If left untreated, moss can quickly take over your patio, but three experts have endorsed the same affordable solution
Moss thrives in cool, damp conditions away from direct sunlight, and with a steady moisture supply, it can quickly establish itself virtually anywhere.
When it comes to patios, it’s almost as though moss has discovered its perfect luxury retreat. Given that paving stones are naturally porous, water is readily soaked up, creating an ideal feeding ground for moss.
If your concrete area has fallen victim to a moss invasion, you’ll need to address it without delay. Once moss locates a favourable spot to take root, its spread can be remarkably swift. Whilst pressure washers offer instant gratification, they represent a costly purchase and risk damaging surfaces when used improperly.
For a simpler approach that doesn’t compromise on results, the Express asked three experts who all said the same household item they insist delivers the best outcome in merely 10 minutes — white vinegar.
Petar Ivanov, gardening and plant specialist at Fantastic Gardeners, revealed that “one of the most effective household items for removing moss” from paving, without turning to a pressure washer, is white vinegar.
“It’s natural acidity helps to kill moss, and it’s readily available and safe to use compared to harsh chemical alternatives,” he said.
“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.”
Following the treatment, gently washing with water helps avoid residue accumulation. Employing vinegar is especially beneficial for smaller sections or detailed paving where a pressure washer might cause harm or disturb the joints.
Pair this technique with routine sweeping and gentle brushing every few weeks, and you’ll stop moss from taking hold again.
Angelika Zaber, gardening expert working for Online Turf, suggests creating a solution made up of half vinegar and half water, placing it into a sprayer, and spraying your moss.
She advised: “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.”
Garden designer and owner of Nisho, Chris Turner, also suggests using vinegar, but like Petar, he doesn’t recommend diluting it with water.
He said, “My go-to household item for removing moss is plain white vinegar. The acidity breaks down the moss’s structure without having to use harsh chemicals.
“It also doesn’t leave behind residue that clashes with other plants. I always tell clients to apply it on a dry day, let it sit for about an hour, and then brush it off.”
