The most effective natural remedies to remove moss from outdoor floors, walls and tiles.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himIn winter it is very common to find the bricks of the external floors covered with moss, algae or lichens. This occurs especially on very humid and not very sunny surfaces. If a part of the outdoor floors is not exposed to sunlight or if it often rains it is very likely that the moss will settle there.
Moss is nothing more than a herbaceous layer called a biological patina. It appears as a light layer of sediment ranging from bright green to black.
The problem is not only aesthetic but also and above all structural, since the moss penetrates into the materials, damaging their internal structure. For this reason it is very important to prevent and eliminate moss from floors and walls right from the start.
In addition, the moist and smooth texture of the moss makes the pavement very slippery and at risk of serious falls.
In this article we will explain how to get rid of moss on outdoor floors in a few steps, with easy and natural tricks.
Index
Prevent with water repellents
Since moss tends to form on damp or condensing surfaces, it is best to use a clear coat. In this way the water from the gutters or the humidity will flow and will not create the favorable environment for moss and mold.
This solution is also ideal for joints. In fact, it is recommended to insulate with water-repellent cements.
Prevention with the pressure washer
©kinash/123rf.com
First of all it is always better to be safe than sorry. Preventive cleaning of wet areas adjacent to the lawn or plants is essential. To do this you need to use a large broom with hard bristles, specific for outdoor floors.
It is also a good idea to buy a brush with iron bristles to vigorously remove existing moss formations.
To prevent the formation of moss it is good to wash the floors often with ahigh pressure cleaner. The powerful jet of the pressure washer is able to remove moss from external surfaces in wood, concrete, terracotta, marble and even painted surfaces.
So every week, even during the winter, you will have to use the pressure washer on all areas with little sun or humidity that have a tendency to become covered with moss.
Remove the moss with mild DIY bleach
One of the most effective remedies for moss on floors is bleach. In fact, chlorine is a powerful herbicide. Obviously we do not want to use aggressive and potentially harmful chemicals for the ecosystem. Here then is the recipe for DIY bleach based on hydrogen peroxide.
The recipe is that of the chemist Fabrizio Zago and involves the use of hydrogen peroxide, i.e. 12% hydrogen peroxide.
Ingredients
• 450 ml of 12% hydrogen peroxide;
• 525 ml of distilled water;
• 20 grams of dish soap (better ecological);
• 2 teaspoons of citric acid to stabilize.
Mix the solution with a wooden spoon, possibly directly into a detergent bottle. Once ready it can be used as a bleach on surfaces. Then you have to pour it on the parts where the moss has settled, wait a few minutes and then remove it with a suitable brush or an abrasive sponge. Then rinse with water or a pressure washer and let it dry.
Remove the musk with citric acid and water
If we don't want to use mild self-made bleach, we can try a 20% solution of citric acid and water. In a bottle with a spray diffuser, we put 200 g of citric acid in a liter of water. Spray on surfaces and leave for about 15 minutes. Afterwards, remove the moss with a brush suitable for the surface. (Also read: Why you should NEVER use vinegar to get rid of weeds in your vegetable garden or garden)
Sodium bicarbonate
Baking soda fights moss. First, wet the moss with a garden hose and let it sit for two to three hours. Mix 200g of baking soda in one liter of water and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray the moss thoroughly and repeat for a couple of weeks. Baking soda is also particularly effective against plant molds and fungi.
Bicarbonate and Marseille soap
For more delicate exterior bricks you can prepare a detergent based on bicarbonate and Marseille soap. For every liter of water add 1 tablespoon of baking soda and two cups of liquid castile soap. The solution, applied directly to the affected area, must act for about 24 hours. It can then be removed with a brush and water.
Vodka, dish soap and boiling water
Another home remedy is to mix vodka with some dish soap. Leave to act on the tiles and then pour boiling water over them.
Cooking water for vegetables or pasta
A great way to save and reuse resources is to use the cooking water from vegetables and pasta. Just pour it on the surfaces when it is still hot. In fact, boiling water kills the moss. If this action is done often it will be an excellent method of prevention.
with the tail
As we know this drink has surprising effects against rust and limescale but also against moss. Just pour the cola on a sponge and remove the moss. This method is not suitable for glossy or painted tiles as they may discolour. (Also read 10 alternative uses of coke)
Follow us on Telegram | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Youtube
You might also like:
- Do you know the ingenious newspaper trick to stop weeds from growing?
- How to use sugar to reduce weeds in your garden
- A natural herbicide against weeds made from essential oils (from the weeds themselves)
- Detergents: Non-toxic DIY cleaning kit
