It is common for patios to become caked in dirt but one of the trickiest things to remove is moss which will quickly spread and take over. 

Moss can cling to porous surfaces made out of stone, brick or concrete and can penetrate small crevices, which makes it very difficult to clean away no matter how much you scrub.  

Lenard Nagy, an expert from Perfect Clean Cleaning Services said: “Moss growth on surfaces is a common problem that can make your concrete look dirty, dull, and unattractive. 

“It can also damage your concrete over time by creating cracks and holes and pose a safety hazard by making your concrete slippery and causing falls and injuries.”

However, there is an incredibly easy and fast way to remove this green menace according to Lenard, and you do not need any harsh chemicals or specialised equipment to do it. 

What is the best way to remove moss from patios? 

It turns out that baking soda is one of the most effective ways to get rid of moss from stonework as well as prevent it from growing back. 

Baking soda will cause moss to quickly dehydrate, dry out and die in no time at all. 

Moss also prefers to grow in acidic places and baking soda is highly alkaline, so it will change the pH level of a stone surface to create an environment where moss cannot grow. 

Lenard said: “Baking soda is a common household item that you can use to clean moss from concrete. 

“Baking soda is a base that can raise the pH of the moss and kill it…[and it] is also gentle and safe for your concrete and the environment.”

How do you remove moss from patios? 

All you need to do is sprinkle a generous amount of baking over a mossy area and make sure the moss is covered completely. 

Take care to make sure the baking soda does not get onto any plants or grass as baking soda will dry out anything organic it touches.

A little amount of baking soda is unlikely to harm your garden but just be cautious and do not try this cleaning solution out on a windy or rainy day to prevent it from spreading. 

Once you have applied the baking soda, allow it to sit for 24 hours to fully penetrate the moss, and it will instantly begin to turn brown. 

After the time is up the moss should have completely dried out. Use a broom or stiff brush to remove the dead moss from your patio. 

Hose down the patio or pour a bucket of soapy water on it to rinse away any more baking soda or dead moss and it will now be sparkling clean and moss-free.