Homeowners are raving about the ‘remarkably simple solution’ that ‘ensures moss stays away for good’ on patios
AS we inch closer to the warmer summer months you might be looking forward to spending more time in your garden.
But before you do that you probably need to clean up any moss that's grown there, which isn't always easy to do.
Don't worry though, you don't need to spend ages scrubbing and scraping to get your garden patio looking as good as new - there's a cheap and effective hack you can use instead.
Moss often covers patios after periods of damp and wet weather and can leave unsightly stains, as well as being incredibly slippery for anyone walking over it.
But you can keep moss away "for good" with one simple hack - and you probably already have it in your cupboards at home.
Seven Bell of Paving Shopper told Express.co.uk that homeowners should make the most of their laundry detergent when it comes to banishing moss.
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According to the pro, the cleaning product isn't just for your clothes, but can combat moss in your garden too.
“This readily available item is a game-changer in the fight against unsightly moss," he explained.
Not only is the method "affordable and efficient" but "the beauty of this approach is that it requires no scrubbing as nature does the heavy lifting with the help of rainfall," he added.
So, how exactly do you use laundry detergent to get rid of moss?
Well it's simple really, all you need to do is wait for the moss to dry and sprinkle the detergent directly over it.
You don't need to scrub or wash the detergent away either, just wait for the next rainfall to do that for you.
Unlike other harsh chemical methods, using laundry detergent poses no threat to the surrounding plants or grass, Steven added.
For the best results, check the weather forecast in your area and plan to sprinkle the detergent before it rains.
You should also note that this method “could take several days to fully eradicate the moss” - so be prepared to wait.
To speed things up a bit, you can mix the laundry detergent with water before spraying it directly onto the moss.
However, if you want quicker results you'll have to use a hard bristled brush to scrape the moss away.
The pro raved about this method, and said he'd personally seen great results when using it on his own patio.
"Two years on, the moss has yet to make a return," he noted.
6 Spring Gardening Jobs You Can Do in 60 mins
A gardening pro, or just starting your planting journey? Nigel Lawton, a gardening expert at Dobbies Garden Centres has shared the six jobs you can do to transform your garden in under an hour.
1. Tidy up
Remove dead leaves, neaten beds and borders, remove any seeds and apply a good layer of mulch over the surface with organic peat-free compost. TIME: 60 mins
2. Design beds and borders
Trim back winter flowering plants where blooms have started to fade. Start by removing any dead, diseased or damaged branches, and get rid of any branches that cross over, Nigel says.
Then prune summer flowering shrubs like Buddleia, Lavatera and hardy Fuschias to allow room for new growth. As well as encouraging new growth in the plant by removing dead material, pruning will also allow you to control the height and shape of your plants. TIME: 50 mins
3. Create a cosy patio
If you have a patio, transform it into a cosy socialising spot.
Start by giving that a good clean with a jet wash to quickly complete the job in under an hour. You can further liven up the area by adding some garden furniture paired with some cushions, some throws, and an outdoor rug. TIME: 30 mins
4. Refresh pots
To enjoy instant colour in your garden this spring, Nigel recommends refreshing your pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes with early season flowers for a country garden effect.
Plant in threes or fives to create a impactful display with small, medium, and large plants of different heights beside your door. TIME: 15 mins
5. Lawncare
Another beginner-friendly task you can do to spruce up your garden is taking care of the lawn by cultivating the soil and making sure the area is level and firm.
Rake out any moss or dead grass, and apply lawn treatement in late spring. TIME: 15-30 mins
6. Welcome wildlife
Spring is the perfect time to welcome wildlife into your garden as small animals come out of hibernation and new birds hatch into life.
To ensure your garden is a safe space for wildlife, Nigel suggests dedicating a small section of your garden to creating a wildlife-friendly habitat with pollinating plants and places for small animals and insects to shelter.
You can create a safe space for them by stacking branches in a shaded spot to help protect them from the elements. All of this can be done in under an hour. TIME: 40 mins