How to Remove Moss from Patio Pavers

MOSS is an opportunistic resident that thrives in the cool, damp gaps between your patio stones, turning a clean outdoor living space into a slippery, green nuisance. While it might look charming in a woodland setting, moss holds moisture against your pavers, which can accelerate erosion and lead to premature cracking or shifting of your hardscape during freeze-thaw cycles. Removing it correctly involves more than just blasting it with a garden hose. You need to kill the spores at the root to keep them from coming back within weeks. When done well, your patio will look bright and reset, with clear joints that allow proper drainage and a clean, uniform surface that stays slip-free through the wet seasons.

1. Sweep the Deck Clean. Use a stiff-bristle broom to sweep away any loose leaves, dirt, and surface debris from the patio. A clear surface ensures you are attacking the moss directly rather than pushing soil around.
2. Spray the Vinegar Mix. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a pump sprayer. Apply the mixture generously over all moss-covered areas, ensuring the solution reaches deep into the cracks between the pavers.
3. Let It Soak In. Allow the vinegar solution to sit on the moss for at least 30 to 60 minutes. You will know it is working when the moss begins to change from a vibrant green to a dull brown or yellow.
4. Brush Away Dead Moss. Use a stiff-bristled hand brush or a push broom to scrub the surface of the pavers and the joints. Focus on lifting the dead moss fibers out of the crevices where they like to anchor.
5. Blast Away the Debris. Use a pressure washer on a low-to-medium setting to rinse the loosened moss and debris away. Keep the nozzle at a 45-degree angle to avoid blowing the joint sand out from between the stones.
6. Seal with Polymeric Sand. Once the patio is fully dry, sweep fresh polymeric sand into the joints. This creates a tight seal that prevents future moss growth by denying the spores a place to land.