MOSS can be tricky to remove from patio cracks, not to mention expensive if you’ve got to call in the pros.
Not only that, but it can become pretty slippery during the rainy autumn and winter months making it a nightmare for homeowners.
Since moss can spread quickly, it’s important to get the upper hand and deal with it sooner, rather than later.
This comes after one keen gardener asked for help removing the overgrown moss from her paving slabs.
Taking to the Gardening UK Facebook group, Kate Jones shared a snap of the problem moss and wrote: “What’s the best way to revive this block paving?
“We have it around the edge and at the bottom of our garden and it’s been neglected since we moved in, a lot of work to do in and out of the garden.”
Kate added: “There are loads of moss and weeds and a few hefty ant colonies. There’s a path down one side of the garden (north-facing side) then this nice bit at the bottom (which faces west).”
Although some thought using a pressure washer would be a good way to clear the moss, others warned against it since it could damage to the patio.
Instead, the go-to trick for many gardening fans was to use washing powder to help left the moss without needing to spend ages scrubbing away.
One commented: Washing powder. You would be amazed at the transformation.
“You can sweep new sand back into the seams afterwards.”
A second agreed the budget-friendly trick works wonder: “Honestly sounds strange, but cover it in cheap washing machine powder and brush it around.
“It kills moss and everything fast and for good, then the rain will rinse it off.”
“Biological washing powder works well. Sprinkle it on and either let it rain or spray some water on,” another chimed in.
Meanwhile, someone else said: “Washing powder and water, leave for a couple of hours and rinse with the hose, brings it up great.”
One user suggested using Aldi biological washing powder on both moss and algae, because it “works a dream”.
If you don’t already have some washing powder at home you can buy a box for as little as £2.75 in Asda, or £3.75 in Aldi, although most supermarkets will also stock it.
Another cheap solution according to gardening expert Craig Morley is to stir two to three tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda into around a litre of water until it has dissolved.
While more commonly used as a product in baking, it can also be effective when used in the garden – and can be bought for as little as just 62p from your local supermarket.
“On a dry day when there is ideally no rain forecast for the next few days, coat the moss with this solution, making sure that you avoid getting it onto grass or other plants,” he explained.
“After a few days, the moss should begin to turn brown and dry up, after which it can be raked away or dug up.”
The gardening pro also recommended diluting a tablespoon of white vinegar in a few litres of water, and filling a spray bottle with the mixture.
“Spray the water and vinegar mixture directly onto moss patches, and keep applying it daily until the moss dies,” he said.
“If the moss still remains after a few days, try adding a little more vinegar to the mixture.”
After the vinegar solution has killed the moss, Craig advised raking it away or digging it up from your garden.
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