Moss poses slip hazards on patios, but there’s an easy solution using one everyday item rather than using a harsh pressure washer that experts say can ruin slabs
As the weather gets warmer and more people head out into their gardens, the time has come to spruce up our spaces.
Moss can give your garden a rustic, charming feel which is why many people put up with it. But it presents real risks and significantly increases the likelihood of slipping when allowed to spread across paved surfaces.
The danger becomes even greater during spring, as it builds up into a thick, slippery layer throughout winter and remains wet and hazardous due to April showers.
The most pressing reason to address it straight away is that moss holds moisture on surfaces, and when patios remain damp, certain stone types can begin to crack while wooden ones may start to rot.
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Many homeowners turn to hosepipes or pressure washers for patio upkeep, but landscape designer Mary Stone has warned that powerwashing can be far too harsh on patio surfaces.
Mary said: “I once used a power washer, which is risky for damaging the stone. Then there’s the ick factor of scum kicking back at you,” the Express reports. She added: “The power washing outcome was clean centers of each stone, while the areas near the joints remained green. Not so pretty.”
What is the most efficient way to get rid of moss?
Moss is a rootless plant that spreads by releasing its spores into cracks and gaps, yet should even the smallest fragment remain, it will regrow surprisingly quickly.
Pressure washing regularly falls short when it comes to removing moss from patios, as it cannot destroy the spores buried deep within the joints, meaning regrowth can happen within just a few weeks.
But there’s no need to spend countless hours scrubbing patios or turning to harsh chemical moss treatments, as one of the most successful ways to get rid of moss is surprisingly simple – just pour washing-up liquid on it.
Mary said: “A good old soapy water mix made from three tablespoons of biodegradable dish soap (free of harmful bleach or fragrance) to one gallon of warm water, can do the trick. Be sure to use a plastic or natural-bristle deck brush; never a metal brush, as it will scratch.”
You can pick up a bottle of washing up liquid from the likes of Tesco for as little as 62p.
How does washing-up liquid stop moss coming back?
While it might seem basic, washing-up liquid breaks through the waxy protective layer on moss, quickly dehydrating the spores and destroying them.
The mixture can work its way deep into moss to reach spores embedded within patio surfaces, wiping out every last bit and stopping regrowth during the spring period.
Tackling patio moss with washing-up liquid
Just mix washing-up liquid with warm water in a bucket and spread the solution over the problem areas. Leave it for several hours so the mixture can break down the moss and allow it to dry out, at which point it should look completely dead.
Brush away the dried moss with a broom or hard-bristled brush. Then, wash down with fresh water or a hosepipe to dilute any leftover washing-up liquid, avoiding possible harm to nearby plants or grass. Your patio ought to now be completely spotless and sparkling, all achieved with a budget-friendly product that poses no risk to your garden.
