Having to constantly scrub away at moss can feel like a losing battle as it always seems to reappear, but it turns out there is a simple way to stop it from growing back. 

Colin Seymour, a cleaning expert, has shared that the easiest way and most natural way to get rid of moss is to scatter soda crystals on your patio.

He said: “I've been using soda crystals for various things around the house including stretching our washing powder, cleaning drains, removing grease and general cleaning for a long time. 

“Now I have another use: removing moss from paths, balconies, patios and verandas in an affordable and environmentally friendly way.” 

It may sound strange but soda crystals are effective at getting rid of moss as they are highly alkaline, and moss can only survive in an acidic environment. 

Soda crystals will draw out of the moisture in moss to dehydrate it so it begins to die quickly. 

Without any moisture or acidity moss will not be able to survive so it will not be able to grow back and soda crystals will also remove dirt from a surface so you will have a sparkling clean patio without much effort.

Soda crystals can be bought at most supermarkets and cost £2 at Tesco, ASDA and Sainsbury's while costing £2.35 at Morrisons. 

How to remove moss from a patio using soda crystals  

You will need:

• Soda crystals
• Water
• Stiff brush or broom
• Watering can or bucket. 

Method:

Colin said: “When applying the soda crystals, I tested two methods: liberally sprinkle the soda crystals onto the wet balcony and create a strong solution and sprinkle using a watering can. 

“Both proved to be very effective with the dry sprinkling onto the wet balcony probably being ever so slightly more effective on the first application as there would have been a higher concentration in spots than with the solution.” 

To begin, all you have to do is give your patio a sweep with a broom to help loosen up the moss and make it much easier for the soda crystals to work. 

Then use a bucket or watering can to pour a generous amount of water onto the patio until it is completely wet. 

In the same bucket, add the soda crystals and boiling hot water from a kettle, then stir until the soda crystals are completely dissolved. 

Carefully carry the solution to the patio and directly pour onto the mossy areas. 

Leave the soda crystals solution to sit for at least one day to allow the alkaline solution to break down the moss. 

After a day the moss should be brown and wilted so all you have to do is use a broom to wipe it off your patio. 

If the moss has been growing in an area for a long period of time and is stubborn then you may need to apply the soda crystals one more time to get rid of it. 

Once the moss has been wiped away then rinse the patio with water once again to remove the soda crystals and moss debris.