If you’ve had an accent feature in your home for a while, you know how much it can add to a property’s overall look. Unfortunately, when moss starts growing on concrete surfaces, it can make them look unsightly, which defeats the whole purpose of investing in them in the first place. However, not all is lost – there are plenty of DIY methods you can try to remove moss from concrete, and as long as you catch the issue early enough, success is guaranteed.
To remove moss from concrete, use a vinegar solution. First, prepare a water and vinegar mixture, making sure to thoroughly combine the ingredients. Then, pour the solution into a spray bottle and start applying as needed. Let it sit for a couple of days before attempting to scratch off the moss.
While this is the first approach I’ll be discussing in this guide, it’s far from the only method you can use to remove moss from concrete. So, make sure to keep reading until the end to get acquainted with all your options when it comes to getting this job done – that way, you can find an approach that best works for you. With all that said, let’s get started!
1. Assess the Situation
First, it’s important to note that the severity of the situation will affect the type of approach you should use.
For example, if you’ve caught the moss infestation early enough, this vinegar and water method is ideal.
Otherwise, however, you’ll need to rely on a stronger chemical like bleach to make sure you’ll be able to pull the moss right off.
In some cases, you might even have to enlist professional help, but I’ll cover that in a bit more detail in one of the following sections.
That’s why before you even waste any time or effort gathering the necessary supplies to ensure it’s not all going to go to waste.
Speaking of supplies, you’ll want to get everything you need ready before you start.
Luckily, everything you’ll use on this project is pretty easy to get your hands on.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Vinegar
- Warm water
- Spray Bottle
- A stiff-bristled scrub brush
- Garden hose or another tool that can help you wash away any residue
If you’re wondering about how much vinegar and water you’ll need, I, unfortunately, can’t give you a precise answer, as the necessary volume will depend on how big the concrete feature is or how extensive the moss growth has become.
Still, I’ll give you a general ratio in the following section, so make sure to read on.
Now that you’ve assessed the situation and gathered all the necessary supplies, it’s time to get started.
2. Prepare a Water and Vinegar Solution
To prepare the vinegar and water solution you’ll use, you’ll need to mix the two ingredients in a 1-1 ratio.
So, if the area you’ll be working on calls for 1 liter of liquid (34 fl oz), you’ll want that to be comprised of 0.5 liters (17 fl oz) of vinegar and 0.5 liters (17 fl oz) of water.
Make sure to stir thoroughly until the two liquids are fully combined.
I also want to note that though most vinegar varieties will do the job just fine, white vinegar is probably the best way to go, as it’s much more efficient and sprayable.
3. Pour the Solution Into a Spray Bottle and Apply As Needed
Now that the solution is ready, it’s time to put it to good use.
Transfer the mixture to a spray bottle, and it’s ready to use!
Make sure you apply a consistent, even layer of the solution right on top of the moss covering the concrete surface.
Remember to be generous and do your best not to leave any dry spots.
If you can’t get your hands on a spray bottle, you can try a more old-school approach.
Here’s what you want to do:
- Pour the solution into a plastic bottle you don’t plan to use.
- Close the cap.
- Poke several holes into the plastic cap.
- Use the bottle as a makeshift watering vessel.
While you won’t get the same even distribution you’d get if you were to use an actual spray bottle, you’ll still have better control over the liquid stream than if you were to dump the mixture all out from its original container.
4. Let the Solution Sit for at Least 48 Hours
This is the easy part – all you have to do is to lie back and wait for the vinegar and water solution to do its thing.
For the best results, let it on top of the moss layer for at least 48 hours.
If you have the time, leaving it an extra day or two could also prove to be beneficial if the moss has already spread quite a bit.
Once the moss appears brown and dry, the vinegar has worked its magic.
If you still see some green, add another layer of the solution.
5. Scrape Off the Moss
Using a hard-bristled brush (which you probably have lying around), scrape off the dry and brittle moss.
The process shouldn’t require too much effort, as the moss should already be dead.
Make sure not to damage the concrete surface in the process, and be as thorough as possible, removing even the slightest signs of moss.
Afterward, if possible, give the concrete surface a quick wash, preferably using a garden hose.
That’ll remove any residue and get the area spanking clean again.
Alternative Ways To Remove Moss From Concrete
If, for some reason, you’re not a fan of the vinegar and water approach, don’t worry!
There’s no shortage of alternative methods you can try to remove moss from concrete.
Here are some that, from firsthand experience, have proven to be the most effective:
Pressure Washing
If you’re not a fan of using chemicals or any extra ingredients to get rid of the moss covering your concrete feature, you can try removing it using a pressure washer.
If you’ve never used one of these tools before, you’ll be surprised at just how powerful they can be, so they might just be able to lift even the most stubborn moss variety right off.
Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your unique power washer to make sure you get the job done right.
Using Boiling Water or Baking Soda
Another easily DIY-able approach is to use hot water or baking soda to kill off the moss.
The process is pretty similar to what I described above for the vinegar and water method.
However, instead of using that type of solution, you’ll simply pour hot water or sprinkle baking soda over the affected area.
The results will generally be the same.
Using Bleach
If you’re dealing with an especially stubborn moss variety, it might be necessary to use something stronger – the perfect candidate is bleach.
Of course, you’ll want to dilute it with water in a 1-4 ratio.
Afterward, you can spray it just like you would a vinegar and water solution; however, this time, make sure to wear some protective gloves.
If even that doesn’t work, it might be time to enlist professional help.
Conclusion
Though moss can ruin the look of concrete, the good news is that it usually isn’t too challenging to remove, especially if you catch the issue before it spreads too much.
There are plenty of methods that have proven to be effective, but my personal go-to is definitely the vinegar-and-water solution.
If all else fails, you can always enlist the help of a professional; however, make sure to get through all the DIY options mentioned in this guide before forking out a couple of hundred dollars.
