Skip to Content

How To Get Rid Of Moss On Concrete in 7 Easy Ways

Moss can be a pesky problem to get rid of. It often grows on concrete, which can be difficult to remove using conventional methods. If you are searching for how to get rid of moss on concrete, then this article will provide several different ways to get rid of it.

A philosophical saying is, “A rolling stone gathers no moss.” However, it is ineffective regarding the paving stones and concrete on your home. If the paving stones and concrete around your house don’t roll, the likelihood is that moss has grown on them at some point.

Moss is a flowerless, low-growing plant that grows in mats or thick clumps in dark and damp environments. Many people mistake these basic plants for mushrooms, yet unlike fungi, they have chlorophyll in their green carpets of tiny leaves.

Moss uses its leaves to absorb nutrients and water. While moss is beneficial to the environment and is not harmful to humans, it can be an eyesore in certain areas, such as a concrete patio or pavers and shingles.

Nevertheless, moss removal is straightforward with the right cleaning products and practices.

A Quick Guide on How To Get Rid Of Moss On Concrete

There may be occasions when you require moss. Planting between pavers maintains weeds at bay and gives a walkway an antique appearance.

On the other hand, moss does not always develop where it should. It only takes a few basic measures to remove weeds and moss from concrete, giving it a clean appearance.

Learning how to get rid of moss on concrete is easy. Using simple chemicals, remove moss from minor concrete areas, or undertake heavy-duty cleaning for huge patches of moss during home renovation projects.

When it comes to cleaning, sometimes the simplest options are the best. There are several ways to get rid of moss. Here are some of the stuff you’ll need, depending on the way you used to get rid of them:

Use Pressure Washer

One way to get rid of moss is to use a pressure washer. A pressure washer can blast the moss away, and it is a relatively easy way to get the job done. However, it is important to be careful when using a pressure washer, as it can cause damage to the concrete if not used correctly.

Use Boiling Water

One of the most environmentally friendly ways to get rid of moss is to use boiling water. Boiling water will kill the moss and make it easy to remove by softening it up. Scrub it using a wire scrub brush until it’s entirely gone. Use a broom to sweep up the trash or a water hose to wash it away.

Use Vinegar

Another way to get rid of moss is to use vinegar. Vinegar is a natural acid that can kill moss. All you need to do is pour vinegar onto the moss and let it soak in.

Allow 10 minutes for the vinegar to sit. After that, scrape it away with your stiff brush and clean the area with a power washer. If required, reapply vinegar to the afflicted regions. The vinegar will kill the moss, eventually falling off the concrete.

Use Bleach Solution

Another way to get rid of moss is to use bleach. Bleach is a powerful chemical that can kill moss. All you need to do is mix bleach with water in equal parts in a spray bottle and spray it on the moss.

Allow 30 seconds for the bleach solution to seep into the moss. The bleach will kill the moss, eventually falling off the concrete. Scrape dirt from your sidewalk or driveway with a scrub brush.

Using a water hose, spray the waste away, scoop it up using a flat-head shovel and put it in a bag. Because bleach is a non-selective killer, be careful not to spray any grass or plants you want to keep unintentionally.

How To Get Rid Of Moss On Concrete 2
Moss growing in gravestone lettering, Brompton Cemetery, London – via Wikimedia

Using Agricultural Lime or Baking Soda

On the moss, sprinkle agricultural lime or baking soda. These basic granules will try to balance out the acidic environment in which it thrives. Allow 24 hours for the agricultural lime or baking soda to work.

Clean the area with a cleaning solution and water after scraping away with a harsh brush. Sweep it up and throw it away with care.

Use Ammonium Sulfate

Because this is a hazardous substance, you must first put on appropriate safety equipment. To suppress woody plants, use ammonium sulfamate as a foliar spray because of its poisonous properties at many garden supply stores. It’s also utilized as a flame retardant and a compost accelerator.

Sprayers or watering cans are commonly used to apply ammonium sulfamate. Apply to parts of your driveway and walkways with moss growing on them.

Other vegetation should not be sprayed because it can be dangerous. After the chemical treatment, use a power sprayer to remove any debris clumps from your pavement or patios.

Follow the application instructions that arrive with the product carefully. More details and a safe review can be found in the directions.

Use Commercial Moss Killers

Finally, another way to get rid of moss is to use a commercial moss killer. Many different moss killers are available on the market, and they all work similarly. They contain a chemical that kills moss, and all you need to do is apply it to the moss. The moss will die, and it will eventually fall off the concrete.

How to Prevent Moss from Growing on Concrete in the Future

Moss can be a pesky problem, but there are ways to prevent it from growing in the first place. One way is to keep the concrete wet. You can do this by using a garden hose to spray it down every so often.

This will create an environment that moss can’t thrive in. Another way to prevent moss is to keep the concrete clean. Remove any debris or leaves that may fall on it, and sweep it up regularly. If you keep the concrete clean and wet, moss will not grow.

One approach to keep it from spreading around your home is to open up the space so that more light can shine on it. Shrubs and tree branches that cast shadows on the area should be pruned back.

You’re beating moss to the punch by letting the sun’s rays shine in. Moss requires a wet and protected environment to thrive, so by allowing the sun’s rays to shine in, you’re beating it to the punch.


Final Remarks

If you live in a hot, humid climate, you’re undoubtedly dealing with a lot of moss growing around your home. Big clumps of moss growing on concrete surfaces like the sidewalk, driveway, or wall structure are unattractive but easy to remove.

Now that you know how to get rid of moss on concrete, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Choose one of the methods from the list above and get started! In addition to removing moss, it’s important to take steps to prevent it from growing back.

Whichever method you choose, it is important to be patient. It may take a few weeks for the moss to die and fall off the concrete. But if you are persistent, you can get rid of that moss for good. Thanks for reading!