How To Remove Moss From Bricks, Pavers, and Concrete

For many of us, moss is a welcome addition to our gardens. It has a unique, old-fashioned charm that can add character to any space. 

However, moss can also be a nuisance, especially when it grows on pavers, concrete, and bricks. It makes the surface slick and can also be tough to remove. 

If you’re dealing with a moss problem, help is on the way. In this article, I’ll show you how to remove moss from bricks and pavers. I’ll also share some tips for preventing moss growth in the future. So if you’re ready to banish moss for good, read on!

How To Kill Moss On Pavers and Bricks

There are a few chemical solutions to unwanted moss growing on hardscaping. Here are 3 options I’ve had good experiences with in the past:

Commercial Moss Killer

One of the most effective ways to kill moss is with a commercial moss killer. These products are specifically designed to kill moss quickly and effectively without damaging other plant life or gardening materials. 

When choosing a moss killer, read the label carefully and choose one that works well with the type of surface you’re treating. For example, Lilly Miller Moss Out for Roofs and Walks is an effective choice for killing moss on patio stones and other hard surfaces. 

Whatever product you choose, follow the directions carefully to ensure the best results.

Using Bleach or Detergent

Many people are familiar with using bleach to kill moss. While it’s true that bleach can effectively kill moss, it’s also critical that you use it carefully. 

Bleach is a powerful chemical that can damage clothing and skin, so it’s essential to take precautions. Moreover, bleach can also kill other plants, so it’s crucial to use it sparingly and only on the moss itself. Although detergent works similarly to bleach, it’s generally considered less damaging to plants and clothing. 

Detergent works by breaking down the cell walls of moss, causing the plant to dehydrate and die. Again, as with bleach, detergent is most effective when used sparingly and only on the moss itself.

Hydrochloric Acid

Hydrochloric acid is another popular choice for killing moss. This powerful chemical is available at most hardware stores or online gardening retailers.

Here’s how to use hydrochloric acid to kill moss:

1. Wear protective clothing, including gloves, goggles, and a respirator.
2. Dilute the acid with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Pour the mixture over the moss and scrub with a stiff brush.
4. Rinse the area with water.
5. Repeat as necessary until the moss is gone.

Avoid using it on surfaces not made of brick or stone, as it could damage them. With a bit of care, hydrochloric acid can be an effective way to remove moss from your pavers.

Removing Moss Naturally From Concrete Pavers and Bricks

If you don’t want to use chemicals, there are a few natural alternatives. Here’s how to remove moss from concrete pavers without harsh chemicals or detergents:

Pressure Washer

Pressure washers are a great way to remove moss from hardscaping. The high-pressure water helps to loosen the moss, making it easier to remove. Pressure washers can also help remove any remaining dirt and grime. 

For the best results, use a pressure washer with a wide range of settings. Start with a lower setting and gradually increase the pressure until the moss comes off. 

Be careful not to damage the pavers or bricks by using too much pressure. Rinse the area with clean water once you’re finished.

Boiling Water

Did you know that boiling water is one of the best natural ways to eliminate moss? That’s right – all you need is a pot of boiling water and some patience.

Here’s how it works:

1. First, take your pot of boiling water and slowly pour it over the areas where moss is present. Be careful not to pour too much at once, or you could damage the pavers or bricks.
2. Next, I recommend letting the boiling water sit for a few minutes so that it can penetrate the moss and loosen it up.
3. After a few minutes have passed, use a brush or broom to scrub away the moss. You may need to repeat this process a few times to remove all the moss completely.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is another effective natural moss killer. The acid in the vinegar helps break down the moss, making it easier to remove. White vinegar is also effective at killing mold and mildew.

To use white vinegar, do the following:

1. Start by diluting the vinegar with water. A 1:1 ratio is a good starting point but you can adjust it depending on how strong you want the solution to be.
2. Next, apply the vinegar solution to the areas where moss is present. Be sure to use a spray bottle so you can evenly distribute the solution. Let it sit for an hour, then scrub the area with a stiff brush. 
3. Rinse away any remaining vinegar and moss with clean water.

This method is one of the most effective and affordable solutions. You can repeat as often as necessary to ensure all the moss spores are gone.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural disinfectant, and it will kill the moss without damaging your pavers.

To use this method, you’ll need to spread a layer of baking soda over the mossy areas. Let it sit for a few hours, then scrub away the moss with a stiff brush.

Rinse away any remaining baking soda with clean water. You can also dilute the baking soda with water to create a paste. This method can be helpful if you have a lot of moss to remove.

