Cleaning and preventing moss and algae on paths and patios

Removing Moss from Paths

Moss and algae can make paths very slippery, particularly in the winter months. Moss and algae can become established in damp shady conditions. There are a number of ways to treat these areas depending upon the tools at your disposal and how much work you wish to do.

Brushing the surface - always good preparation

Before you start any treatments you should brush the area, preferably with a good stiff brush, to remove as much dirt and loose growth as possible.

Treatment

Option 1

Spray all affected paths withRAPID MOSS & ALGAE KILLER - Batiface this will kill the moss and algae growth on contact and should be left on the surface for between 30-60 minutes. The paths then require rinsing with water using either a hosepipe and brush or, ideally, a SMALL pressure washer. The rinse will remove the product and any remaining dead moss and algae growth from the path surface. This method is especially effective when paths become slippery during the winter months as the Batiface gets deep into the surface to ensure all of the growth is dead and can be rinsed away.

Paths made of York Stone or other similar paving may be susceptible to black lichen or 'black spot'. Although the killing of such growth is not too difficult, the removal of the black 'staining' from the path so instead of using the Batiface we recommend using HIGH POWER SURFACE CLEANER - BATIFORT This should be sprayed on to the surface, allowed to act for 15-20 minutes before being rinsed.

Once the path has been cleaned and is dry, we advise an application of CONCENTRATED MOSS & ALGAE KILLER - Baticlean CR. This is because it is impossible to remove all the moss spores (you can't see them!) and the Baticlean CR will kill spores and remain on the surface to inhibit re-growth.

If this is not applied then you will still have a nice, clean path but it will have no protection against the new spores that will start falling upon the path after you have finish cleaning.

Option 2

Spray the path with CONCENTRATED MOSS & ALGAE KILLER - Baticlean CR. Baticlean CR will kill the growth and spores but is then designed to be left upon the surface where it can inhibit re-growth. Baticlean CR should only be sprayed on to a DRY surface.

Future

You should always try and keep paths clean by removing leaves and anything that causes shade or the accumulation of moisture especially during the winter months. Brushing the surface occasionally will help and doesn't take too much effort.

In addition to this you can do the following:

1. Every 10 - 14 months simply brush the path and, on a dry day, apply a new coat of CONCENTRATED MOSS & ALGAE KILLER - Baticlean CR or just wait until the first signs of new moss growth appear.

2. Once the area has been cleaned and the original coat of CONCENTRATED MOSS & ALGAE KILLER - Baticlean CR has dried, you can seal the area. This protects the surface from the worst effects of the weather, dirt, oil staining (engines & BBQ!) and general wear & tear. It will also keep the growth of free moss & algae at bay for up to 10 years.