Moss is often seen as a pretty harmless plant, but it can actually cause damage to patios, driveways, and paths if left untreated for long periods of time.

Moss on your patio can grow in the spaces between tiles, lifting them up and even cracking them in some cases. 

When it comes to moss, it’s better to act fast, and luckily, there is a clever and budget-friendly solution to tackle this common winter challenge.

According to SlotsUp, with one simple ingredient, either baking soda or its “stronger counterpart” laundry powder, you can “easily eliminate moss without spending a fortune”.

They claimed that “the secret lies in the alkalinity of these household staples”. Moss thrives in acidic, damp conditions, and the high pH level of washing powder “disrupts its ability to survive”.

Creating the solution couldn’t be simpler. Start by dissolving two to three tablespoons of the powder in a litre of warm water.

Once your solution is ready, pour it into a watering can or spray bottle for easy application. 

Generously saturate the moss, making sure it’s fully soaked. For patios and pathways, ensure you’re covering every patch of growth. 

Over the next 24 to 48 hours, you’ll notice the moss “beginning to wither, turning brown or black as it dies off”.

For the final step, a garden hose or pressure washer can make short work of clearing the debris. 

It’s a quick and satisfying process that leaves your garden looking fresh and ready for the festive season.

The team also highlighted the importance of preventing moss from growing once it has been removed.

They said: “Moss loves damp, shady areas, so improving drainage and letting more sunlight into your garden can make a big difference.

“Trimming overhanging branches or aerating your soil are easy ways to stop moss from returning.”