Moss will disappear and not grow back on patios if you ditch vinegar for 1 kitchen item

Driveways and patios tend to be become incredibly slippery once autumn arrives and they really need to be cleaned now before the cold sets in to keep them safe to walk on. Many people assume that it is just ice that causes surfaces to become walking hazards but it actually a accumulation of moss and algae as well.

Moss and algae are more likely to grow in shady rainy conditions, which is why they often appear in autumn when the days are shorter and outside areas stay darker for longer. Leaving these green stains alone can make walking around your property much more dangerous but the driveway specialists at iDream Solutions have shared that getting rid of moss and algae is easy as long as you own a kettle. The experts said: "Pouring boiling water directly on the affected area can help kill moss and algae. Afterwards, use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub away the growths."

Cleaning moss can be difficult as only a tiny spore needs to survive for it to grow back again, and many natural solutions like vinegar are not strong enough to fully kill it.

However, it is highly recommended to not use harsh chemical products to remove moss as it can harm the critters that often come into gardens in autumn like hedgehogs or robins.

Boiling water can reach every part of the moss by burning the spore roots and greatly damaging it so it will die extremely quickly.

This method is worth at least trying out as it is safe for stone surfaces, completely free and lets you clean your patio effortlessly without the need for scrubbing.

How to keep moss and algae away in autumn

To begin, try to pick a sunny day to clean moss where it will not rain for at least a few hours.

Boil a kettle, and carefully carry it outside. Handling the hot water is the most difficult part of this method, so take your time and make sure there is nothing on the patio that could trip you up.

Try to hold the kettle at arm's length and pour it on any mossy patches or algae-ridden areas. Take your time to slowly pour out the water to prevent it splashing once it hits the ground.

Then, you just need to wait a few hours or even a day for the moss to cool down and die. You will know it is dead as it will look brown and crispy.

Use a broom or stiff brush to scrape the moss and algae off your patio, and it should stay clean throughout the rest of autumn.

However, moss tends to thrive in dark and damp areas, so try to help sunlight get to your driveway by moving your car when you can as this will stop moisture collecting in that area.