Moss overtaking your patio can make it hard to enjoy the space to the fullest, detracting from its serenity and appearance. 

However, learning how to clean moss off patio isn’t just a matter of aesthetics. It can save your patio material, and in some cases, spread to the point that it kills desired vegetation like potted plants or your lawn.

That’s why we’re here to show you how to get rid of patio moss naturally so you can preserve your patio’s looks and longevity. From choosing the right patio mass killer to effective application techniques and prevention strategies, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

But the most important takeaway is that you need a tried-and-true patio moss cleaner to make quick work of the most challenging moss outbreaks. Jennychem is proud to present the #1 patio cleaner in the UK to help you put this problem behind you quickly and easily. 

So, shop today and set yourself up for success removing moss on patio!

Overview of Moss on Patio

Moss is a common issue for patios, especially in damp and shaded areas. It thrives in environments where moisture is prevalent, and sunlight is scarce. 

Identifying moss on your patio is straightforward: it appears as a dense, green carpet that feels spongy to the touch. While it might look harmless, moss can cause several problems if left unchecked. So, what are these problems, and what causes moss in the first place?

What Causes Moss?

Part of knowing how to clean moss off patio is understanding the factors that allow it to thrive - this way, you can do whatever necessary to prevent these conditions:

• Moisture: Moss thrives in wet environments, so patios that retain water due to poor drainage or frequent rain are breeding grounds.
• Shade: Limited sunlight promotes moss growth. Areas of the patio that are consistently shaded by trees, buildings, or other structures are more likely to develop moss.
• Temperature: Cooler temperatures favour moss growth, especially in temperate climates. Moss can survive in a range of temperatures, though.
• Surface Material: Porous materials like concrete and stone provide an ideal environment for moss to anchor and grow. The rough texture of these surfaces holds moisture to encourage moss proliferation.

The Problems of Having Moss on Patio

This is supposed to be a place for you to unwind and find a sense of relaxation after a long day, moss growth can make a patio look neglected and unsightly. It also leaves you discouraged against having guests over to enjoy the patio.

It’s not just an eyesore or a minor nuisance, though. Moss can make patio surfaces extremely slippery, especially when wet. Increased risk of slips and falls, poses a safety hazard for anyone using the patio.

If left unchecked moss roots can penetrate small cracks and crevices, leading to larger cracks and erosion. This can weaken the structural integrity of the patio, requiring costly repairs.

It’s also very difficult to clean once it becomes established. That’s why swift action upon discovering a moss outbreak is so important. So, let’s get into how to clean moss off patio, starting with selecting the optimal patio moss killer. 

Choosing the Right Patio Moss Killer

Picking the right patio moss cleaner can make or break your results. You need a solution that kills moss fast without posing a risk to your patio surface. We’ll help you weigh your options below before getting into how to get rid of patio moss naturally.

Professional Patio Moss Cleaner at Jennychem

As we said from the start, the best patio cleaner in the UK is just a few clicks away at Jennychem. We’ve been the country’s trusted chemical provider for over 35 years. Here are some of our most popular solutions: 

• Patio & Driveway Cleaner: This specially formulated solution tackles tough grime, algae, moss, and stubborn stains to bring your patios and driveways back to like new. It penetrates deep into surface pores to lift dirt and impurities to the surface for easy removal. Its fast-acting formula breaks down even the most resilient dirt fast. It’s environmentally safe and compatible with concrete, stone, brick, and most outdoor tiles.
• Brick & Patio Acid Cleaner: This cleaner is formulated to dissolve stubborn stains and grime on brick and concrete patios alike. It removes dirt, algae, and moss, restoring your outdoor spaces to their original brilliance. As an acid-based formula it requires careful handling but delivers exceptional results. 
• Black Spot Remover: This patio moss cleaner penetrates deeply into porous surfaces and eradicates black spots caused by lichen and algae at their roots. It’s compatible with patios, driveways, decking, and natural stone. Not only does it provide instant visible results, but its long-lasting formula continues to combat the recurrence of black spots for a lasting pristine appearance. It’s environmentally conscious, ensuring no harm to your garden's plants or the broader ecosystem.