Soda Crystals

Also known as soda ash, soda crystals are a natural cleaning agent that can break down moss and other organic matter.

For this method, you’ll need to sprinkle the soda crystals over the affected area and leave for a few hours. The moss will die and turn brown.

Once the moss is dead, brush it away with a stiff brush. You may need to repeat this process several times to remove all the moss.

Improved Sunlight Exposure

According to the University of Wisconsin, moss grows best in shady, damp areas. One of the best ways to prevent moss from growing in the first place is to improve sunlight exposure. If you have pavers in a shady area, consider trimming any trees or shrubs blocking the sun. Doing so will help to prevent moss from taking hold.

Fix Moisture Issues in the Area

Another way to prevent moss from growing is to fix any moisture issues in the area. If your pavers are constantly wet, that’s a good sign that there’s a drainage issue. To fix this, you’ll need to improve the drainage in the area. 

You can do this by adding some gravel or rocks to the base of the pavers or bricks or by installing a drainage system.

Safety Tips for Using Chemical Moss Killers

If you choose to use a chemical moss killer, it’s advisable to take some safety precautions. Always read the label carefully and follow the instructions – this is important whether you’re using a commercial product or a homemade solution.

When handling harsh chemicals or detergents, you should also wear protective clothing and equipment, such as:

• Gloves
• Long sleeves and pants
• A mask 

It’s especially important to wear a mask if you’re using a sprayer to apply the solution.

Be careful not to get chemical moss killers on plants or grass, as they can damage these. If you accidentally get some on them, be sure to rinse it off immediately. If you have pets or children, keep them away from the area while you’re working and for a few hours afterward.

Moss Prevention for Pavers, Bricks, and Concrete

Preventing moss from growing in the first place is the best way to keep your pavers, bricks, and concrete looking clean and moss-free. There are two main ways to do this.

Seal Your Pavers To Prevent Moss

One way to prevent moss from growing is to seal your pavers. Sealing will create a barrier that will stop moss and other organic matter from taking hold. There are many sealers available, so be sure to choose one that’s right for your pavers or bricks.

Keep Bricks and Concrete Dry and Clean

The other way to prevent moss from growing is to keep your bricks and concrete clean and dry. This strategy means sweeping or hosing down the area regularly. 

You should also clean up any spills or leaks as soon as possible. As for drying, you can let the area dry naturally or use a leaf blower to speed up the process.

Why It’s Important To Treat Moss

While moss may not seem like a big deal, it can cause some severe damage to your concrete pavers, asphalt driveways, and patio paving stones. Here’s how moss damages these surfaces:

Concrete Pavers

Moss can damage concrete pavers by causing them to break down over time. The moss will hold moisture against the pavers, which can eventually lead to cracking and breakage.

Moreover, the moss can cause the pavers to become uneven, which can trip people and create a safety hazard.

Asphalt Driveways

Asphalt driveways are popular with many homeowners due to their durability and relatively low maintenance requirements. However, they’re not immune to the effects of moss. Moss can damage asphalt driveways in several ways. 

First, moss can penetrate the surface of the driveway, causing cracks and potholes to form. In addition, mosses tend to hold onto moisture, which can lead to the growth of algae and fungi. 

These organisms can further degrade the asphalt, leading to even more damage. As a result, it’s important to remove any moss growth from your driveway as soon as you notice them.

Patio Paving Stones

Moss can be pretty destructive when it starts to colonize paving stones. The first issue is that moss acts as a sponge, absorbing water from the air and releasing it as the temperature cools. 

This issue can cause the pavement to become slick and hazardous, especially in cold weather. The roots of moss can cause physical damage to pave stones, causing them to crack or break over time. 

Moss also promotes the growth of algae, which can further damage stone surfaces. For all these reasons, it’s important to remove moss from paving stones as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may end up with a costly repair bill down the road.

FAQ: Moss On Pavers and Bricks

Verdict: Removing Moss From Bricks, Pavers, and Concrete

Moss can be a real problem. The good news is there are a few different ways you can remove it from pavers and bricks. 

You can use a commercial moss killer, bleach, or detergent. I also recommend removing moss naturally by using a pressure washer, boiling water, white vinegar, baking soda, or soda crystals. 

If you want to prevent moss from growing back, you can improve sunlight exposure in the area or fix moisture issues. You can also seal your pavers to prevent moss. 

Now that you know how to remove moss from pavers, it’s time to get to work!