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How to Eliminate Moss from Bricks in the Yard

Moss is a low-growing plant that does not require soil, and so it often attaches to smooth surfaces such as brick. When the perfect conditions of high moisture and low sunlight exist on a bricked area, moss thrives. If the bricks are part of a pedestrian path, then moss on them is a slipping hazard. Removing moss requires an abrasive scrubbing action and the proper chemicals to kill the moss and prevent its regrowth.

Things You'll Need

  • Moss killer in spray bottle
  • Safety glasses
  • Garden hose
  • Pressure washer with 3,000 lbs. or fewer of pressure per square inch
  • Spray nozzle with wide spray pattern
  • Large bucket
  • Household bleach
  • Disposable rubber gloves
  • Stiff-bristled brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Spray moss killer over the bricks' surface until all portions of the moss are saturated with the spray. Leave the solution in place for the amount of time instructed on the moss killer's label. The time is typically about 30 minutes.

    • 2

      Don a pair of safety glasses, and attach a garden hose to the water inlet valve of a pressure washer with 3,000 lbs. or fewer of pressure per square inch. Screw a spray nozzle that has a wide spray pattern onto the pressure washer wand.

    • 3

      Turn on the pressure washer, and hold the tip of the nozzle 1 to 2 feet from the brick. Squeeze the nozzle's trigger, and move the wand from side to side to use the spraying water to detach the dead moss.

    • 4

      Fill a large bucket with a mixture of nine parts of water to one part of household bleach. Put on a pair of disposable rubber gloves, and insert a stiff-bristled brush into the bleach water solution.

    • 5

      Scrub the surface of the brick with the stiff-bristled brush and bleach solution using firm, circular motions to dislodge remaining moss and to remove green stains left behind. Continue scrubbing until no moss or stains remain on the bricks.

    • 6

      Rinse the bricks thoroughly with clean water from the garden hose.