Each of these has its place in the realm of patio cleaning, but if you aren’t sure which is best for your unique needs, give us a call or email and we’ll help you choose the right one. You can also read our guide - how does patio cleaner work?

Sodium Hypochlorite

Another common patio moss killer is sodium hypochlorite, which is found in household bleach. However, you’ll want a more concentrated solution for effective moss removal. 

This powerful disinfecting agent is used for its strong oxidizing properties, making it effective in killing moss and other organic growths. When diluted appropriately, it can be sprayed onto moss-covered surfaces to quickly eliminate moss. 

However, it must be handled with care to prevent harm to yourself or damage to surrounding plants and surfaces.

Jennychem is a bulk supplier, which means our sodium hypochlorite is always ready to ship and available in quantities ranging from 5LT to 1000LT. We offer concentrations of 10-11% and 14-15%.

Vinegar and Other DIY Solutions

You could consider trying a DIY patio cleaner, as there are many ingredients around the house that may be effective against moss. Just be aware that these won’t deliver the same results as a professional solution, so you’ll need to set your expectations.

That being said, vinegar, particularly white vinegar with a high acetic acid concentration, is a popular DIY solution for moss removal. It works by breaking down the moss's structure, effectively killing it. Our weedkiller is a great choice as it contains the proper concentration, but you may be able to find a vinegar strong enough at home.

Another natural solution is baking soda, which is less acidic than vinegar but still effective. We’ve also seen salt used as a DIY patio moss cleaner, but again - all these approaches will fall short in comparison to an expertly crafted patio moss killer at Jennychem. Choose wisely!

Always Account for Patio Materials!

Before you choose a cleaner to address moss on patio be sure to check whether or not it aligns with your specific materials. This will help you avoid doing more harm than good. If you’re not sure, follow these recommendations on suitable chemicals for various surfaces:

• Concrete and Stone: These materials are generally durable and can withstand stronger chemicals like sodium hypochlorite and acid-based cleaners. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first though - better safe than sorry.
• Brick: This porous material can be sensitive to acidic cleaners. Use acid-based cleaners sparingly and rinse thoroughly to avoid erosion. Our acid-based brick cleaner is specifically formulated to be safe on this surface so you don’t have to stress about it.
• Wood and Composite Decking: These materials can be damaged by strong chemicals. Opt for milder solutions like vinegar or specialized wood cleaners.

We said it before and we’ll say it again - don’t worry about choosing the right patio moss cleaner. Get in touch with Jennychem today and let us point you in the right direction. 

How to Clean Moss Off Patio: Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Moss From Patio

Once you have your patio moss killer on hand it’s time to get to work. Follow this step-by-step guide on how to get rid of patio moss naturally.

Begin With a Thorough Sweep

Starting by removing dry matter like leaves, dirt, and surface moss allows the patio cleaner to penetrate into the tough areas and work uninterrupted.

Use a stiff-bristled outdoor broom for better results. The stiff bristles can dislodge and remove moss spores and other debris embedded in the patio’s surface. We also suggest sweeping in different directions to cover all angles and dislodge as much moss as possible.

This is also a good time to remove any potted plants or patio furniture that could impede your work or that could be harmed by the patio moss killer you intend to use.

Apply the Moss Killer Solution

Now you can put your patio moss cleaner to work. We suggest waiting for a dry day with minimal wind as these conditions will set you up for success.

Make sure you’re wearing gloves, long-sleeves, pants, covered shoes, and eyewear to protect yourself from caustic chemicals. Then, dilute the product (if necessary) according to the instructions. We have tips on how to use patio cleaner in our blog.

Apply it to your patio slabs and let it sit on the moss-covered regions for 10-15 minutes, or according to manufacturer recommendations. This dwell time is essential for letting the active ingredients kill the moss down to its roots, allowing it to be easily blasted away in the next step.

