Moss favors wet, poorly drained, compact or shady conditions, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). While most species of moss are endangered, allowing it to grow on hard surfaces can be a slip hazard, so it’s best to get rid of it as soon as possible. With spring arriving in the UK, fans of Mrs Hinch have shared their best tips for getting rid of moss without scrubbing or using a pressure washer.
Posting on the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook page, Manda Jayne wrote: “Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
“Can anyone suggest what I can use to get rid of the green moss and gunk on the floor from our paving blocks in the garden?
“Please keep in mind we have a small dog who loves to explore, so no harsh chemicals. Also, we do not have a pressure washer or know of any. Thank you very much in advance.”
The post garnered over 40 comments from users who recommended a variety of hacks, including white vinegar.
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Sue Wilding commented: “Dilute white vinegar with water, approximately one part vinegar to 10 parts water. Let it sit on the patio for a while and it should melt off with a brush, no need to rub.
Pat Barker also recommends white vinegar, which he says will “kill moss” on any hard surface, as long as it doesn’t touch nearby plants.
When poured onto moss, the acetic acid present will kill any moss present within minutes.
White vinegar can be had from a variety of retailers, including Wilco for £1.50 and Ocado for £2.
One bottle of the home essentials from Wilco should last at least five patio cleanings, depending on how big the place is.
This costs as little as 30p per use, making for an economical cleaning solution, which can also be used to clean decking.
Other group members recommended using boiling water, advising the group member to make sure his dog was away when cleaning.
Mandi Marsh said: “Boiling water and a broom.” Talia Lewis said: “That’s what I do, it’s great because I have a dog and need to be careful to keep the chemicals away from her.”
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While bleach was recommended in the comments, others advised against using cheap bleach as it could harm the dog as well as leave marks on the patio.
Stephanie Bennett wrote: “I use my bleach and let the rain work its magic but you have a dog so please avoid it.
“Even if you take extra precautions and get it completely clean, some particles may remain that can be dangerous to your dog.”
Another user, John Ryan, also recommended cheap washing powder, leaving it on for at least a few hours to work.
Fiona Batman said: “I buy Asda’s own washing powder for jobs like this, it even works on weeds. Spray it on and watch the magic happen.
The supermarket’s own brands of washing powder can be picked up for £2 each and do the job of killing algae as well as moss.
Washing powder helps break down the cell wall of the moss, causing the plant to dehydrate and die.
According to The Yard and Garden’s horticulturist Ben Hilton, washing powder is effective on moss, but only in moderation and targeting the moss only.