning, according to Petar.
Surfacing specialist contractors Tidey & Webb are also champions of this method, especially for dealing with moss on tarmac driveways, explaining: “[Vinegar] can be your cure for moss invasions on your tarmac driveway. Simply mix some white vinegar with water in a spray bottle.
“The acidity of the vinegar will cut through the moss killing it off. Make sure the area of moss is well soaked in your homemade cleaning agent and leave it to set for around 15 minutes.
“Then, head back with a scrubbing brush and simply scrub the moss away. You’ll need to do this every day for around a week to really get the results you want. Once done, a quick hose-down will remove any debris, and your driveway should look great again.”
Meanwhile, Angelika Zaber, a gardening authority from Online Turf, recommends preparing a half-and-half vinegar and water mixture, pouring it into a spray bottle, and targeting the moss directly.
She said: “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.”
And there it is – a straightforward remedy to banish your moss woes this spring.
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