If your driveway has become a breeding ground for moss — especially in those shady spots under trees — you’re not alone. But before you reach for harsh chemicals or spend hours blasting it with a pressure washer, fans of cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch have shared a budget-friendly trick that’s as easy as it is effective.
The green fuzz that creeps across tarmac might look harmless, but moss can be slippery when wet, not to mention an eyesore on an otherwise neat front garden. Fortunately, Mrs Hinch’s online community — known for their clever cleaning tips and no-nonsense hacks — has come to the rescue with a surprising solution: washing powder.
The power of a humble household product
In one of the many Facebook groups inspired by Sophie Hinchliffe (aka Mrs Hinch), a group member posted a common question: “What’s the best product to remove moss from a tarmac driveway?” The response? A flood of tried-and-tested advice from fellow home enthusiasts, with one clear winner.
“My mum used washing powder and a hose on sprinkle — within a couple of days, the moss turned brown and could be swept away,” one user wrote. Another added: “Bio soap powder definitely works. I’ve done it myself.”
The method couldn’t be simpler. Just sprinkle biological washing powder directly onto damp moss patches (the type with enzymes works best), and either water it in with a hose or let nature take its course when the rain arrives. After a few days, the moss dries out and turns brown — making it easy to sweep away with a stiff broom.
Low cost, big results
Aside from being incredibly easy, this method is also gentle on the wallet. A box of washing powder at supermarkets like Asda costs just £2.23 — and because you only need a few scoops per treatment, the cost works out to less than 50p per clean. It’s a simple way to stay on top of moss build-up without spending a fortune on specialist treatments.
Plus, you probably already have washing powder at home, making this a perfect spur-of-the-moment weekend task for anyone keen to freshen up their outdoor space.
Other moss-busting favourites
The Hinch community also offered a few other home-grown remedies for tackling moss on driveways and patios. Some suggest using salt, which dehydrates and kills moss when sprinkled onto damp patches. “It takes a few days, but it works,” one user said. Another chimed in: “Salt will kill it — just sweep it up afterwards.”
Others swear by soda crystals: simply sprinkle them over the moss, leave them to work their magic for 48 hours, and then rinse with warm water and scrub. One tipster claimed the results lasted up to two years.
For a more intensive approach, a few group members recommended using bleach diluted in warm water. While effective, this method should be used with caution — especially around pets, plants, or porous surfaces that may be sensitive to strong chemicals.
A driveway that sparkles (with minimal effort)
If your driveway is looking a little tired, this quick fix could be the easiest way to give it a facelift. Whether you go for washing powder, salt, or soda crystals, these low-cost solutions are a great way to tackle moss head-on — no professional help needed.
So next time your driveway starts looking more green than grey, try reaching into the cleaning cupboard before you reach for the phone. Your moss-free driveway could be just a few scoops of washing powder away.
