Homemade Moss Killer Recipes: 5 Natural Tips For Killing Moss (2024)

When it comes to increasing the curb appeal of your home, getting rid of moss on your lawn, roof, and driveway is a great place to start. However, not everyone knows how to kill it. Moss multiplies if left unattended, but staying on top of problem areas before they become overrun is key to moss control.

You can stay on top of your home improvement by using these homemade moss killer recipes. If you notice moss growth, you don’t need to call in landscaping experts or use harsh chemicals that could damage your environment—you can handle the problem yourself with a few handy ingredients.

In this article, we’re sharing natural ways how to get rid of moss. No matter if it’s a large area or small, these simple methods will ensure the exterior of your home always looks its best.

Homemade Moss Killer Recipes: 5 Natural Tips For Killing Moss (1)

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Table Of Contents

    • Homemade Moss Killer
    • Use Iron Sulfate
    • Natural Moss Killer for Lawns
    • Use a Pressure Washer
    • Homemade Moss Killer for Roofs
    • Recipe for Homemade Moss Killer

Amazing Homemade Moss Killer Tips & Recipes

We have several choices for you when it comes to how to get rid of moss in lawns, between bricks or pavers in your walkway or other areas where it doesn’t belong. Try one or more until you get the moss-free surface you want.

Homemade Moss Killer

This natural homemade moss killer uses ingredients you can find in your kitchen.

Mix the water, salt, and vinegar in a bucket, and then add as much soap as needed, as long as it totals less than 20 percent of the mixture. Soap helps the moss absorb the other ingredients, which then work to dry out the moss and kill it – if you have any moss on the ground, cover it with this solution.

Homemade Moss Killer Recipes: 5 Natural Tips For Killing Moss (2)

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You can apply it with a spray bottle, using enough to dampen the moss. However, you have to be careful with this recipe, as it will kill any plant—avoid spraying fruits, vegetables, or living tree branches.

Leave the solution for a couple of days, and once it’s done its job, you can dig up the dead moss in your yard and discard it. Scrape the moss from hard surfaces like rocks with a sponge or brush.

Use Iron Sulfate

The reason there is moss growing in your lawn is likely because you have acidic soil or some other conditions that make it difficult for grass to grow. That’s why iron sulfate, also known as ferrous sulfate, is a great way to control moss before it gets out of hand.

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Iron Sulfate as a Homemade Moss Killer

  • 5 gallons of water
  • 3 ounces of iron sulfate

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Mix water with iron sulfate in a large bucket. It is best to do this outside, as ferrous sulfate can stain wood, concrete, or other non-organic materials. Pour the mixture into a hand sprayer, watering can, or another container that has a spray nozzle.

To kill moss, spray or shower it with your solution, wetting it thoroughly. Avoid contact with non-organic materials like patio furniture or any decorations you might have in your garden. If made with the recommended ratio, this mixture is not harmful to grass, but may turn it a darker green.

After the moss turns brown, you can loosen it and remove it using a garden rake about three or four days after application. Applying this moss removal treatment in early winter or spring is best.

Natural Moss Killer for Lawns

Many commercial lawn moss killers contain a lot of chemicals you’ve probably never heard of, so with this homemade weed killer recipe, you’ll know everything you’re putting on your lawn.

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Lawn Moss Killer Recipe

  • 3 tablespoons baking soda
  • 1 quart of warm water

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Mix the baking soda and water in a spray bottle and shake until the solution is well-mixed. Walk around, spraying any moss patches with your natural moss killer for lawns. You want to soak the moss, so apply enough cover it thoroughly.

It is best to work with nature for optimal results with this natural moss killer for lawns, so do this on a warm, sunny day. The heat of the sun will help to dry out the moss quickly. Repeat as needed until the moss is dead.

Use a Pressure Washer

A pressure washer isn’t a great way to prevent moss growth, but it is an excellent solution for killing moss. It is perfect for moss with a shallow root, so areas with a couple of inches on a hard surface—such as sidewalks, pavers, or concrete.

This is not the best option for roofs or lawns, as the pressure that loosens the moss can also break off other materials you want to stay in place.

Homemade Moss Killer for Roofs

While moss is typically not harmful, it could cause minor damage to a roof. Moss retains moisture, which could pose a problem for wood shingles, where rotting and decay could occur. However, this homemade moss killer for roofs can quickly fix the issue.

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Moss Killer for Roofs Recipe

  • ½ cup oxygen bleach
  • 4 gallons of warm water

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Mix the bleach with the water in a large bucket. If you need to get rid of moss on your roof, the hardest part is the labor required.

Get a stiff-bristle scrub brush and attach it to the end of a pole—if you don’t have a random pole hanging around, a broom will work as well. Carefully get up to your roof and brush downward to knock the moss loose. It is best to do this on a calm, overcast day.

Grab your oxygen bleach solution and apply it to all sections of moss growth. Continue layering the solution as needed to keep the moss damp for 20 minutes. Using your brush, scrub the moss off of your roof, working from top to bottom.

Rinse your roof with cold water. We love this recipe because you can add a little bit of liquid dish soap to it and use it as a DIY deck cleaner.

If these homemade moss killer options don’t help you control moss in your yard, then a soil test might be necessary to get to the root of the problem. Otherwise, these recipes and techniques are a great way to get your property picture-perfect.

