Garden experts are urging homeowners to use washing up liquid as an effective, non-chemical solution to kill moss on lawns this summer. The method, shared by JoesLawnCare.co.uk, involves mixing just two ingredients: dish soap and water.
Why Moss Is a Problem
A lush green lawn is a prized feature of British gardens, but moss can quickly invade and choke out grass, creating a patchy, uneven surface. While some gardeners appreciate moss for its environmental benefits—such as trapping carbon dioxide, providing insect habitat, and shading soil—others find it unsightly and want it removed.
The Chemical-Free Solution
Commercial moss killers are often expensive and contain potent chemicals that can harm beneficial garden insects like bees, worms, and other wildlife. According to JoesLawnCare.co.uk, dish soap offers a safer alternative. The recipe calls for mixing 60ml of dish soap into 4.5 litres of water, then applying the solution directly to moss patches using a hand sprayer, holding the nozzle just a few inches away.
“Mixing 60ml of dish soap into 4-and-a-half litres of water and then filling up a hand sprayer is one of the most incredible moss killing recipes you could ever come across,” the website states. “Simply take your mixture outside and spray on any patches of moss you come across.”
How It Works
After application, the moss will change from green to an orangey-brown colour over the next day or so, then dry up and die. “You’ll see your moss invasion turn from a lush green colour to an orangey-brown before it totally dries up and succumbs to the surrounding grass. It’s epic,” the experts add.
For best results, gardeners should check the weather forecast and apply the solution during a dry period of at least 24 hours to prevent rain from washing it away. Once the moss has died, it can be easily raked off the lawn.
Additional Tips for Summer Lawn Care
Experts also suggest other natural methods to maintain a healthy lawn, such as leaving two fruits on lawns and bird tables in July to attract wildlife, and scattering chilli powder to deter pests. Using household items like CDs hung in gardens can also help scare away birds and protect plants.
By opting for this simple, chemical-free approach, gardeners can effectively manage moss while protecting the broader garden ecosystem.
