Patios can quickly become dirty in summer since we are spending more time outdoors, but they can also be a hotspot for moss and algae which can be tricky to clean. Moss and algae tend to be more common during the colder seasons, but British summers are very humid which can cause these plant-like organisms to stick firmly to outdoor surfaces.
What is frustrating these spongy green menaces is that they only need one tiny spore to keep growing back, so you will need to keep scrubbing it off to keep your patio clean. However, the experts at Infinite Paving has shared there is actually a very simple way to kill both moss and algae to stop it growing back, as you just need a little baking soda.
They said: “One very unconventional yet very effective way of getting rid of unwanted paving weeds is by using bicarbonate of soda.
“When eradicating moss from your garden, bicarbonate of soda, or baking soda, is a very powerful substance that will get rid of the moss in no time.”
Baking soda might seem simple, but people often underestimate how useful it is to clean various areas around the home, and it can kill both moss and algae.
Moss and algae can only live in a acidic environment, but baking soda is a alkaline product, so will rise the pH level on a surface so stop them being able to grow.
Baking soda is also naturally absorbent and will suck all the moisture off a patio, which also dries them and makes it much harder for them to survive.
This is one of the easiest ways to kill moss and algae while also making a patio dryer and less acidic, so there is no chance they will grow back for the rest of the summer.
How to remove moss and algae stuck to a patio
All you need to do is wait for a sunny day, and then give your patio a good sweep to help loosen the stains first.
Then, sprinkle a generous amount of dry baking soda on any mossy or algae-ridden areas of your patio.
Leave the baking soda alone to give it time to dry them out and raise the pH level. It should typically take 24 to 48 hours. You can keep applying baking soda during this time if you wish.
You will know it has worked when the moss or algae begins to turn brown, as that means it is dying.
Once it has completely dried up, the moss or algae should be easy to remove by sweeping it with a broom. Use hot water to rinse your patio, and it should stay clean and stain-free for much longer.