How to Remove Concrete Moss

Remove moss at first sight so it doesn't spread.

Green, fuzzy moss growing on your concrete is unsightly. Moss tends to thrive in places that do not get a lot of sunlight, so if your concrete driveway, walkway or patio is in the shade, it is not uncommon for moss to grow on it. Fortunately, moss does not have to be a permanent part of the concrete. With the right removal products and methods, you can get rid of it quickly and effectively.

Things You'll Need

• Putty knife or flat-edged shovel
• Garden sprayer
• Chlorine bleach
• Stiff-bristle scrub brush
• Garden hose

Instructions

1. Scrape up as much of the loose moss as you can. For smaller areas, a putty knife will do. Use a flat-edged shovel for larger areas of concrete moss.

2. Fill a clean, empty garden sprayer with a mixture of equal parts chlorine bleach and water. Swirl it around to mix up the ingredients.

3. Saturate the mossy spots of the concrete with the bleach. Let it sit on the surface for about 20 minutes.

4. Scrub the area with a stiff-bristle scrub brush to remove the loosened moss. Rinse the concrete well with water from the garden hose. Repeat with a second application of bleach solution if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear rubber gloves and protective eyewear when using chlorine bleach.

• Wet down surrounding plants, shrubs and other landscaping with plenty of water prior to using bleach. For added protection, cover them with plastic sheeting. Bleach can kill some plants.

References

• Oregon State University: Physical Moss Control for Roofs, Decks, and Sidewalks
• Oregon State University: Chemical Moss Control for Roofs, Decks, and Sidewalks
• Danny Lipford; How to Remove Moss from Walks and Steps in Your Yard; Tricia Craven Worley

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish