Last updated on March 24th, 2023
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Does the moss in your driveway and your paths always seem to be there, no matter the time of year? My review of the Best Moss Killers for Driveways and Paths identifies the most effective products (concentrated or ready-to-use) for removing moss from these surfaces and slowing down its return.
I give the pros and cons of each moss killer solution, identify the best features and make my recommendation. My Buyer’s Guide covers the (slight but key) differences between moss killer products.
Best Pick
Runner-up
Best Moss Killers for Driveways and Paths
1. Wet & Forget – Moss Mould Lichen & Algae Remover (5L)
Best Pick
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Wet & Forget – Moss Mould Lichen & Algae Remover (5L) is a concentrated moss killer that works on any outdoor surface that gets wet and encourages moss, algae and lichen to grow. This includes driveways and paths, but also patios, tarmac areas, roofs and sports courts.
This solution is biodegradable with a pH8 (pH7 is neutral). It’s not caustic but it will still do irreparable harm to any green vegetation it comes into contact with. Be aware of any run-off that may occur on solid surfaces that could head down to your lawn and other green areas.
This moss killer is best applied with a pressure sprayer. It’s best to use one with a choice of sprays – fine for areas without much moss and coarse for heavier moss areas. You get more coverage out of the solution if you selectively apply it.
The recommended dilution of this Wet and Forget Moss solution is one part concentrate to five parts water. This gives you 30L of solution which covers up to 300m2 of ground. Use less water if you need a stronger solution for moss that’s really resisting.
Just spray the diluted solution onto the moss, take the appropriate safety precautions and leave it there. The ground is safe for children and pets once the liquid has dried.
Pros
- Concentrated killer that removes lichen, mould, moss and algae.
- Is non-caustic and non-acidic with pH8; also biodegradable.
- Mix one part of concentrate with 5 parts of water for most uses.
- Covers 100m2 to 300m2 depending on the dilution and the surface.
- Spray diluted mix onto the surface and leave.
Cons
- Different results on different surfaces.
Our recommendation
Wet & Forget – Moss Mould Lichen & Algae Remover (5 Litre) is our Best Pick – Concentrate of the moss killers in our review. The 5L concentrate covers a significant area. It has received thousands of positive reviews and its price is comparable with that of its competitors (as of December 2021 when I did my research).
Give your patio a refresh, check out my review of the best patio grout compounds
2. Jarder Spray & Leave 4 x 5 Litre Concentrate Cleaner (20L)
Best Pick – Budget
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Jarder Spray & Leave 4 x 5 Litre Concentrate Cleaner is a four-pack of concentrated moss killer solution. It also works on algae, lichen and green mould. You can use it on any hard outdoor surfaces including patios and roofing as well as flagstone, gravel and sandstone.
One 5L bottle of concentrate covers up to a 240m2 area when diluted to the recommended strength of one part concentrate to five parts water. This gives 30L of solution that you spray onto the affected areas with a low-pressure garden sprayer on a dry but not hot day; then walk away. Come back two to three days later to see that the moss has started to become brown and die. In the meantime, once the liquid has dried on the moss and ground, children and pets can come back and play in the area.
This Jarder moss killer also inhibits regrowth. It doesn’t stop the moss from coming back but it slows it down so you should reach six months before catching sight of any new green fuzzy fronds. If you do need to reapply the solution, you can use less water for a stronger solution.
This Jarder Spray & Leave moss killer is also available in a two-pack of 5L bottles.
Pros
- Concentrate liquid that removes moss, green mould, lichen and algae.
- Use on solid outdoor and indoor surfaces including driveways, paths, patios and roofing.
- Dilute one 5L bottle of concentrate to at least 30L of solution with water.
- One 5L bottle of concentrate covers a 240m2 area of moss.
- Spray and walk away and see results within two to three days.
- No regrowth for six months.
- Doesn’t contain bleach or acid and is non-caustic and biodegradable.
- Safe for children and pets once the solution has dried on the sprayed surface.
Cons
- Kills but doesn’t remove moss.
Our recommendation
The Jarder Spray & Leave 4 x 5 Litre Concentrate Cleaner is a moss, algae and lichen killer that’s economical to buy in this bulk size. Spray up to 240m2 of the problem area with the diluted solution from each bottle of concentrate, then walk away and wait. Within a few days, your problem greenery starts to die off.
This is our Budget Best Pick from the moss killers we have reviewed.
If moss is also a problem on your lawn, DO NOT use the moss killers from this review on it. Read our How to remove moss from your lawn article and our Top 5 Best Moss Killer For Lawns – Soluble & Granular review.
3. SmartSeal Moss Remover (5L)
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The SmartSeal Moss Remover (5L) is a concentrated moss killer solution that works well in cold, damp areas on lichen, moss, algae and other unwanted green growth. The product is non-acidic and doesn’t include bleach, making it as safe as it can be.