Recipe for Homemade Moss Killer

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Homemade Moss Killer

Yield: 1 gallon

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Get rid of moss from unwanted areas with this DIY spray.

Materials

  • 4 drops dishwashing liquid
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 16 ounces table salt
  • 1 gallon water

Tools

  • Tablespoon
  • Measuring cup
  • Bucket
  • Spray bottle

Instructions

  1. Add the first four ingredients to the bucket and stir well to combine.
  2. Pour some of the solution into a sprayer.
  3. On a sunny day, thoroughly spray the moss you want to get rid of.
  4. Let the moss killer work for a few days with no rain.
  5. Pull up the dead moss.

Notes

This DIY mixture will kill all vegetation indiscriminately, so be sure to only apply it to what you want to kill.

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If this article helped you learn how to get rid of moss, then we hope you’ll share these moss killer tips with your friends and family!

Homemade Moss Killer Recipes: 5 Natural Tips For Killing Moss (2024)

FAQs

What is the best homemade moss killer? ›

You can mix either gentle dish soap or baking soda with lukewarm water to create an effective DIY herbicide that will kill moss. If you are using soap, mix 2-4 ounces with two gallons of water. For the baking soda method, mix 2 gallons of water with a small box of baking soda, the sort they sell for fridge deodorizing.

Is vinegar or baking soda better for killing moss? ›

After a few days, the baking soda will increase the pH levels enough to kill the moss. Brush off the dead moss, and rinse your roof clean. Finally, you can spray a solution containing one part vinegar and two parts water. Severe patches of moss may need direct vinegar instead of a diluted solution.

What household item kills moss? ›

“If your moss problem isn't severe, you can treat it yourself with vinegar,” he said. During a stretch of dry weather, pour vinegar — any kind of vinegar will do — directly on mossy spots. You'll want to wait for dry weather to ensure the vinegar does not get washed away by rain.

How long does it take for baking soda to kill moss? ›

On a warm, dry day when rain isn't forecast for a few days, thoroughly coat the moss with the baking soda solution, avoiding grass and other plants. Wait 2–3 days until the moss dries and turns a golden brown color. Rake or dig up the moss and dispose of it away from your lawn.

What kills moss permanently? ›

Moss control products based on iron and naturally occurring iron substances, such as ferrous sulfate, are highly effective at killing lawn moss by drawing out moisture so mosses dry up, turn black and die.

How to make your own moss killer? ›

Ways to Kill Moss on Your Lawn
  1. For small patches, mix in a garden hand sprayer 2 ounces of dish soap and 1 gallon of water. ...
  2. Spray the mixture on the patches of moss. ...
  3. The patches of moss will turn orange or brown in 24 hours and eventually dry up. ...
  4. After raking up the dead moss, take it to an isolated area.

Is vinegar or bleach better for killing moss? ›

Brick is very porous and retains a lot of moisture, which can facilitate moss growth. Here's what you can to do to eliminate it: You can use bleach as mentioned in the previous point to remove the moss from brick. However, if you want to avoid bleach, we recommend using vinegar.

Does baking soda get rid of moss? ›

2. Treating Moss: Baking Soda. For treatment, use baking soda when rain is minimal and allow several weeks for the moss to die. Products containing d-limonene (citrus oil) are also effective at killing existing moss.

Is hydrogen peroxide good for moss? ›

Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizer that is fairly harmless compared to other chemicals and will kill the moss.

How do you get rid of moss fast? ›

Use a bacteria-based moss remover – apply a product, such as Viano MO Bacter Organic Lawn Fertiliser and Moss Remover to remove moss naturally. The bacteria digests moss, so you don't have to rake out unsightly, dead moss. It doesn't remove it entirely, but usually makes a noticeable difference.

How to stop moss from growing? ›

Simply mix ordinary dish soap (Dawn Ultra is a preferred product) and water in a garden sprayer (5 ounces per gallon of water). There are also commercial horticultural soaps, such as Safer brand, that will kill moss.

What chemical stops moss growing? ›

Bio-Wash Roof Cleaner is a synergistic “broad spectrum biocide” which means it simultaneously targets and kills moss, plus a whole range of other organisms that grow on roofs, including: green mould, black mould, lichens and algae.

Will straight vinegar kill moss? ›

Moss is particularly fond of the gaps in paving slabs, but removing it can be challenging (even with the right tools). However, the acetic acid found in vinegar, a traditional cleaning solution, can effectively remove moss from brick structures, driveways or paths.

Does vinegar and dawn kill moss? ›

Vinegar, specifically acetic acid, is a common ingredient in moss-controlling agents . It can be combined with other components such as acetic acid salts to achieve a high moss-controlling effect . Dish soap, when mixed with vinegar or other ingredients, can help break down the moss and make it easier to remove .

Does Dawn and water kill moss? ›

As soon as you notice the moss, Tom suggests mixing two ounces of dish soap with a gallon of water to make a gentle solution. This will kill the moss without harming your grass.

What is the cheapest way to get rid of moss? ›

However, the acetic acid found in vinegar, a traditional cleaning solution, can effectively remove moss from brick structures, driveways or paths. 'Vinegar is a relatively cheap and easy method to remove moss from pavers.

How does baking soda get rid of moss? ›

Baking soda will raise the pH, which moss doesn't like. Baking soda washes off easily, so more than one application may be needed each year.

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