Totally agree on testing a small hidden spot first—it's saved me from more than one patio disaster, trust me. A few extra tips from my own trial-and-error adventures:
- Baking soda is great, but don't underestimate a gentle pressure wash once or twice a year. Just keep the nozzle wide and gentle...no need to blast your patio into next week.
- If you're still nervous about sealing, try applying it with a roller instead of spraying. It's easier to control how much goes on, and you won't accidentally end up with that glazed donut look (been there too, unfortunately).
- Also, don't forget good old-fashioned sunshine. Trimming back nearby bushes or trees just a bit can make a huge difference in keeping algae away naturally.
Honestly though, sounds like you're already doing pretty well if moss is your only real issue. I wouldn't stress too much—patios are meant to be enjoyed, not obsessed over.
"Just keep the nozzle wide and gentle...no need to blast your patio into next week."
Haha, learned that one the hard way myself. Thought I'd speed things up with a narrow nozzle once—ended up stripping off some grout and spent the weekend fixing my own mess. Your advice about trimming back bushes is spot-on too. I had a shady corner that was always damp and mossy, but after pruning back a few branches, it dried out nicely and stayed cleaner much longer.
Honestly, sounds like you've got a solid routine down already. Moss can be stubborn, but it's also kind of charming in small doses...gives the patio some character. As long as it's not slippery or causing damage, I'd say you're doing great. Like you said, patios are for relaxing—not stressing over every little imperfection.
Totally agree about moss adding charm—I actually encouraged it in one corner of my patio for a bit of character. But yeah, slippery moss is no joke. One thing I found helpful was sprinkling some baking soda on the really stubborn patches. It gently kills off the moss without harming nearby plants or discoloring the stone. Might be worth a shot if you ever need something mild but effective...worked surprisingly well for me.
"One thing I found helpful was sprinkling some baking soda on the really stubborn patches."
Baking soda works alright, but I've had even better results with diluted white vinegar spray. About a 50/50 mix with water usually does it—spray it on, let sit for about 20 minutes, then scrub lightly with a stiff brush. Rinse thoroughly after to protect any delicate plants nearby. Quick, cheap, and effective every time I've tried it...just don't go overboard or you'll risk fading the stone color.
Baking soda works alright, but I've had even better results with diluted white vinegar spray. About a 50/50 mix with water usually does it—spray it on, let sit for about 20 minutes, then scrub ...
I've used vinegar before too, but found it sometimes leaves a bit of a lingering smell. Does the 50/50 dilution help reduce that? Also curious if anyone's tried hydrogen peroxide solutions—heard it's effective for mold and algae, but haven't tested it myself yet. Wouldn't want to accidentally bleach the stone...
