Dilution of bleach to kill moss query

Martyn_H

Hi

I've bought some ordinary bleach and was wondering how much to water it down before applying to the patio to eliminate moss stains on the slabs.

Also, how long should I leave it before hosing/ scrubbing down?

Thank you.

nodwah

Well, I've used neat cillit bang on my doorstep to get the moss off with good results and no apparent damage to the concrete!

( my DS2 makes me by Cillit Bang coz he loves the advert)

easypeasy1956

I don't know about bleach but I use Jeyes Fluid, mixed according to the instructions for moss and slime removal. It just wipes away. I also use it to clean the greenhouse glass and framework. I think it's a tablespoo in a bucket of water so the tin lasts for years.

Davesnave

I used to use it neat, and dilute as I went with a scrubbing broom in a bucket. This was to give it maximum power and no run-off. Then I'd leave it till I got bored supervising, before hosing it off.

My reason for doing it that way was simply to ensure that no cats or other animals walked across it. Cats are probably not that daft, but strong bleach wouldn't do them any good if they were.

And no, there was never any ill effects on the plants in the border. By the time it got there the solution was well diluted.

Martyn_H

I thought that Jeyes was no longer advertised as a moss killer, but I've just checked their website and it mentions slime etc.

I'm still tempted to use bleach but am worried in case it changes the appearance of the slabs.

Suzy_M

For moss stains - 'paint' on the bleach and leave it overnight. Then scrub it and rinse off next day.

The effect it has on the colour and finish of the slabs will depend on the type of slab. We use bleach on our granite faced concrete slabs (ex-local authority from when they replaced the pavement with tarmac). In our case it improved the appearance as with all the gunge removed the granite chips really showed up and look quite 'twinkly' now when the light catches them.

We also sealed the surface with a patio seal which helps deter any further growth - provided the grouting is OK. - Be warned though this can very slightly discolour the slabs.