How Do You Remove Moss From Concrete?

Is your driveway or sidewalk always green and slippery? Unfortunately, moss will grow on concrete surfaces like driveways, patios, and pathways that have high moisture levels and low levels of sunlight. Moss growth on concrete is not only slippy, but it can look unsightly. Fortunately, there are several methods you can use to remove moss from concrete. Here are the best methods for removing moss from concrete. This method also works for asphalt driveways, sidewalks, concrete pavers, and patio bricks. We also look at ways to keep the moss from coming back.

How To Remove Moss From Concrete

Tired of that green and slippery driveway? With the right tools and supplies, you can remove moss from concrete with only a few minutes of work. Whenever possible, remove the moss at the brightest time of day.

Gather Supplies

Killing moss on concrete is reasonably easy and only takes a few supplies. First, you need vinegar to kill the moss. While you use a bleach solution instead, it can stain surfaces and kill other plants in the area. Commercial moss killer is also available, but vinegar is usually much less expensive.

You will also need a spray bottle to dispense the vinegar mixture. A small spray bottle will work, but a pump spray is easier to use and more effective for larger areas.

Then you need either a power washer to clean it away. Alternatively, use a deck scrub brush with a long handle to clean it up. When using a scrub brush, you will also need a garden hose or bucket to wet the area down.

Kill the Moss With Vinegar

Vinegar is a great way to kill moss on concrete. To use vinegar, mix one part white vinegar with one part warm water in a spray bottle and apply it directly to the moss. Allow the solution to sit for 30 minutes before moving on to the next step.

The acid in the vinegar will damage the cell walls, working to kill the moss. This will also loosen the moss on the concrete surface, making it easier to clean and wash away.

Pressure Wash or Use a Scrub Brush

Next, clean the moss away with a power washer. Since moss does not grow strong roots, the force of the water is enough to remove it from concrete. The pressure washer will usually break up the moss clumps and wash them away.

If you do not have access to a pressure washer, you can also use a deck brush or other large scrub brush with a long handle. While it takes significantly more effort, it’s just as effective at removing moss on concrete. Other alternatives include snow shovels and large push brooms.

When using a scrub brush, wet the area with your garden hose or a bucket first. Then scrub back and forth to loosen the moss. Either push the moss out to the street or scoop it up and toss it in the trash.

What Is Moss?

Moss is a plant that grows in damp conditions and is often found in shaded areas. It is usually found on rocks, walls, trees, and even concrete pavers, driveways, and other surfaces.

Moss has no true roots or leaves and instead absorbs water through its thin stems. The most common types of moss are green in color but can also appear brown, yellow, red, and even black.

Since they act like sponges and absorb water, they can allow other plants or even mold to grow unless you take care of the problem.

Like mold, moss spreads through spores that naturally exist in the air all around us. These spores will land in damp areas and thrive as long as the light levels are low to moderate.

Why Does Moss Grow on Driveways and Sidewalks?

Moss will grow on also any surface as long as the area remains damp and does not get a lot of sunlight. It usually grows under trees and in other shadowy areas where water pools. Unless you address either the moisture or the sunlight problem, the moss will keep returning.

How To Prevent Moss on Concrete

There are steps you can take to prevent moss growth on concrete surfaces. Here are a few of the best ways to keep moss away for good:

1. Reduce Moisture: Fixing drainage problems or grading issues that can lead to moist conditions can help keep moss from growing.
2. Increase Sunlight: If your driveway or sidewalk is always in the shade, consider trimming back trees and other plants to let more sunlight in.
3. Power Wash Regularly: Moss spores are always present in the air and will look for damp surfaces where they can take root. Regularly sweeping or power washing your concrete or asphalt driveways and surfaces will help keep them free of moss.
4. Use a Moss Killer: If all else fails, you can use a moss killer to treat the area and prevent future growth. While commercial products are available, you can make homemade moss killer with vinegar and liquid dish soap. It’s just as effective and much less expensive. Add a few drops of dish soap to a quart of vinegar, then shake to combine. Spray on the mossy area once a week to kill it in between pressure washings.

Need help cleaning and killing moss on your driveway? Let Five Star Rated connect you with a qualified local power-washing specialist to remove the moss quickly. All of our contractors are prescreened and carry all required professional licenses and insurance. Plus, we back every one of our experts with the Five Star Guarantee. If you use one of our recommended companies and are not completely satisfied, we will refund you up to $2,000.