If you have paving in your garden or on your driveway, then you'll know that keeping it clean can be a real pain, especially in the spring and summer months when nuisances like weeds and moss just won't stop growing between the slabs.
Moss can be a particular pain because it can even become a slip hazard if the area is used often, as the moss will become slick when walked on, making it a danger to those accessing your property.
However, it turns out there's a simple and inexpensive hack that can rid your paving of moss in no time - and all you need is one common kitchen ingredient you probably already own.
Fiona Jenkins, a gardening expert at My Job Quote, said that baking soda - which is commonly used for cleaning a variety of surfaces around the home - can work wonders on your paving.
The powder - which is the same as bicarbonate of soda, but is not the same as baking powder - costs just 65p from Tesco and 75p from Asda, making it a cheap way to tackle your moss problems.
Fiona told The Express: "Baking soda works well on moss, however, it works best on dry days. Sprinkle some baking soda over the affected area and leave it overnight. Then, sweep away the remnants the next day."
Alternatively, you can also use baking soda to create a spray by mixing two to three tablespoons with one litre of water and pouring it into a spray bottle which can then be used to spritz on the moss until it has been completely killed.
Baking soda isn't the only method for killing moss either, as you can also just use boiling water, which could be even more cost-effective as you'll only be paying for the water needed to fill a kettle, and the energy needed to boil it.
Fiona explained: "Carefully pour boiling water over the area, being sure to cover every part of the moss. Then, scrub the affected area with a stiff brush. Once the moss is loose, use a hose to wash away the debris."
But boiling water may not solve all your problems, as some moss is tougher than others and so you may need to utilise the method more than once to get rid of the moss completely.
And if boiling water isn't doing the trick in your garden, then you can also try using white vinegar, which you can mix into a spray bottle along with some water to create a powerful moss-killing solution.
If you want to try something a little more expensive, Fiona also said you can invest in a pressure washer that will quite literally "blast away" any moss between your paving slabs.
The added benefit of a pressure washer is that it will also clean your paving at the same time, and while the appliance is definitely pricier than baking soda - with a Karcher corded pressure washer from B&Q setting you back £69 - it may be a worthwhile investment if you can afford it.
The gardening expert said: "Pressure washers are great for removing moss. Spray the affected areas with high-pressure water using your pressure washer. This is a great way to blast away the moss and is also a great way to clean your paving."
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