If your patio looks a bit mossy, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. This blog post will explore eco-friendly methods and incredible products on the market with handy tricks on How to get rid of moss on the patio. We’ll also tell you what moss is, where it comes from, and why you have it in the first place! So happy reading to get all the information you need to get your patio looking spick and span again.
Scientific Cause for Moss (good & the bad)
Moss on your patio not only looks nice and green but also has scientific reasons for being there. Concrete is a very acidic surface. Mosses can grow in these conditions because they have adapted to absorb water and other nutrients through rhizoids (tiny threads attached to structures).
In addition, mosses can act as bioindicators for air pollution, water pollution, and wastewater treatment. So while it’s essential to keep an eye on your mosses to ensure they’re healthy, you can certainly take comfort in knowing that they’re helping keep your environment clean!
While the moss is beautiful to look at and has numerous advantages, it is destructive to your patio.
Here are some of the reasons why:
- Moss can cause your patio to become slippery, which can be dangerous.
- Moss can trap moisture, leading to the growth of mold and mildew not good for humans and other animals’ health.
- Moss can damage concrete and other paving materials.
- Moss also attracts unwanted insects and other pests better suited to the garden.
So if you’re thinking of adding some moss to your patio, think again! Plenty of other plants will look just as pretty and won’t cause any harm.
How to Get Rid of Moss on the Patio
There are many ways to get rid of moss on the patio, from bleach or vinegar to fungicides and moss killers. Patio Magic and Miracle-Gro Evergreen are two effective moss control solutions based on iron compounds. Wet & Forget Moss Mould is an effective moss control solution based on iron and naturally occurring iron compounds.
There are a few natural ways to prevent moss from growing on your patio. One is to keep things dry–moss thrives in damp environments. Regularly cleaning and scrubbing your patio with hot boiling water can also help deter moss growth. Another way to prevent moss is by using patio floor sealers. Finally, a patio cover can also help keep your patio clean and moss-free.
Natural Solutions for Getting Rid of Moss
What’s the secret to getting rid of moss? You might not think it is as simple, but there are many different ways. One great strategy includes natural acids and sodium bicarbonate (two things you probably have in your house already).
If you’re not a great fan of toxic chemicals, then it’s time for an upgrade! Sustainable cleaning products are your best bet.
Boiling Water
Boiling water and scrubber may be the cheapest and most natural technique, but it depends on the patio. If it’s composed of concrete, brick, or stone, boiling water can easily remove moss from cracks and crevices. Don’t direct the boiling water toward any plants, or it will harm them. Boiling water effectively removes filth from your patio.
Depending on how dense and slimy the moss is, you may require a more assertive approach or less arm strength.
Pressure Washer
If you have a pressure washer, you can use it to remove moss from your patio. Read the manufacturer’s instructions before using it, and always wear protective clothing.
TIP: You should always test the pressure washer on an inconspicuous spot first to ensure it doesn’t damage your patio.
Vinegar
Vinegar will kill moss on pavers. Pour vinegar onto the moss and scrub it with a brush. Make certain to rinse the area afterward with water to remove any traces of vinegar.
TIP: You can also add a bit of dish soap to the vinegar to make it more effective.
Steam Cleaner
A steam cleaner can remove moss from concrete patios (it will not work on pavers). The steam will loosen the moss so it can be scrubbed away with a brush.
TIP: Examine the instructions for your steam cleaner before using it. Some models require that you add a particular cleaning solution to the water.
Chemical Solutions for Getting Rid of Moss
The harsh chemicals available on the market can be quicker at getting rid of moss than a natural alternative product, but they also have more impact.
If used carefully and with consideration for the environment, these products may offer less harm than other alternatives out there!
Bleach
Bleach is also effective at killing moss. Add bleach to water and pour it over the moss. Scrub with a brush and rinse with water afterward.
TIP: Be sure to wear gloves and protective clothing when using bleach.
TSP (Trisodium Phosphate)
TSP is a strong cleaner that is often used to remove paint. It is also effective at killing moss. Add TSP to a bucket of water and pour it over the moss. Scrub with a brush and rinse with water afterward.
TIP: Avoid skin contact and breathing it in, and thoroughly rinse the TSP with fresh water.
Fungicide
Many fungicides on the market will kill moss. Be sure to read the instructions carefully before using them. Some require that you mix them with water, while others can be applied directly to the moss.
TIP: If feasible, try the fungicide on a small area before applying it to a larger area. And might be better as a preventive strategy rather than a moss exterminator.
Moss Killer
Moss killers are available in liquid, granule, or tablet form, and they work by killing the mosses outright. You can locate them at most garden centers. Follow the instructions on the package for the best results.
TIP: Be sure to apply the moss killer when the moss is actively growing. This is usually in spring or early summer.
Wet & Forget Moss Mould
Wet & Forget Moss Mould is an effective moss control solution based on iron and naturally occurring iron compounds. It will pull away moisture, so mosses dry out, turn black, and die.
TIP: You can find Wet & Forget Moss Mould at most garden centers.
Patio Magic
Patio Magic is another effective moss control solution based on iron compounds. It comes as a liquid or powder and can be used on pavers and concrete patios.
TIP: You can find Patio Magic at most garden centers.
Miracle-Gro Evergreen
Miracle-Gro is a forward-thinking firm that promotes gardening as a healthy and fundamental part of life. It is perhaps best known for the distribution of this moss kill treatment, which is utilized as a preventive way of moss management by using different types of nitrogen and potassium. This water-smart mix aids in the absorption of nutrients and is believed to last all year.
Kemsol Mosskill
Kemsol is another ecologically friendly solution that aims to keep your hard surfaces free of moss, mold, and mildew. Mosskill, in other words, may disintegrate organically. Mosskill is not very hazardous to animals or plants.
But, it is recommended to avoid getting any plant debris on your skin and instead aggressively rinse it off.
Preventing the Moss on the Patio
There are a few natural ways to prevent moss from growing on your patio. One is to keep things dry–moss thrives in damp environments.
Regularly cleaning and scrubbing your patio with hot boiling water can also help deter moss growth. Another way to prevent moss is by using patio floor sealers. Finally, a patio cover can also help keep your patio clean and moss-free.
Final Thoughts
The incredible moss thrives in snowy summits and hot deserts.
Algae have survived millions of years of climate change to arrive on your patio. They are dark flourishing species that can thrive in low-light caves, so most patios are fortunate enough to be in the sun. I hope you found this helpful post and learned a lot about the moss on your patio, why it develops, and how to get rid of and avoid it.
