Spring has arrived, bringing with it an unwelcome guest: moss. This verdant carpet spreads across patios, driveways, and decking, thriving in moisture and shade. While it may look green, uncontrolled moss poses a serious safety risk, increasing the danger of slips and falls, especially after April showers.
Beyond accidents, moss traps moisture that can cause timber to rot and stone surfaces to crack. Pressure washing is a common but expensive and labour-intensive solution. However, a simple household remedy costing just £1.40 can eliminate moss permanently.
White vinegar, available at Sainsbury's for £1.40 per litre, is highly effective. Gardening expert Petar Ivanov of Fantastic Gardeners recommends pouring it directly onto affected areas, letting it sit for 10–20 minutes, then scrubbing with a stiff brush. For stubborn patches, repeat over a few days. Rinse with water to prevent residue.
Specialist contractors Tidey & Webb suggest mixing equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle for tarmac driveways. Soak the moss, leave for 15 minutes, scrub, and repeat daily for a week. Angelika Zaber of Online Turf advises a similar method: a 50/50 vinegar-water mix, applied and left for 10 minutes before scrubbing and hosing off.
Pairing this treatment with regular sweeping prevents moss from returning. This straightforward, low-cost method offers a safe alternative to harsh chemicals and pressure washers, keeping patios and driveways moss-free this spring.
