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Moss growing on brick walls and pathways can make your home look old, dirty, and unkempt. While moss may seem harmless, over time, it can cause damage to the bricks and lead to more extensive repairs. Luckily, moss is relatively easy to get rid of with the right techniques.
So, the big question is how to clean moss off of brick. Scrub moss with a stiff brush and a mixture of water and detergent to remove light growths. Use a pressure washer on a low PSI setting to blast away moss, keeping the nozzle 6 inches away at a 45-degree angle. Apply moss-killer chemicals containing ammonium sulfate to kill moss, let sit, then rinse thoroughly. Create a diluted bleach solution, apply to moss, let sit for 15 minutes, scrub vigorously, and rinse well to fully remove moss down to the brick.
For a more in-depth explanation, please continue reading for five effective methods for cleaning moss off bricks and restoring their appearance.
When using a pressure washer to remove moss from brick, it's important to use the proper pressure setting. Too much pressure can damage the brick and mortar. Start at a lower setting - between 500-1000 PSI should be adequate for most applications. Test a small inconspicuous area first and adjust the pressure as needed.
Make sure to hold the nozzle at the optimal angle and distance. Keeping the nozzle too close or using too much pressure can etch the brick surface. Take your time and systematically wash sections in overlapping vertical paths. Horizontal paths may allow streaking. Don't concentrate the stream in one place too long.
Rinsing with a pressure washer can leave behind dirt and debris stuck in cracks and crevices. Use a stiff nylon brush attachment to scrub these areas as you go to dislodge stubborn grime.
When you are finished pressure washing, inspect the wall for any remaining moss. Spot-treat these areas carefully with the pressure washer. You may need to let the area dry for a day or two to clearly see all the areas where moss remains.
Proper preparation is key when pressure washing brick. Cover any nearby plants and wear protective eye gear. Make sure to power wash on a dry, sunny day without wind so the spray doesn't blow debris onto other surfaces. Sweep or wipe down the area first to remove loose particles.
Pressure washing is an effective method for moss removal but does take some practice. Working methodically and with the proper pressure setting, you can safely restore the look of your brick surfaces.
For a less labor-intensive approach, applying moss-killer chemicals is an easy solution. Moss killer chemicals contain ingredients like iron sulfate, ammonium sulfate, and sodium carbonate that disrupt plant cell walls and essentially dehydrate the moss so it dies. Look for moss-killer products at your local home improvement store.
Simply mix according to directions, apply liberally to the moss with a pump sprayer, wait the recommended amount of time, and then rinse thoroughly with your hose. The moss will turn black as it dies. Use a stiff brush or pressure washer to scrub and remove the dead moss. Repeated applications may be needed for thick moss growth.
When using a wet/dry vacuum to remove moss, be sure to use the appropriate nozzle and hose attachments. The crevice tool is great for getting into tight spots and mortar lines. Use the brush nozzle attachment to loosen and agitate moss while vacuuming.
Take your time moving the vacuum nozzle slowly over the surface to lift away all debris. Make multiple passes over each area, changing direction, to get the best results.
For damp moss, try vacuuming it first with just the squeegee attachment to remove excess moisture. Then go over it again with the brush nozzle to scrub and suction away the remaining moss and dirt.
Rinsing lightly with a hose on a low setting can help dislodge bits of moss to be vacuumed up easier. But avoid saturating the area, which would clog the wet/dry vac.
Once the moss appears removed, inspect closely and spot-clean any remaining bits by hand with a small stiff brush. You may need to vacuum the crevices from a few different angles to ensure you have extracted all the moss from the cracks.
When finished, dispose of all debris from the vacuum carefully. Rinsing out the collection tank and hoses will help keep the vacuum working efficiently for future cleaning projects.
For lightly covered areas, some elbow grease and a stiff scrub brush may be all you need to remove moss from brick. Use a brush with sturdy, stiff bristles made for scrubbing. Dip the brush in warm water mixed with a small amount of mild detergent. Scrub the moss vigorously to scrub it off the surface. You can use a scraper for stubborn spots. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry completely. Check for any remaining moss growth and repeat scrubbing as needed. This affordable DIY method works well for small areas of light moss growth. You can easily wash it away with a garden hose and prevent damage to surrounding plants.
When using bleach to remove moss from brick, it's important to use caution and proper safety gear. Wear gloves, eye protection, and avoid skin contact with the diluted bleach solution.
Only mix bleach with water - never mix or combine it with other household cleaners, as toxic fumes can result. Avoid using bleach on a hot or sunny day which can cause it to evaporate too quickly.
Apply the diluted bleach solution liberally to fully saturate all moss growth. Use a spray bottle to prevent contact with your hands. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing for maximum effectiveness.
Use a stiff nylon bristle scrub brush and scrub vigorously to work the bleach into the moss and bricks. This helps break up and dissolve the plant material. Avoid metal bristle brushes which can scratch the bricks.
Multiple bleach applications may be needed for thick moss growth. For best results, repeat the rinsing and scrubbing process 2-3 times.
Rinse the bricks very thoroughly with clean water when finished. This prevents bleach residue from continuing to leach and possibly discolor the bricks.
Bleach effectively kills and removes moss growth, but safe handling is critical. Never mix with other chemicals, rinse thoroughly, allow adequate drying time, and use proper protective equipment when using bleach as a moss removal solution.
Always use safety precautions when using chemicals or pressure washers. Wear gloves, eye protection, and cover any nearby plants. After cleaning, consider applying a moss-inhibiting sealer to brick to help prevent future moss growth. And addresses any issues like excessive moisture that may be contributing to the moss growth.
With a little time and effort, you can succeed at killing moss from your brick patio or brick pavers. A moss-free brick wall or walkway makes such a difference in curb appeal and can instantly give your home a well-maintained facelift. Now get out there, grab one of these moss removal methods, and restore the beauty of your home’s brickwork. Your neighbors will be green with envy, though not from moss!
About Largo Pressure Washing Services
With over 20 years of experience, FREE estimates, and the most competitive rates for power washing in the local area, how can you go wrong with a company like Largo Pressure Washing Services? The answer is; you can't! Our company looks forward to making your residential and commercial properties sparkle and shine. Please call us at (727) 758-2424 to schedule an appointment.
Is bleach or vinegar better to kill moss?
Bleach is more effective at killing moss than vinegar. Still, vinegar is a less toxic option that may be preferable for environmental reasons. While vinegar can help remove moss, it may require more applications compared to using a bleach solution.
How do you get rid of green moss on brick walls?
To remove green moss from brick walls, use a stiff brush or pressure washer to scrub away the growth, then apply a moss killer containing iron sulfate, which will turn the moss black as it dies. Repeated scrubbing and moss killer application may be needed for thorough removal from porous brick.
How do you keep moss from growing on brick?
To prevent moss from growing back on brick walls, control moisture issues by fixing leaky faucets, redirecting sprinklers, and improving drainage near the wall if needed. Applying a silicone, acrylic, or penetrating sealer formulated to resist mold and mildew can also help keep brick surfaces resistant to future moss growth.
Will vinegar kill algae on brick?
Vinegar can be an effective way to kill algae growing on brick surfaces. Create a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water, spray it generously on the affected areas, allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and rinse thoroughly.
Does Dawn and water kill moss?
A solution of Dawn dish soap and water can be an effective DIY method for killing and removing moss from brick surfaces. Mix a few squirts of Dawn with water in a spray bottle, spray liberally on moss growth, let sit for 15 minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush and rinse thoroughly to remove the dead moss.
