Constantly scrubbing away moss can seem like a losing battle because it always seems to come back, but it turns out there’s a simple way to stop it from growing back.
Cleaning expert Colin Seymour has said that the easiest and most natural way to get rid of moss is to spread soda crystals on your terrace.
She said: “I’ve been using soda crystals for a variety of things around the house, including stretching our washing powder, cleaning drains, degreasing and general cleaning for a long time.
“Now I have another use: removing moss from paths, balconies, patios and verandas in an affordable and environmentally friendly way.”
It may sound strange, but soda crystals are effective at removing moss because they are highly alkaline, and moss only thrives in an acidic environment.
The soda crystals absorb moisture from the moss to dry it out, causing it to die quickly.
Without moisture or acidity, moss cannot survive, so it cannot grow back, and the soda crystals also remove dirt from the surface, so you have a sparkling clean patio without much effort.
Soda crystals are available in most supermarkets and cost £2 in Tesco, ASDA and Sainsbury’s, while they cost £2.35 in Morrisons.
How to remove moss from a patio with soda crystals
You will need:
- Soda crystals
- Water
- A stiff brush or broom
- A watering can or bucket.
Method:
Colin said: “When I applied the soda crystals I tested two methods: sprinkle the soda crystals liberally on a damp balcony and create a strong solution and sprinkle with a watering can.
“Both proved to be very effective, while dry spraying on a damp balcony was probably that little bit more effective the first time because the spots would have had a higher concentration than the solution.”
To begin with, all you need to do is sweep the patio with a broom, which will help loosen the moss and make it easier for the soda crystals to work.
Then pour a generous amount of water on the terrace with a bucket or watering can until it is completely wet.
Add the soda crystals and boiling hot water from the pot to the same bucket and stir until the soda crystals are completely dissolved.
Carefully take the solution to the patio and pour directly onto the mossy areas.
Allow the soda crystal solution to sit for at least one day to allow the alkaline solution to break down the moss.
After a day, the moss should be brown and withered, so all you have to do is sweep it off your patio with a broom.
If the moss has been growing in the area for a long time and is stubborn, you may need to apply soda crystals again to get rid of it.
After the moss is wiped away, rinse the patio with water one more time to remove soda crystals and moss debris.
