Believe it or not, one of the easiest ways to tackle moss in your yard is sitting right in your fridge: a bottle of Coke. Just like vinegar, cola is a great DIY hack for clearing out those green moss carpets on stones and walls without reaching for harsh chemical cleaners. But before you go pouring soda all over your patio, there are a few things you should know.
What’s inside the bottle?
The “secret ingredient” that makes cola so effective against moss is phosphoric acid. It works a lot like vinegar, acting as a natural moss killer. Plus, once you’ve treated an area with cola, it usually stays moss-free for quite a while.
The perks of using cola
There are plenty of reasons to give this a try. For starters, cola isn’t toxic, making it a safe choice for organic gardens. Unlike those heavy-duty commercial moss removers, you’re dealing with natural ingredients (well, natural enough to drink!).
And don’t worry about the dark color—the dyes are diluted enough that they won’t stain your light-colored patio stones or garden furniture.
A few downsides to consider
While cola is great at killing moss, it’s not always the most practical solution. Because of the amount of soda you’d need, it’s really only best for small spots or specific areas. It’s absolutely perfect for cleaning out mossy cracks and joints between pavers.
If you have a massive lawn or a huge patio covered in green, you’re better off using a scarifier or a power tool to save time and money. Also, keep in mind that the high sugar content isn’t great for your soil if you use it in massive quantities over a long period.
How to remove moss with cola
Ready to give it a shot? If you have a small patch of moss you want to treat naturally, just follow these steps:
- Use a putty knife or scraper to get rid of the thickest clumps of moss first.
- Pour undiluted cola directly onto the affected spots.
- Let it sit. Depending on how stubborn the moss is, this could take a few hours or even a couple of days.
- Once the moss has loosened up, sweep or rake it away.
- Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water to get rid of any sticky sugar residue.
If there’s still some green peeking through, feel free to repeat the process!
Cleaning out paver joints
Cola is a superstar when it comes to removing moss from the gaps between paving stones. Using a spray bottle helps you target the cracks precisely without wasting a drop. Once the moss is gone and the area is dry, be sure to refill the joints with sand to help keep new moss from moving back in.
