How to Clean Moss Off of a Stone Patio

A stone patio consists of a series of flat stones interlocked or placed next to each other. Moss---a plant that grows in damp and shaded areas---can infest your stone patio, making for slippery, unattractive conditions. Keep your patio dry to prevent moss in the first place, and treat any infestations with a water and bleach solution.

Things You'll Need

• Garden hose
• Spatula
• Chlorine bleach
• Detergent
• Spray bottle
• Spray hose attachment
• Brush
• Broom
• Power washer
• Moss-killing product

Instructions

1. Clean the patio using a garden hose with the nozzle on its strongest setting. Wash away as much moss as possible.

2. Scrape off any moss that remains with a spatula. Place moss in garbage bags.

3. Mix a solution of water with bleach---one cup of bleach for every gallon of water. Add half a cup of a dish or laundry detergent, and mix again.

4. Apply the solution to a small portion on the edge of the patio to see whether it affects the color of the stone. If it does, mix a solution more diluted with water and test again.

5. Spray the solution into the bricks. Use a spray bottle for small areas, a hose spray attachment for the entire patio.

6. Let the solution soak into the patio for an hour or two. Rinse off patio with the garden hose.

7. If moss persists, scrub the solution into the stone with a bristle brush or long-handled bristle broom. Scrub firmly to help remove the roots of the moss. Rinse off patio the with the garden hose.

8. When all else fails, clean your stone patio with a power washer, or a commercial moss-removing agent. Use the mildest agent possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Cover any plants near the patio when cleaning.

• Wear rubber gloves and old clothes while scrubbing.

• Protect your eyes with goggles.

References

• Clevermag.com
• Howtocleanstuff.net