Pressure Wash the Moss Away

After the moss killer solution has had time to work, use a pressure washer to blast the moss off the patio. While a standard garden hose with a high-pressure nozzle might work just fine, nothing beats the effectiveness and efficiency of cleaning a patio with a pressure washer.

If you don’t have one, you can shop our industrial pressure washer and cold water pressure washer selection here at Jennychem. We carry the industry’s most trusted choice, Kranzle pressure washers. Pairing these with one of our patio moss cleaners is the most dynamic duo.

Set the pressure washer to a medium setting to avoid damaging the patio surface. High pressure can etch or erode softer materials like sandstone or wood.

Then, use sweeping motions and work methodically from one end of the patio to the other. Keep the nozzle at a consistent distance from the surface to ensure even cleaning. 

Consider using a rotating nozzle attachment. This provides a circular cleaning motion that can dislodge stubborn moss more effectively than a standard nozzle. Better yet, see if your pressure washer has a heat setting as hot water can work more effectively.

For more tips, read our guide on how to clean patio slabs with a pressure washer.

Scrub Stubborn Areas if Necessary

Ideally, you’d be able to rinse your patio and reveal a brilliant, like-new surface. Unfortunately, some moss problems may necessitate additional steps, particularly if you’ve let the moss grow for a while and become deeply rooted.

If so, reapply the patio cleaner of choice and let it dwell. This time, though, instead of using a power washer you’ll want to use a stiff-bristled scrubbing brush or a deck brush. 

Again, scrub from different angles and apply as much pressure as you can. This can be exhausting, but it’s worth the work to bring your patio back to its former glory. 

Rinse the Patio and Let it Dry

Finish up by using the pressure washer once again to rinse away the moss and any residual suds from your pressure washer. Then, simply let your patio air dry completely. 

The earlier you can perform this task the better, as you want the sun to beat down on your patio so it can speed up the drying process and prevent mould or mildew formation. And there you have it - you know how to clean moss off patio slabs now!

Preventing Moss on Patio Going Forward

Understanding how to get rid of patio moss naturally is a great first step, but preventing it from returning is just as important. Here are some measures you can take to reduce the likelihood of dealing with moss on patio going forward:

• Monthly Sweeping: Remove leaves, dirt, and other debris frequently to prevent the accumulation of organic matter that can retain moisture.
• Quarterly Deep Cleaning: Use a suitable patio moss cleaner and a pressure washer to remove any potential moss spores before they have a chance to establish.
• Check for Drainage Issues: Inspect your patio for areas where water tends to collect and address these issues. This might involve re-leveling parts of the patio or installing additional drainage solutions.
• Trim Overhanging Branches: Excessive shade over your patio may make for better relaxing during the summer, but it also contributes to moss formation. Trim back bushes and branches if necessary to let more sunlight reach the surface and make it less hospitable for moss.
• Enhance Air Circulation: Remove any objects that block airflow around your patio, such as large planters or furniture. Improved air circulation helps dry the patio surface more quickly after rain.
• Sealing the Patio: Applying a sealant to your patio can create a protective barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the surface, thereby reducing moss growth.
• Quick Spot Treatments: Addressing small patches of moss as soon as they appear can prevent them from spreading. Keep a moss killer spray on hand for these moments.

With these tips you can save yourself the hassle of having to frequently remove moss on patio going forward. So, stock up on the patio moss cleaner and other equipment at Jennychem today and put this moss problem in the past once and for all! 

Final Thoughts on How to Get Rid of Patio Moss Naturally

There’s no question that moss can take its toll on your patio, and unfortunately, our climate here in the UK is especially susceptible to this issue. Fortunately, you now know how to clean moss off patio quickly and easily with a proven solution and a bit of elbow grease.

From the #1 patio moss killer to the best driveway cleaner, the best heavy-duty pressure washer in the UK, and everything else you need to keep your home pristine, you can trust Jennychem to deliver. 

So, shop our catalogue or get in touch for one-on-one assistance choosing your solution. Don’t let moss overstay its welcome and prevent you from enjoying your patio to the fullest. Removing moss from patio can be quick and easy with our help!