The recommended maximum dilution ratio is one part concentrate to six parts water. If you have a heavy manifestation of moss, try using only four parts of water for a stronger solution. Wait for a day in which no rain is expected for six hours and then apply the solution. You can choose to use a watering can to do this but some online reviewers state that you don’t get the widest application of the liquid this way. Instead, using a low-pressure garden sprayer is the most economical application method.
This is a spray-and-walk-away product. Once the liquid has soaked into the moss and the surrounding surface and is dry, people and pets can come back into the area. You do need to wait for three to five days to see the first signs of the moss dying. The back of the bottle says that you see the moss growth disappear, but it’s not clear whether you have to clear the moss away yourself.
This SmartSeal Moss Remover 5L bottle covers up to 125 m2 of ground. This isn’t as large an area as that covered by some of the other products in our review.
You can also buy the SmartSeal Moss Remover in a two-pack of 5L bottles and a three-pack of 5L bottles as well. The most economical size (as of December 2021) is the 25L container.
Pros
- Kills most types of unwanted green growth on outside hard surfaces.
- Jug of 5L concentrate covers up to 125m2 effectively.
- Safe for kids and pets once the solution is dry.
- Non-acidic and doesn’t include bleach.
- Apply with low-pressure garden sprayer.
- Usual dilution is one part concentrate to six parts water; use less water if there is a heavy moss covering.
- Moss starts to disappear in three to five days.
Cons
- Dead moss remains in place.
Our recommendation
The SmartSeal Moss Remover (5L) is a good moss killer concentrate that is best applied using a garden sprayer. It doesn’t cover as much ground as some other moss killers but it starts to be effective in three to five days. This is a good choice if you have a lot of moss to tackle as you can buy this product in bulk.
4. Garden Xpert Moss & Algae Concentrate Remover
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The Garden Xpert Moss & Algae Concentrate Remover (5L) is a popular choice for getting rid of moss. Not only does it kill moss, but it inhibits new growth for six months. Use on any hard surfaces outside your home for more than a season without moss, algae or lichen.
The 5L bottle of concentrate dilutes, at 1 part liquid to 5 parts water, to 30L of solution that covers up to 250m2 of mossy ground. Apply the diluted solution with a garden sprayer for the best (and most economical) results. A watering can will do, but it won’t be quite as good at distributing the liquid.
After application, just walk away and wait a few days for the moss to start turning brown. But you and your family and friends can return to the area before this, as long as the liquid has soaked into the moss and is dry on the ground.
This Garden Xpert moss killer is also available in a 25L container that is an economical choice for those who face an infestation of moss.
Pros
- Ready-to-use solution kills moss and algae whilst inhibiting regrowth and restoring original colour to hard surface.
- Dilute the concentrate at 1:5 ratio.
- Use a watering can or low pressure sprayer to apply.
- Five litres of concentrate covers up to 250m2 area.
- Safe for pets and children once the hard surface is dry to the touch.
- Biodegradable and pH neutral.
- Starts to work in about three days.
Cons
Our recommendation
The Garden Xpert Moss & Algae Concentrate Remover (5L) is a good choice if you have large areas of moss to tackle. The 5L container handles areas of up to 250m2 while the 25L is an economical alternative if you’re really waging war on your moss.
5. Resolva Moss Killer Ready to Use (3L)
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Resolva Moss Killer Ready to Use (3L) is an effective ready-to-use moss killer that comes with some caveats. But online reviewers state how effective this ready-to-use product is good at getting rid of moss if you follow the instructions.
First up, the manufacturer says not to use this moss killer on impermeable surfaces, such as concrete and tarmac. But it’s okay to use on block paving, gravel and wasteland. This is because the excess liquid will stay on top of the surface and perhaps run off into surrounding flower beds or lawns, killing whatever green foliage it comes into contact with. This is good advice for any other moss killer as well.
Secondly, you’re instructed not to use this product between September 18th and April 1st – that’s the period in which moss is at its strongest and is the most difficult to kill off.
But on the good side, if it rains one hour after you’ve applied the product, it will still be effective. Some other moss killers require a longer time of dry weather after application in order to work. To apply, just spray the solution on and wait.
Don’t worry that the size of the area treated is small, at 30m2. Remember that this is for just the 3L bottle of ready-to-use solution. Concentrated moss killers cover 300 m2 or less with 30L of a solution so it works out to about the same area in the end. The price is another matter though. This ready-to-use product is a cost-effective choice if you only need a small amount or you just don’t like mixing up harmful liquids.
There’s also a 1L bottle if you really do only have a patch or two of moss to deal with.
Pros
- Ready-to-use liquid kills moss on permeable hard surfaces that are on the soil.
