Moss can be a real headache for homeowners, as it stubbornly clings to patios and quickly regrows if not dealt with promptly. Aaron Christensen, the resident cleaning expert at Homeaglow, has offered his top tips on how to tackle this pesky problem. He suggests that households should regularly sweep their patio to remove any leaves, mulch or dirt that could encourage moss growth.
If new moss is spotted, he advises using a hard bristle brush to dislodge it before it becomes a bigger issue, saving a day of intense scrubbing. For those dealing with more established moss, Aaron recommends trying a mixture of boiling water and dish soap. He said: "Boiling water and dish soap is a gentle and eco-friendly combo to remove the moss.".
To use this method, pour the hot soapy water onto the patio and scrub with a stiff broom. He added: "The water-soap combo should create enough lubrication to remove any mossy layer sitting on your patio.". Another method Aaron highly recommends is using a steam cleaner on the patio, reports the Express. He said: "It is eco-friendly and simply uses the high steam temperatures to kill off the patio moss.".
However, he reminds us that moss thrives in damp conditions, so it's important to dry the patio thoroughly after cleaning. If you can, it's advisable to save patio cleaning for a sunny day, which will help dry the surface and make your job easier. Aaron contends that while bleach is the "most powerful approach", it is extremely harmful to you, your garden, and your pets.
