How to Kill Moss with Vinegar
Moss often crops up in wet and humid areas, and can be prevalent on shaded walkways and patios. Though you could use a commercially prepared chemical mossicide, highly acidic vinegar can also kill mos--and is more natural and gentler than chemicals. Use vinegar to kill moss on any hard outdoor surface and restore the moss-free beauty of your landscape.
Pour straight white or apple cider vinegar into a plastic spray bottle. Do not dilute the vinegar with water.
Spray the moss growth with the vinegar. Soak the moss until it is thoroughly moistened. Let the vinegar sit on the moss for 10 minutes, during which the vinegar works against the moss in order to kill it.
- Moss often crops up in wet and humid areas, and can be prevalent on shaded walkways and patios.
- Though you could use a commercially prepared chemical mossicide, highly acidic vinegar can also kill mos--and is more natural and gentler than chemicals.
Rinse down the area with a strong jet of water from a garden hose. Brush away the moss with the hose or by using a broom or sponge.
Spray the vinegar on the area again if any green marks or stains are left behind after the moss growth has been removed. This further sterilizes the area of any resident moss spores and helps lift any stains. Let sit for 10 more minutes, then rinse with hose.
Vinegar Kill Moss?
A common sight in areas that receive plenty of rainfall, moss can be a nuisance. Not only is it a slip hazard, but over time it can open the door to damage to walls, roofs and patios. Used as a condiment in the kitchen, the acetic acid found in vinegar also makes it an effective household cleaner. Most forms of vinegar contain between 4- and 8-percent acetic acid. To kill moss growing on brick, siding or tile, combine two parts vinegar and one part water. Soak the moss with the mixture, then let it sit for about 40 minutes. If any moss remains, either blast it away with your garden hose or a power washer, or scrape it away with a broom. Sometimes more than one application of the vinegar solution is needed to completely kill moss. If you have larger patches of moss, especially on your roof, use a moss-killer, such as copper sulfate, to get rid of it.
- Rinse down the area with a strong jet of water from a garden hose.
- If you have larger patches of moss, especially on your roof, use a moss-killer, such as copper sulfate, to get rid of it.
Tip
Don't use vinegar in your garden or lawn as the acidic liquid can kill other types of vegetation besides the moss.
Related Articles
References
- "Moss Gardening: Including Lichens, Liverworts and Other Miniatures;" George Schenk; 1997
- "Scotts Lawns: Your Guide to a Beautiful Yard;" Nick Christians, et al.; 2002
- "Organic Housekeeping"; Ellen Sandbeck; 2006
- "500 Simple Home Repair Solutions"; Norman Becker; 2008
Tips
- Don't use vinegar in your garden or lawn as the acidic liquid can kill other types of vegetation besides the moss.
Writer Bio
Joshua Duvauchelle is a certified personal trainer and health journalist, relationships expert and gardening specialist. His articles and advice have appeared in dozens of magazines, including exercise workouts in Shape, relationship guides for Alive and lifestyle tips for Lifehacker. In his spare time, he enjoys yoga and urban patio gardening.