- Shows visible results in 24 hours.
- Handles wet weather within one hour of applying.
- Don’t use between 18th September and April 1st.
- Comes with hose and sprayer.
- Sprayed area is safe after the liquid dries.
- Treats up to 30m2.
Cons
- Trigger spray not durable.
- Doesn’t remove moss.
Our recommendation
Resolva Moss Killer Ready to Use (3L) is a good choice if you have just a small moss problem or don’t like mixing liquids up from concentrates. This is an effective moss killer for permeable surfaces as long as the moss isn’t in its period of strong growth. You see results in 24 hours but remember that this is a moss killer, it doesn’t dissolve the moss away.
Buyer’s Guide
When comparing the different moss killers solutions in our review, you’ll notice that they’re very similar to each other. Our Buyer’s Guide highlights the slight (but important) differences between the items we present.
Concentrate vs ready-to-use
You may not be able to tell from the price difference between any two moss killers if they come as a concentrate or a ready-to-use solution. Most of the moss killers we look at are concentrated and the instructions on the bottle tell you how much water to add to dilute the solution to the correct strength. It’s usually one part concentrate to five parts water for normal use. (So, add five litres of water to 5L of concentrate to get 30L in total to spray on your moss.)
If you have a heavy moss layer or the moss proves to be tough to get rid of, use less water and create a stronger solution.
Ready-to-use moss killers come already diluted so you can use them straight from the bottle you purchase.
The area of ground that each of these covers is different due to the final volume of solution you end up with. Check the sales blurb or the instructions on the back of the bottle (or photo of the bottle) to see the area that a particular moss killer covers.
Kill vs remove
During our research, we noticed that quite a few online reviewers complained that, although the moss killer did kill the moss, the brown or black moss just stayed on their driveways and paths and they had to remove it manually. Using a wire brush or a high-pressure washer is usually the best option for this task.
Most of the moss killers we look at talk about killing the moss but not about actually dissolving it so that it vanishes from sight. Be clear about what it is you expect from your chosen moss killer and whether the solution can deliver that.
And speaking about killing moss, be aware that all the moss killer solutions in this review also kill any other green vegetation they come into contact with. And this solution for moss slaying is extremely toxic for aquatic life so keep it away from your garden pond and any other source of water.
Permeable vs non-permeable surface
Only one of the moss killers we looked at states to only use it on permeable surfaces (paving bricks or gravel) so the excess liquid can run off through the surface to the soil below and not harm any other parts of your garden.
But it got us thinking that that’s good advice. Be aware that if you use the killer liquid on a hard, non-permeable surface (such as concrete or tarmac) with a slope, the liquid may run off into your prized flower beds or your full vegetable garden and kill whatever it comes into contact as that’s what it does.
Dry vs wet conditions
For the promised results from the manufacturers, apply these moss killer solutions in dry weather and when the forecast is for continued dry conditions. If you plan on pressure washing your paths or driveway first, do this several days in advance so that the surface dries completely.
Each product gives a different length of time that the treated ground needs to stay dry for, from 8 hours to several days. Be sure to plan for this and for any other restrictions identified for when you can use the product.
Safety
There are no differences between the products in our review when it comes to safety. We’re including it as we are sticklers about taking more than the appropriate safety precautions when using any form of toxic compounds (and dangerous garden equipment, as well).
Be sure to wear gloves, closed shoes and eye protection when you apply the moss killer. While you’re at it, you might as well put on one of the many masks you have lying around to protect you from inhaling any of the fumes and spray. The ingredients in these moss killers are irritants so make sure your skin is covered up as well.
Final Conclusion
Killing the moss on your driveways and paths is easy – just spray and walk away. But be sure to pick the appropriate moss killer and follow all the safety instructions. Moss killers for these surfaces kill any green vegetation they come into contact with, are extremely toxic to any aquatic life and need specific weather conditions to be successful. Read all the instructions, especially the safety issues, carefully before using any of the products in our review.
Our Best Pick for Top Moss Killer for Driveways and Paths is the Wet & Forget – Moss Mould Lichen & Algae Remover (5 Litre). This is a concentrated solution that covers up to 300m2 of mossy ground.
Our Budget Pick is the Jarder Spray & Leave 4 x 5 Litre Concentrate Cleaner (20L). This is also a concentrated moss killer that is economical to buy in bulk to cover large problem areas.
If you don’t have a low-pressure garden sprayer to apply your chosen moss killer, read our recommendations in our 6 Best Garden Sprayers For Spraying weedkiller & pesticides review.
Finally, if your deck also has a moss covering, we can help with that too in our Best Decking Cleaner & Top 5 Picks For Removing Algae, Moss & Dirt article.
Last update on 2024-04-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
