2 days Ago By Katherine McPhillips
Patios, driveways and any stone surfaces outside your home need to be cleaned regularly in winter as they can become a major safety hazard if left neglected. Moss and algae retain moisture and make a surface extremely slippery which means if your patio frosts over in winter it can cause a lot of accidents. The cleaning experts at Bright and Beautiful have shared that the best way to remove moss is not with harsh chemical cleaners or ineffective kitchen ingredients but with simple soda crystals.
The expert said: “Many patios and decking fall victim to moss and algae, which makes them dull, unattractive and even dangerously slippery.” They added: “Soda crystals are a great option to blast through any moss and algae, leaving your patio beautifully clean.” Both moss and algae can only survive in damp and acidic conditions which is why soda crystals are so brilliant as they make it impossible for these spongy green plants to grow back.
Soda crystals are highly alkaline which moss cannot survive in but they also absorb water so it will quickly dehydrate the moss to kill it quickly. Not only will soda crystals get rid of moss and algae but they can also break down any dirt on your patio so they have nothing to feed on which will also prevent any chance of regrowth. How to use soda crystals to remove moss and algae All you need to do is sprinkle a generous amount of soda crystals on your patio or driveway.
It is best to do this on a clear day as the wind can sweep the soda crystals away. However, if it is windy then use a watering can to pour water on top of the soda crystals so they stay in place. Leave the soda crystals alone so they have time to break down the mould spored and dehydrate them.
This can take roughly two days. You will know the moss is dead when it turns brown and begins to look brittle rather than spongy. Once it is dead, use the broom on the end of a spade to scrape the moss and algae off your patio.
Make sure to place any dead moss in the bin after clearing as it will still be slippy but even just a small amount of spores can cause it to grow back, especially if the ground is damp. Your patio will now be sparkling clean and ready for lounging on for the warmer weather in the near future. The expert said: “And there you have it, a brand new looking patio ready for garden parties and sunbathing in the sunny months! “Please note, soda crystals can be harmful to household pets if ingested, so ensure you are monitoring your furry friends whilst the soda crystals do their work.
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