Moss loves a cool, damp surface shielded by the sun, and with a constant source of moisture, it can soon call anywhere home. When it comes to patios, it’s almost as if moss has found its very own five-star hotel. With the nature of paving allowing it to be porous, water is easily absorbed, providing a constant energy source to moss.
If your concrete surface has become infested with moss, you’ll want to tackle it as soon as possible. Once moss finds a suitable place to settle, its growth can be rapid. While pressure washers help to remove patio moss instantly, they are an expensive investment and can damage patios if used incorrectly. For an easier method that doesn’t scrimp on effectiveness, three gardening experts have shared the same one natural household product they claim works the best in just 10 minutes — white vinegar.
Fantastic Gardeners’ gardening and plant expert Petar Ivanov shared that “one of the most effective household items for removing moss” from paving, without resorting to a pressure washer, is white vinegar.
He explained: “It’s natural acidity helps to kill moss, and it’s readily available and safe to use compared to harsh chemical alternatives.
“Pour it directly onto the affected areas, let it sit for around 10 to 20 minutes and then scrub with a stiff brush. For stubborn patches, repeating the process once or twice over a few days will often achieve a thorough result.”
After the treatment, gently rinsing with water helps prevent residue buildup. Using vinegar is particularly useful for smaller areas or intricate paving where a pressure washer can cause damage or dislodge the joints.
Combine this method with regular sweeping and light brushing every few weeks, and you’ll prevent moss from re-establishing.
Angelika Zaber, gardening expert working for Online Turf, recommends creating a mixture consisting of half vinegar and half water, putting it into a sprayer, and spraying your moss.
She advised: “Make sure to leave it to sit for about 10 minutes or so and then scrub the area with a stiff brush. Finish by hosing the area off.”
Garden designer and owner of Nisho, Chris Turner, also recommends using vinegar, but like Petar, he doesn’t advise mixing it with water.
He said, “My go-to household item for removing moss is plain white vinegar. The acidity breaks down the moss’s structure without having to use harsh chemicals.
“It also doesn’t leave behind residue that clashes with other plants. I always tell clients to apply it on a dry day, let it sit for about an hour, and then brush it off.”
