When it comes to increasing the curb appeal of your home, getting rid of moss on your lawn, roof, and driveway is a great place to start. However, not everyone knows how to kill it.
Moss multiplies if left unattended, but staying on top of problem areas before they become overrun is key to moss control. You can stay on top of your home improvement by using these homemade moss killer recipes.
If you notice moss growth, you don’t need to call in landscaping experts or use harsh chemicals that could damage your environment—you can handle the problem yourself with a few handy ingredients. In this article, we’re sharing with your five natural ways how to get rid of moss. No matter if it’s a large area or small, these simple methods will ensure the exterior of your home always looks its best.
Five Amazing Homemade Moss Killer Tips & Recipes
1. Homemade Moss Killer
This natural homemade moss killer uses ingredients you can find in your kitchen.
Homemade Moss Killer Recipe
- 1 Gallon of Warm Water
- 1 Tablespoon Vinegar
- 1 Pound Salt
- Soap
Mix the water, salt, and vinegar in a bucket, and then add as much soap as needed, as long as it totals less than 20 percent of the mixture. Soap helps the moss absorb the other ingredients, which then work to dry out the moss and kill it – if you have any moss on the ground, cover it with this solution.
You can apply it with a spray bottle, using enough to dampen the moss. However, you have to be careful with this recipe, as it will kill any plant—avoid spraying fruits, vegetables, or living tree branches.
Leave the solution for a couple of days, and once it’s done its job, you can dig up the dead moss in your yard and discard it. Scrape the moss from hard surfaces like rocks with a sponge or brush.
2. Use Iron Sulfate
The reason there is moss growing in your lawn is likely because you have acidic soil or some other conditions that make it difficult for grass to grow. That’s why iron sulfate, also known as ferrous sulfate, is a great way to control moss before it gets out of hand.
Iron Sulfate as a Homemade Moss Killer
- 5 gallons of water
- 3 ounces of iron sulfate
Mix water with iron sulfate in a large bucket. It is best to do this outside, as ferrous sulfate can stain wood, concrete, or other non-organic materials. Pour the mixture into a hand sprayer, watering can, or another container that has a spray nozzle.
To kill moss, spray or shower it with your solution, wetting it thoroughly. Avoid contact with non-organic materials like patio furniture or any decorations you might have in your garden. This mixture is not harmful to grass if made with the recommended ratio, but may turn it a darker green.
After the moss turns brown, about three or four days after application, you can loosen it and remove it using a garden rake. It is best to apply this moss removal treatment in either early winter or spring.
3. Natural Moss Killer for Lawns
Many commercial lawn moss killers contain a lot of chemicals you’ve probably never heard of, so with this homemade weed killer recipe, you’ll know everything you’re putting on your lawn.
Lawn Moss Killer Recipe
- 3 Tablespoons Baking Soda
- 1 Quart Warm Water
Mix the baking soda and water in a spray bottle and shake until the solution is well-mixed. Walk around, spraying any moss patches with your natural moss killer for lawns. You want to soak the moss, so apply enough cover it thoroughly.
It is best to work with nature for optimal results with this natural moss killer for lawns, so do this on a warm, sunny day. The heat of the sun will help to dry out the moss quickly. Repeat as needed until the moss is dead.
4. Use a Pressure Washer
A pressure washer isn’t a great way to prevent moss growth, but it is an excellent solution for killing moss. It is perfect for moss with a shallow root, so areas with a couple of inches on a hard surface—such as sidewalks, pavers, or concrete.
This is not the best option for roofs or lawns, as the pressure that loosens the moss can also break off other materials that you want to stay in place. Pressure washers can come in handy around the house and work well with vinyl siding wash, too.
5. Homemade Moss Killer for Roofs
While moss is typically not harmful, it could cause minor damage to a roof. Moss retains moisture, which could pose a problem for wood shingles, where rotting and decay could occur. However, you can quickly fix the issue with this homemade moss killer for roofs.
Moss Killer for Roofs Recipe
- ½ Cup Oxygen Bleach
- 4 Gallons Warm Water
Mix the bleach with the water in a large bucket. If you need to get rid of moss on your roof, the hardest part is the labor required.
Get a stiff-bristle scrub brush and attach it to the end of a pole—if you don’t have a random pole hanging around, a broom will work as well. Carefully get up to your roof and brush downward to knock the moss loose. It is best to do this on a calm, overcast day.
Grab your oxygen bleach solution and apply it to all sections of moss growth. Continue layering the solution as needed to keep the moss damp for 20 minutes. Using your brush, scrub the moss off of your roof, working from top to bottom.
Rinse your roof with cold water. We love this recipe because you can add a little bit of liquid dish soap to it and use it as a DIY deck cleaner as well.
If these homemade moss killer options don’t help you control moss in your yard, then a soil test might be necessary to get to the root of the problem. Otherwise, these recipes and techniques are a great way to get your property picture-perfect.
If this article helped you learn how to get rid of moss, then we hope you’ll share these moss killer tips with your friends and family!
