IF your driveway keeps turning green and slippery every time it rains, there’s a simple cleaning hack doing the rounds that could save you a small fortune.
Forget splashing out on pricey outdoor cleaners, thrifty homeowners are using ordinary laundry detergent, as recommended by Homes and Gardens, to blitz moss from their drives.
Homeowners are pouring detergent on their driveways[/caption]
The clever trick is a much more affordable option compared to costly moss treatments such as Walmart’s Wet & Forget Outdoor Moss, Mold, Mildew, and Algae Stain Remover Spray which retails for a hefty $18.98.
The nifty hack is leaving tarmac and paving looking spotless.
How it works
Moss loves damp, rough surfaces, which is why tarmac and block paving are the perfect breeding grounds.
It might look harmless, but when wet it turns dangerously slippery, making your driveway a potential hazard every time you step out.
The hack couldn’t be simpler.
Just sprinkle powdered laundry detergent (the kind you’d normally throw in the over any mossy patches.
Leave it to sit for about an hour, then scrub or rinse it away.
If you’re feeling extra lazy, you can even let the next rainfall do the work for you — nature’s free pressure wash.
Why it’s so cost-effective
Detergent is far cheaper than specialist moss removers.
It’s a handy fix if you only have a few small patches to deal with, and most people already have it sitting in their cupboard.
It works by breaking down the moss and drawing out moisture, helping it lift away when you brush or hose down the surface.
It’s basically a cleaning chemical you already own, just being put to work outside instead of on your laundry.
But there’s a catch.
Experts do warn, though, that while detergent is fine for small, isolated areas, it’s not a long-term fix and it’s worth being cautious about where you use it.
Large amounts can wash into drains and flowerbeds, which isn’t great for the environment or nearby plants.
If your drive is covered in moss, it’s better to tackle the job with a gentler or more targeted cleaner, like a diluted bleach solution or even a mix of white vinegar and water, which works surprisingly well thanks to its natural acidity.
A pressure washer is another safe bet if you’re dealing with a bigger build-up, though experts say not to hold the nozzle too close or you could damage the tarmac.
More driveway hacks
Homeowners can instead turn to their kettle for a helping hand in getting rid of unwanted plants.
Boiling water is an alternative to spraying weeds in cracks, as per Better Homes and Gardens.
Influencers have boasted how a solution made up of cheap washing-up liquid, salt, and white vinegar is a cost-effective alternative.
Gardeners have turned to bleach and salt as weed killing tools.
Those who like to get their hands dirty can, of course, get on their knees and use strength to pull out weeds themselves.
Gardeners have also warned about using drinks like cola or orange juice on plants.
Cola is packed full of sugar and this can kill weeds.
But, Chris Bonnett, of Gardening Express, warned that this method doesn’t come without risks.
“A lot of these techniques are best off being used in moderation, for example adding too much orange juice and milk could potentially do more harm to your plants than good and could result in killing them if overused,” he told the Daily Express in 2022.
