Moss and black spots, a stubborn type of lichen, give homeowners a headache when it comes to their patios as they cling tenaciously to surfaces, resisting even the most vigorous pressure washing attempts. This unsightly buildup is a nightmare to remove, leading many to question if there’s an effective way to banish it for good.
However, green-fingered individuals on the Mrs Hinch Gardening Tips Facebook group have been sharing their tried-and-true methods for tackling these moss and patio black spots. A popular solution among the group is sodium hypochlorite, a potent chemical that annihilates the organisms causing the black spots and moss. Cassandra shared her success with the group: “Sodium hypochlorite cleared mine. I sprayed it all over my patio, left it for half an hour, and then just rinsed it off. Leave longer if you prefer.”
David Simkins also recommended the substance, saying: “Sodium hypochlorite from eBay. Just brush on and rinse off after an hour. It will kill any weeds, too.”
Charlotte Lodge echoed the sentiment, stating: “Sodium hypochlorite worked so well for me to get the black spots and moss off.”
Shannon Booker clarified: “Sodium hypochlorite is undiluted bleach, which is really good at cleaning any paving.
“This year I have used this and the stains and have all gone now. It even helped to kill off my driveway weeds.”
Jess Gwyen shared her rapid results, revealing: “Sprayed my slabs and within 10 minutes the moss and black spots had gone. It really works like magic.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Fiona Stewart commented: “I’ve found this to be the only thing that works to get the black spots off. The moss died instantly.”
Sodium hypochlorite, found in bleach, can be diluted with water to treat lichen stains and moss on patios and tarmac.
While effective, it should be used sparingly to avoid discolouration or damage to the tarmac. Always rinse the area thoroughly after application.
Also, check the weather first. Any rain that falls will dilute the product and may compromise its performance, so always apply on a dry day where there is no rain forecast.
