Interesting ideas here, but honestly, I've found baking soda methods a bit hit-or-miss. Tried something different recently:
- Boiled water poured directly onto moss patches.
- Waited a few minutes, then brushed gently with a stiff broom.
- Followed up by sprinkling coarse salt lightly between bricks.
Surprisingly effective and super cheap. Plus, no residue or slippery soap film afterward. Might not be everyone's cup of tea, but worked wonders for me...
Totally agree about baking soda being a bit unreliable—I've had mixed luck with it too. Your boiling water trick sounds pretty solid though, especially since you're avoiding chemicals. I've actually used something similar, but instead of salt, I sprinkled some white vinegar afterward. Vinegar seems to discourage moss regrowth and weeds without leaving behind slippery residue or harming the environment.
One thing I'd mention about salt is just to be careful not to overdo it... I've heard it can sometimes affect nearby plants if it washes into flowerbeds or lawns. But a light sprinkle shouldn't cause any trouble, especially between bricks or stones.
Another quick tip I've found helpful: after cleaning, sweeping some fine sand into the gaps helps stabilize the bricks and makes it harder for moss to take hold again. Keeps things tidy longer and reduces maintenance overall.
Anyway, glad you shared your method—always nice finding simple solutions that don't involve harsh chemicals or expensive products.
"Another quick tip I've found helpful: after cleaning, sweeping some fine sand into the gaps helps stabilize the bricks and makes it harder for moss to take hold again."
That's a solid suggestion, but from my experience, fine sand can sometimes wash out easily during heavy rains, especially if your patio has a slight slope or drainage issues. I've had better luck using polymeric sand instead. It sets firmly once you wet it down, creating a more durable barrier against weeds and moss. It's still pretty environmentally friendly compared to chemical weed killers, and it doesn't wash away nearly as easily.
Also, about the vinegar trick—it's definitely effective in the short term, but I've noticed it can slightly discolor certain types of stone or concrete if used repeatedly. I learned this the hard way when my sandstone pavers developed some uneven patches after frequent vinegar treatments. Nothing drastic, but noticeable enough that I switched to boiling water alone.
Regarding salt, you're right about being cautious. Even a small amount can build up over time and affect nearby plants. My neighbor used salt regularly on his driveway edges, and eventually, the grass along the sides looked pretty rough. Took him a whole season to get it back to normal. So, I'd probably steer clear of salt altogether unless you're sure there's no runoff risk.
One alternative I've found surprisingly effective is sprinkling cornmeal into the gaps between bricks. Sounds weird, I know, but apparently it inhibits weed seed germination and moss growth naturally. I've been trying it out for a couple months now, and so far, it's working better than expected. Plus, no worries about runoff or staining.
Anyway, always interesting to see how different methods work for different setups. Patios can be tricky—what works perfectly for one person might not be ideal for another.
Interesting about the cornmeal—I hadn't heard of that one before. Might give it a shot sometime. But honestly, polymeric sand hasn't been my favorite. It does hold up well, sure, but I've found it can look a bit too artificial once set, especially with older brick patios. I prefer something more natural-looking, even if it means reapplying occasionally... guess it's all about weighing convenience vs aesthetics in the end.
I've gotta admit, I actually liked polymeric sand at first—until I saw it in action on my own patio. It felt like putting plastic surgery on something charmingly rustic, lol. Lately, I've been experimenting with crushed granite or even coarse sand mixed with a little moss seed. It takes a bit of patience and TLC, but once the moss fills in, it looks super inviting and natural. Plus, there's something satisfying about watching it slowly come to life...worth the wait, imo.
