This 49p kitchen item works as a surprise cleaner on patches of moss that are growing on patios and outdoor garden furniture – it’s the perfect, affordable moss removal hack
A simple fridge staple will help you get rid of moss from patios and garden furniture(Image: Penpak S. via Getty Images)
As winter’s icy grip finally releases Britain and welcomes milder spring weather, your outdoor furniture and patio may be showing signs of neglect.
The widespread explosion of moss across Britain as spring establishes itself likely isn’t helping matters – but we’ve got another reliable trick to share.
The best bit? You won’t need to spend a small fortune removing those vibrant green moss patches that have colonised your outdoor areas, as a common fridge staple does the job brilliantly.
For moss patches that have established themselves on your patio and garden furniture, nothing more than a tin of fizzy pop is required to eliminate these miniature, non-vascular, flowerless plants.
While it might look quite attractive, creating a lush green appearance in outdoor areas, uncontrolled moss growth presents a significant safety hazard, particularly when it spreads across patios and driveways, substantially increasing the risk of slips and falls that can lead to serious injuries, reports the Express.
Meanwhile, unrestrained moss growth – particularly on garden furniture, wooden decking, patios, and tarmac driveways – can inflict severe structural harm through rot and surface cracks.
This 49p hack works like a miracle against moss(Image: Getty)
Gardening specialists are championing a remarkable solution for moss removal, and astonishingly, it involves a tin of cola.
The clever trick
Employing a fizzy drink, especially a tin of cola, is a straightforward and powerful technique to eliminate moss from outdoor areas and stop new spores from developing. What’s more, it’s incredibly economical.
A 2 litre bottle of Morrisons No Added Sugar Diet Cola costs just 49p, making this moss-removal trick one of the most wallet-friendly solutions available.
But why are fizzy drinks (particularly cola) so successful in combating moss? The answer lies in basic science.
The phosphoric acid found in fizzy drinks destroys moss at a cellular level, dismantling the organism’s structure and preventing its regrowth.
Speaking to Ideal Home, Tatyana Dimitrova, a spokesperson for Fantastic Gardeners, outlined the science underpinning the method: “This dark, fizzy drink contains phosphoric acid, which attacks the cell structure of the moss and prevents new spores from growing in the same place. Besides that, it’s a non-toxic and inexpensive ingredient that can be found in nearly any household.”
She noted that the cola doesn’t require dilution, making this approach perfect for tackling moss in compact or awkward spots, such as individual paving stones or gaps in garden furniture.
“However, it’s not suitable for larger areas or on acid-sensitive surfaces, such as marble or concrete,” she adds.
Garden experts are recommending a wonder fix to get rid of moss(Image: Getty)
How to use a can of cola to get rid of moss
This moss removal technique is as straightforward and fuss-free as it is budget-friendly. All you’ll need is a can of fizzy drink – cola works best – and a spray bottle.
Simply pour the cola into the spray bottle and spritz it generously over any moss-affected patches on your patio or garden furniture.
Leave it to work for a couple of hours, overnight, or even a few days – depending on how stubborn the moss proves to be – then scrub away the dried, brown residue with a hard bristle brush before rinsing the area clean with water or a garden hose.
It goes without saying that when treating garden furniture, keep a close eye out for any discolouration or staining. It’s also essential to thoroughly clean away the sugary cola residue once it’s done its job – the last thing you want is to sit on sticky chairs or attract unwanted insects.
For surfaces with a particularly heavy coating of moss that can withstand the treatment, you can pour the cola directly from the can or bottle onto the affected area.
Places to avoid using cola
It shouldn’t be used on concrete surfaces like paving slabs(Image: Getty)
While fizzy drinks are perfectly suited for use on patio slabs and garden furniture, you should steer well clear of applying them to your lawn.
Graham Smith MCIHort, a gardening expert at LBS Horticulture, tells Ideal Home: “Although this method is non-toxic, it should not be used near plants or on grassed areas.
“This is because the sugars, acids and other artificial ingredients in the drink can harm plants. Sugar can reduce a plant’s ability to absorb or take in water, and it can encourage the growth of bacteria or fungi in the soil.”
It’s also essential to thoroughly wash away any sugary residue from the fizzy drink off your paving, to avoid leaving a sticky mess or drawing unwanted garden pests to your patio and outdoor furniture.
A word of warning: this trick should be avoided on concrete surfaces such as paving slabs or marble, as these materials are susceptible to acid damage.
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