Step By Step Process Of Removing Moss From Asphalt Driveway
People use different methods when it comes to getting rid of moss from their driveways. Some of the methods including a scrub brush, broom, or power washer are considered better options when you are looking to remove the surface layer, however, chemicals or cleaning agents may be need to completely get rid of the moss & its residual stains from the driveways. If you are looking to remove the moss growth from asphalt driveway, go through the below-mentioned steps carefully:
Step 1: Remove All Surface Plant Growth
First of all, you need to loosen the plant growth with the help of a garden rake or heavy broom before cleaning up the plant debris and them proceed to the next step. Power washer is considered the best option by the majority of people when it comes to removing moss from a driveway surface.
Will A Power Washer Remove Moss?A power washer is best when removing moss from your driveway, however, it is highly possible for moss regrowth, therefore, using a power washer alone will not work. An environmental change, chemicals, or a cleaning agent particularly made for moss may be needed to fully get rid of the moss from your driveway and make sure that it does not return. However, power washing will quickly as well as effectively get rid of the top layer of moss growth and often remove some or majority of the staining it leaves behind. To clean moss off your driveway using a power washer, work in small sections. Use dish soap when it comes to added cleaning power without introducing heavy chemicals to the environment. If green, brown, or grey stains still remains after cleaning with a power washer, then your driveway may need further cleaning using natural or chemical agents. Manual scrubbing may also be needed.
Step 2: Decide on a Cleaning Agent and Deck Scrub the Entire Surface
After getting rid of the surface growth, a stain will likely remain. So, you need to decide the cleaning agent that works best for your situation and then deck scrub the entire stained surface. To deck scrub, you simply need to use a stiff-bristled push broom, make sure to work in small sections and push hard as you use the broom's head in order to aggravate the cleaning agent into the stain.
- White Vinegar
A white vinegar solution is one of the best cleaning agents when it comes to removing moss stains. It is not as harsh and rough as some chemicals, however, and may not always get rid of the stain completely. If you have just discovered new growth or the stains that you are cleaning are not very deep, vinegar should be best cleaning agent that will not harm the environment. - Bleach
Bleach can, in a sufficiently great or important way, lighten some driveways. The lightening process does not inevitably cause a stain, however, may result in a noticeable color change. This is particularly true of concrete paved driveways. Any porous material has the ability for lightening as a result of bleach exposure. However, the majority of the people don't mind lightening up their concrete driveway a bit, and bleach is often used in order to get rid of set-in moss stains. If your driveway has been covered with moss for so many years, bleach may be the only way when it comes to drastically lighten the stains. - Store-Bought Cleaning Agents
There are many cleaning agents when it comes to getting rid of moss from your driveway that you can purchase at most of the home improvement or garden centers. These formulas often need the addition of bleach, however, there are more natural options out there as well. The majority of these solutions offer extended protection against moss regrowth. Also, many no-scrub options are made to be sprayed onto the surface and then left. These formulas will generally still need you to remove the actual plant growth from the driveway's surface for better results.
Step 3: Allow Cleaning Agent To Soak Into The Driveway
The majority of the cleaning agents need time when it comes to soaking into the driveway surface. If you rinse off your cleaning agents too soon, then it will not have time to penetrate as well as get rid of the stain. A general guideline is to start with 10 minutes before you start working up from there. Store-bought chemicals will have their own instructions, therefore, it is important to read and follow them for the best results.
Step 4: Do Not Allow Cleaning Agent And Soap Residue To Dry On Your Driveway
Do not allow the cleaning agent to dry on your driveway, due to the fact that it will only cause more work for you. You will have the original moss stain left to handle, and also have a gross layer of soap residue that you will need to first get rid of before you can address the moss stain below. Also, some cleaning agents including bleach or dyed store-bought solutions may lighten or further stain your driveway.
Step 5: Rinse The Driveway Off With A Garden Hose Or Power Washer
After allowing the solution soak into the driveway surface, you need to rinse it all away with the help of a garden hose or power washer. It is important that all soap residue is rinsed off. Be careful not to push the chemicals into adjacent flower beds or other important landscaping, due to the reason that it may harm or kill off nearby plant life.
Step 6: Repeat Steps As Needed
For really tough moss stains, repeat the cleaning process a few times. You may see an effect if you repeat the steps immediately, however, it also may work better if you wait a few days to do another round of cleaning. Also, consider trying a different cleaning agent if in case the first one you tried was ineffective.