Moss on patios can be eliminated in under five minutes using bicarbonate of soda, a common kitchen item, without harsh chemicals or vigorous scrubbing. This method has proven effective in tests during late July, with moss drying out and dying within 24 hours.
Why bicarbonate of soda works
The warm, damp conditions of August create an ideal environment for moss to spread across patio slabs, leaving surfaces grimy and posing a slip hazard. A neighbour's tip led to trying bicarbonate of soda, which has become the most effective moss removal method.
Bicarbonate of soda is highly absorbent, drawing out moisture moss needs to survive and dehydrating it. It also raises the patio's pH level, deterring future moss growth. The moss turns brown within 24 hours, and results have been impressive with minimal effort.
How to apply the treatment
Check the weather forecast first, as rain will wash the bicarbonate away. Sweep the patio with a stiff brush to remove debris, then apply a liberal amount of baking soda to green or dark patches. Leave it for at least two hours, ideally overnight.
Afterward, wash the patio down with a hosepipe or water container. The moss should lift away effortlessly without scrubbing. For heavy growth, the process may need repeating, but typically this five-minute job keeps patios moss-free through summer and autumn.
