Even if your balcony or patio is tucked away in a shady spot, you’ve probably noticed those green carpets of moss trying to take over. Whether it’s on your pavers, in the cracks, or climbing up the railing, you don’t need to reach for harsh chemicals to get things looking fresh again. You can actually tackle moss pretty easily with a few simple items you probably already have in your pantry.
Great DIY Solutions for Moss Control
To get your outdoor space back to its former glory, you can rely on some tried-and-true household staples. The two heavy hitters here are:
- Washing soda (or baking soda)
- Vinegar
Cleaning Patios and Balconies with Soda
A solution made from washing soda (sodium carbonate) or baking soda is incredibly effective at knocking out stubborn moss. Since these are natural ingredients, this method is non-toxic and biodegradable—which is a huge plus for the environment. Start by scraping away the thickest clumps of moss with a putty knife or a weeding tool.
Mix about 2 tablespoons (25 grams) of washing soda into 2.5 gallons of hot water. Pour the mixture over the mossy areas. For railings, just pop some of the solution into a spray bottle and give them a good soak. Let it sit for a few hours, and you’ll find the moss loosens up enough to be easily scrubbed away with a stiff brush.
If you don’t have washing soda on hand, baking soda works too! Just keep in mind that baking soda isn’t quite as strong, so you might need to use a higher concentration or give it a second treatment to get the job done.
Using Vinegar on Balconies and Patios
Vinegar is another fantastic DIY moss killer. A quick tip: stick to regular white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Avoid high-concentration cleaning vinegar (vinegar essence), as it can be too acidic and might damage nearby plants or certain materials. Also, a word of caution—never use vinegar on natural stone like marble or limestone, as it can cause permanent staining.
Just like with the soda method, scrape off the bulk of the moss first. Spray the vinegar directly onto the remaining patches and let it work its magic for a few hours. Once the moss has loosened, grab a scrub brush or a wire brush and give it a good scrub.
Why You Should Skip Iron Fertilizer on the Balcony
You might have heard of using iron fertilizer (ferrous sulfate) to kill moss in lawns, but keep it away from your balcony! While it definitely kills moss, it’s notorious for leaving behind nasty, permanent rust-colored stains on patio tiles and flooring. It’s much better to stick to the soda or vinegar methods to keep your outdoor space looking its best.
