'Magic solution' to remove moss from patios fast and stop it growing back

09 June 2024 , 07:50

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You can banish moss with a clever trick (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images)

Moss often finds its way onto hard surfaces like patios, decking, and driveways, not to mention creeping into lawns.

As the warmer weather approaches, it might be time to spruce up your patio, especially after the winter months can leave it looking rather neglected. This usually involves tackling a stubborn build-up of moss that can be tricky to remove without the right techniques. If left unchecked, moss will continue to spread across your patio until you take action to eliminate it.

Experts from North East Paving and Gardens have shared their top tips for getting rid of patio moss in an environmentally friendly way. Rather than reaching for harsh chemicals or commercial moss killers, they suggest using sodium percarbonate. They explained: "Sodium percarbonate is the best and a magic solution to remove moss from patios."

Described as a free-flowing powder, sodium percarbonate combines hydrogen peroxide and sodium carbonate and is available in bags up to 25kg. Not only is sodium percarbonate a powerful bleaching agent found in many cleaners, but it also avoids releasing harmful chemicals like traditional bleach, reports the Express

According to the experts, you'll need about 40g of sodium percarbonate per square metre for effective use. They further advised: "Sodium percarbonate needs water for the magic to happen, so sprinkle it on the surface before rain is forecast or dampen it with a hose. Once activated, the granules release oxygen that seeps into cracks and crevices, effectively "killing the rhizoids and preventing regrowth".

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The moss "should die and become yellow in a few hours" - at this point, it will be "very easy to remove" with a stiff broom, brush or power washing. A 1kg bag of sodium percarbonate can be purchased online at Big Green Smile for £7.15 or on Amazon for £9.99.

Customers in the comments section claim they saw "great results" after using sodium percarbonate on their patio moss. However, they were also "amazed" at how well this product works to whiten laundry. Alternatively, the experts noted that households can use baking soda to remove patio moss because it increases the pH level. Moss prefers to grow at a pH of about five to six and "will die" if it goes above that.

Most homes will have this handy solution available, so it's often one of the most cost-effective methods for moss removal. If not, baking soda can be picked up from Robert Dyas for £2.79 or is sold as a pack of two on Amazon for £5.60.

Rom Preston-Ellis