IF your patio is looking a little worse for wear as we head into the colder months, don’t worry.
There’s a cheap and easy way to get looking as good as new and banish unsightly moss for good.
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According to paving expert Rowan Cripps from Infinite Paving, moss “will grow anywhere that there is an opportunity”, so it’s important to keep on top of it.
Most of the time, moss will grow between paving slabs but can quickly take over your entire patio or driveway if you’re not careful.
Wet weather provides the perfect conditions for moss to thrive too, so the problem can worsen over autumn and winter.
Luckily the pro has the perfect cheap and cheerful trick to stop moss in it’s tracks and it’s probably already in your cupboards – white vinegar.
“While white vinegar is relatively popular for killing weeds and lichens, it is just as effective at getting rid of moss as it is getting rid of weeds,” the told Express.co.uk.
“This is because the vinegar helps to break down the unwanted moss and resultantly makes it far easier to unroot and remove.”
Not only that, but the expert revealed the trick will stop moss coming back for good.
Simply add white vinegar to a spray pottle and mix with equal parts water.
Spritz over the mossy areas and leave for roughly one hour to do the hard work for you.
Then, using a soft bristled brush, you should be able to scrub away the moss with ease.
A soft bristled brush is a must, Rowan explained, since a hard one could cause damage to your patio.
Other tricks to banish moss
Taking to the Gardening UK Facebook group, Kate Jones shared a snap of the problem moss and wrote: “What’s the best way to revive this block paving?
“We have it around the edge and at the bottom of our garden and it’s been neglected since we moved in, a lot of work to do in and out of the garden.”
Kate added: “There are loads of moss and weeds and a few hefty ant colonies. There’s a path down one side of the garden (north-facing side) then this nice bit at the bottom (which faces west).”
Although some thought using a pressure washer would be a good way to clear the moss, others warned against it since it could damage to the patio.
Instead, the go-to trick for many gardening fans was to use washing powder to help left the moss without needing to spend ages scrubbing away.
One commented: Washing powder. You would be amazed at the transformation.
“You can sweep new sand back into the seams afterwards.”
A second agreed the budget-friendly trick works wonder: “Honestly sounds strange, but cover it in cheap washing machine powder and brush it around.
Cleaning hacks for outside
IF you want to get your garden summer ready, you’ll need to check this out.
ALGAE: If your fence is covered in stubborn algae, Mrs Hinch fans swore by white vinegar to get it looking brand new.
MOSS: If moss is causing you problems, soda crystals will do just the trick.
PATIO: IF your patio slabs have seen better days, bleach could be just the thing for you.
