Moss on your driveway can be slippery, ugly, and even damage some concrete/asphalt.
Moss growth has various potential causes, such as poor soil fertility, poor sun exposure, compacted soil, and poor air circulation. Thus, it is crucial to kill moss on your driveway!
In this article, we’ll discuss how to get rid of this mess and other related questions.
Let’s start!
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Hey there, I’m Cody.
A decade of residential and commercial pressure washing led me to start JCS Refresh. Now I can share my knowledge with folks like you.
Reading from Bellevue, Washington?
Our team specializes in various moss removal services and is standing by with free quote.
Quick Answer
Enjoy a safe driveway for you and your family by using either of the methods below:
Method | Tools | Notes |
Boiling Water | Deck Brush, Kettle | - Advisable for mild moss growth |
Baking Soda Solution | Baking soda, Bucket, Spray Bottle, Brush, or Pressure Washer | - Advisable for mild moss to medium moss growth |
Bleach Solution | Bleach, Spray Bottle, Brush or Pressure Washer | - Strong formula that can stain surface and damage nearby plants and grass |
Vinegar Solution | Vinegar, Spray Bottle, Brush, or Stiff Broom | - Advisable for mild moss to medium moss growth |
Vinegar Solution | Depends on the product; some uses a granular spreader or a spray-on option | - Advisable for large projects |
Quick questions before starting
Before we take you to the next section, let’s answer some quick questions:
How difficult is this to do?
Depending on the moss infestation, the difficulty can range from easy to medium.
How long does it take?
Depending on various factors such as method and extent of the moss growth, it will usually take a day or 4 days since some methods must sit for a few days on the surface.
How much do materials cost?
The overall cost will vary depending on the method you use and the size and extent of the affected area. So, it will range from none to $50, plus $200 if you buy a pressure washer.
How to remove moss from your driveway
Moss doesn’t just ruin the overall appeal of your surface.
Still, it also endangers the people around you due to its slippery nature but worry not, since getting rid of moss on your driveway can be easy, depending on the method you will use.
Below you will find several ways to choose from:
Boiling Water Method
Tools: deck brush, kettle
This method might be the cheapest and most basic way to eliminate moss. Directly pour boiling water on the affected area, and ensure the nearby grass or plants are protected from the splash.
After that, wait until the moss has turned yellow, and then you can scrub. However, note that this doesn’t contain any chemicals so the results may vary; you may need to repeat the process for tougher moss problems.
We also do not recommend this for larger projects; going back and forth to boil water will be a hassle.
Baking Soda Method
Tools: Baking soda, bucket, spray bottle, brush, or pressure washer
The baking soda method works best in dry, sunny weather, and you can use it by creating a solution or as is.
For the solution, dilute 10 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 liter of warm water. Transfer it to a spray bottle, then spritz it on the affected areas. Ensure you shake the bottle repeatedly to keep the solution homogeneous.
Let the solution sit for 15 minutes, and then rinse the surface using a pressure washer or scrub the surface using a brush.
For the dry method, generously pour baking soda on the moss and let it sit for 24 hours. After that, utilize a stiff bristled broom to brush the moss.
Baking soda is milder than a bleach solution, but it can still dry out nearby plants and grass, so ensure you take care and cover them well.
Bleach Solution Method
Tools: Bucket, bleach, water, garden sprayer, Brush
As you all know, bleach is a strong chemical that can stain your driveway, so use it properly by mixing it with water. It is important to dilute the bleach, as too high a concentration can be toxic and damage some surfaces. On the other hand, too little bleach in your cleaning solution will be less effective.
Simply utilize the 1:9 ratio, which is 1 part bleach mixed with 9 parts water, adjusting it for smaller or larger projects. After stirring the preferred ratio, transfer it to a garden sprayer and spray it on the surface. Let the solution sit for 15 minutes until the moss dries up.
You can rinse the area using a pressure washer or scrub until all the moss has been removed. Also, don’t forget to wear gloves when using bleach to kill moss.
Vinegar Solution Method
Tools: Vinegar, garden spray, rake, or brush
This is another natural method if you don’t want to use harsh chemicals on your surface.
Utilize the 1:1 ratio: one part white vinegar mixed with one part water, then transfer to a garden spray. Spritz generously on the moss and wait for a couple of days until the plant has dried out.
Repeat the spray solution if the moss is still dry, and then use the stiff-bristle brush to remove the dead moss. Be sure to rinse the surface with a garden hose or pressure washer.
Moss Killer Method
Moss killer products contain iron and naturally occurring iron elements which are very effective at removing moss on your driveway. The chemicals will suck out the moisture from the moss and are toxic to most spores, causing them to dry and eventually die.
Depending on your product, the steps will vary, but it will surely kill the moss on your driveway.
What’s the best moss killer for driveways?
Finding it difficult to choose a suitable moss killer for your driveway? We’re here to help!
We have two top picks:
- Lily Miller Moss Out Lawn
- Scotts Turf Builder Moss Control
Product | Description | Pros | Cons |
Has an effective formula that consists of 32% ferrous sulfate monohydrate and the right amount of ferrous sulfate monohydrate can slow down and kill moss growth | - Doesn’t leave stains or surface corrosion - User-friendly - Effective for one year - Affordable | - Results may vary, especially with established moss - Not recommended to use during rainy season | |
Has a formula that targets the moss but is gentle on the lawn | - Rough on moss but gentle on lawn - Provides two sizes: 5,000 sq. ft. & 10,000 sq.ft. - Enables growth and spread of grass | - Not user-friendly Pricier - Doesn’t cover the entire 5,000 sq. ft. |
How to remove moss from an asphalt driveway
The methods above can also be applied to an asphalt driveway. However, exercise precaution when using natural or chemical moss killer, for it may stain or damage your surface.
WAIT – here are a few good reads to expand on this topic.
Frequently asked questions
If you still have some questions in mind, check out the list of our FAQs:
How do I prevent moss from growing on my driveway?
Since moss thrives in excessive shade areas, ensure that your surface gets sun exposure by trimming or pruning trees, shrubs, or ornamentals nearby.
Also, utilize water restrictions on your driveway since moss loves moisture, have a proper drainage system and adjust sprinklers.
Is bleach or vinegar better for killing moss?
Bleach is better for killing moss since it has stronger elements than vinegar. However, it may damage the surface and plants nearby. Thus, it must be handled properly.
Remember, the perfect way to kill moss is when it’s at peak growth, which is from fall through early spring.
What causes moss on driveways?
Moss can develop under various conditions, such as:
- Inadequate sunlight
- Wet surfaces (due to poor drainage, consistent rain, or from runoff area water sources)
- Acidic Soil
- Unhealthy soil
- Compacted Soil
Conclusion
A moss-free driveway is within your reach; just carefully follow either of the steps above, and you’ll enjoy the results in no time!
However, if getting rid of moss on your driveway is still far from reality, call the professionals!
