How to Remove Moss from Pavers

MOSS thrives in the damp, shaded microclimates created by pavers, especially when joint sand has washed away over time. While it might look soft and natural, moss traps moisture against your patio stones, which leads to premature spalling and uneven surfaces during freeze-thaw cycles. Removing it is less about physical labor and more about changing the environment so the spores cannot take root again. Success here requires two phases: immediate removal of existing growth and long-term prevention. If you simply pressure wash the moss away, you are just fragmenting the spores and scattering them into the surrounding soil. By using a solution to kill the roots first, you ensure the moss stays gone for more than a few weeks. Finish the job by locking the joints with new material, and your patio will stay clean and stable for years.

  1. Clear the Stage First. Sweep the patio thoroughly with a stiff-bristle push broom to remove loose dirt, leaves, and organic mulch. Clearing the surface ensures your treatment reaches the moss directly rather than getting soaked up by surface debris.
  2. Saturate the Moss. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a garden sprayer, or use a commercial moss remover. Saturate the moss patches during a dry, sunny day to allow the solution to penetrate and desiccate the plant matter.
  3. Let Chemistry Work. Let the solution sit for at least 24 hours. The moss will begin to change color from vibrant green to a dull, crunchy brown or grey as it dies.
  4. Brush and Rinse Away. Use a stiff wire brush to scrub the dead moss out of the joints. Once the debris is loosened, rinse the area thoroughly with a garden hose on a high-pressure setting to wash away the remains.
  5. Lock In the Sand. Once the pavers are completely dry, pour polymeric sand over the joints. Use a soft-bristle broom to sweep the sand into every gap, ensuring it is level with the bottom of the paver chamfer.
  6. Cure It Right. Use a garden hose with a fine mist setting to lightly dampen the sand. Follow the specific product instructions for curing times, as too much water will wash away the polymers before they set.