Patio moss can be unsightly and a slipping hazard, but it’s not necessarily easy to remove permanently.
Luckily, a paving expert has shared his trick for making it disappear long-term—and it turns out it doesn’t cost a fortune.
Rowan Cripps, director of Infinite Paving, explained that moss is highly unpredictable and “will grow anywhere that there is an opportunity.”
It is commonly found in the gaps between paving stones and, if left unchecked, can spread across the entire area.
Moss often thrives in places where dirt or soil has accumulated, typically due to the windy conditions of winter. It also favours areas that are damp, humid, and shaded.
One of the methods recommended by Rowan for removing moss is the use of white vinegar.
He shared: “While white vinegar is relatively popular for killing weeds and lichens, it is just as effective at getting rid of moss as it is getting rid of weeds.
“This is because the vinegar helps to break down the unwanted moss and resultantly makes it far easier to unroot and remove.
“This means that the moss will disappear and also that it should not come back anytime soon.”
To make a vinegar-based cleaning solution, simply pour some vinegar into a spray bottle and dilute it with an equal amount of water.
Spray the solution over the affected areas and allow it to sit for around an hour.
After the solution has soaked in, use a soft-bristled brush to remove the moss from the surface.
Rowan pointed out that diluting the vinegar and using a soft-bristled brush is crucial, as it helps to “avoid causing any damage” to your paving stones.
These simple steps will help you “get rid of the unwanted moss” without causing any additional harm to the surface.
For those who don’t have white vinegar on hand, a bottle can be purchased at Tesco or Sainsbury’s for just 35p.
