Moss will disappear from patios by spraying 1 drink that works ‘just as well’ as chemicals

As spring comes along, bringing with it warmer temperatures and damp conditions, you may notice that moss has begun to grow along your garden pathways and patios. While this may look nice, it can actually be rather hazardous due to its slippery nature increasing the risk of falls.

Chris Bonnett, the founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, suggests going down a chremical-free route to remove moss to keep your garden plants and wildlife safe. “With the arrival of spring, we can expect rain showers and high humidity, which create the ideal conditions for moss growth,” he said. “While moss growing on trees in your garden can be a charming sight, if you notice moss spreading on hard surfaces in your garden then it’s time to take action to prevent safety hazards.”

“You don’t need to reach for chemical removals to tackle moss, as certain household items work just as well. Opting for a chemical-free approach not only benefits your plants and soil, but it’s also less harmful to local wildlife.”

Household items that can remove moss from garden

Fizzy cola

The first household item Chris recommends is fizzy cola, which many people already have inside their fridges. This budget-friendly product contains phosphoric acid, which attacks moss cells and prevents it from coming back.

To use fizzy cola to remove moss, all you need to do is pour the drink into a spray bottle, spray it on the moss, let it sit, wipe, and rinse with clean water. However while this is useful on numerous surfaces, it shouldn’t be used on concrete as this is acid-sensitive.

Baking soda

Baking soda works perfectly at removing moss, even from large surfaces; just mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste. Then apply the pasta to the affected areas, leave for a few hours, and then scrub off.

Salt

“A classic saltwater solution is great for tackling stubborn moss,” explains Chris: “Mix salt into warm water, spray the solution to the moss, and allow it to air dry. This process will dry out the moss, killing it in a natural way.”

White vinegar

One of the most versatile cleaning items, white vinegar can also be used to remove moss from your patios. Just mix equal parts white vinegar and water, spray the mixture onto the moss, leave it for 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse.

Lemon juice

The acidic nature of lemon juice makes it ideal for clearing moss from your pathways. Chris recommends applying concentrated lemon juice directly to the moss, then just srub it off with a brush.

Dish soap

Dish soap is another kitchen item that will help clear up any moss. Chris explained: “A mix of gentle dish soap with water can help loosen moss and algae, making the removal process easier.

“Dilute the dish soap with water, typically using a ratio of 1 tablespoon of soap per gallon of water, spray it directly onto the moss covered area, let it sit and scrub it off.”

Boiling water

The final kitchen item that Chris recommends is boiling water, as the high temperature kills moss cells directly. After pouring the water on the moss, leave to dry and then scrub it with a brush to loosen and remove the dead moss.