Homemade roof moss killer recipe

Roof moss doesn’t just make a house look poorly maintained with its slimy, old, and grimy texture. It also causes significant damage. When the roof traps moisture, it leads to rotting, mold growth, and weakened shingles. 

Roofs affected by moss require frequent maintenance and costly repairs to restore their fresh, clean appearance.

If you want a clean, moss-free roof for your house or business, with long-term protection against moss regrowth, this article will help you to eliminate every trace of roof moss from your roof by following this simple homemade roof moss killer recipe, that is affordable and easy to use.

The best time to remove roof moss

Before we jump into the homemade roof moss killer recipe, you firstly need to know the ideal time for removing roof moss. The best time to clean roof moss is during dry weather. Make sure to avoid removing moss when it’s wet, as it becomes slippery, more difficult to clean and also increases the likelihood of accidents.

The homemade roof moss killer recipe for asphalt shingle, tile, and wood shake roofs.

For this cleaning, the ingredients you need are:

• 1-2 cups of white vinegar or ½ cup of bleach as an alternative
• 2 tablespoons of dish soap to help the solution stick to moss
• 1 cup of salt dissolved in warm water (acts as a natural moss killer)
• 1 cup of baking soda in order to increase moss-killing power

The importance of each ingredients in the cleaning process

For this homemade roof moss killer recipe, each of these ingredients play a very important role for killing roof moss. The importance of white vinegar is that it contains natural acid that breaks down moss at its roots, which prevents re-growing. If you choose bleach instead of white vinegar, it works as a very powerful disinfectant that kills and stops roof moss from growing back. 

In this homemade roof moss killer recipe, we’ve also included 2 tablespoons of dish soap because it helps the solution stick to the mossy surface, to make sure for better absorption. On the other hand, the baking soda makes sure that the mixture’s effectiveness is increased by neutralizing acidity. This makes the roof moss less likely to grow.

The guide to applying the homemade moss killer recipe

Now that we have our homemade moss killer recipe and ingredients ready, it’s time to apply the step-by-step guide to removing your roof moss. Before you begin, make sure to prepare your homemade moss killer solution by mixing vinegar (or bleach), salt, dish soap, and baking soda in a bucket. Stir it well for 2 minutes until the salt is fully dissolved. 

If you are using bleach instead of white vinegar, make sure to wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area to avoid irritation. Once the solution is ready, pour it into a spray bottle or a garden sprayer for easy application.

Next, you have to generously spray the solution over moss-covered areas on your roof. Make sure to coat the moss evenly, so the mixture soaks into its roots. Also keep in mind to avoid spraying the solution on a windy day because it can make it drift away from the moss-covered areas. After you’ve sprayed, let the solution stay for 20 to 30 minutes in order to allow it to break down the moss and make it easier for roof moss removement. If you’ve applied these steps correctly, you’ll notice the moss starts to change color as it weakens.

After the waiting time, check if the moss has loosened. For the light roof moss, the solution may be enough to kill it completely. But if the moss is thick or deeply embedded, you can use a soft brush or you can scrub it away gently. But be careful: Make sure not to damage the shingles while scrubbing. 

If you used bleach in your solution, wash the roof with clean water to prevent any potential damage to nearby plants. After this process, make sure to give it an eye for any remaining roof moss. If there are still any, reapply the solution.

Cautions to consider when using this homemade roof moss killer recipe

Before using the homemade roof moss killer recipe, there are some important cautions you should consider to make sure that the cleaning process goes as planned, without causing any damage to your roof or any accidents.

Test the solution on a small area first

Before applying the moss killer solution to the entire roof, it would be a good idea if you test it on a small area first. This will allow you to check if the solution causes any discoloration or damage to your shingles, tiles, or other roofing materials. If there’s no adverse reaction, you can proceed with applying the solution to the larger moss-covered areas.

Make sure to handle bleach with care

If you decide to use bleach instead of white vinegar, you need to be extra cautious when handling this potent chemical. Bleach can be a very harmful substance to your skin and eyes, so always wear protective gloves, goggles, and long sleeves to avoid direct contact.

Avoid applying too much solution on the roof

When you are applying the homemade moss killer solution to the shingles, it’s very important not to over-saturate the roof. Even too much liquid can run down the roof and cause damage to gutters or other parts of your home. You should aim to apply just enough of the solution to cover the moss without unnecessary excessive dripping.

Don’t let the solution sit on the roof for too long

Make sure not to leave the moss killer solution sit for too long on the roof, especially in hot weather, because it can start to dry out and become less effective. Leaving it for 20 to 30 minutes is ideal for breaking down the moss.

Keep the solution away from sensitive areas

Be mindful not to let the solution drip onto sensitive areas like windows, doors, or painted surfaces. The acidity of vinegar or the bleach in the solution could potentially damage or discolor these surfaces. If necessary, use a tarp or plastic sheeting to protect these areas while spraying the moss killer.

Which cleaning method is the best for roof moss removal?

The best cleaning method that is suggested for roof moss removal is softwashing. Not only does it clean the surface of the roof moss, but it also kills them at the root and prevents it from growing back. The softwashing method uses special cleaning solutions that break down moss and stop it from returning for a longer period. A great way to achieve this effect is by using a homemade roof moss killer recipe, which provides an affordable and effective solution for long-term moss prevention.

On the other hand, we have another cleaning method, as we call pressure washing, that can damage shingles and only provide short-term results. The high-pressure water can loosen roof materials which often leads to leaks and costly repairs for house owners. Roof moss has higher possibilities of re-growth if they are washed by the pressure washing method, as it only removes the visible moss without treating the root cause.

For this reason, softwashing is considered as the best roof moss removal method because not only gives the best results, but also reduces the need for frequent maintenance which saves you time and money.

How to prevent the roof moss from growing back (Very Important to read)

Now that you’ve followed the homemade roof moss killer recipe and removed all moss-covered areas, it’s time to apply some simple steps to prevent it from growing back. Roof moss grows best in shady and damp areas, so reducing moisture and letting in more sunlight will decrease the possibilities from regrowing. 

One easy way to do this is by trimming overhanging branches. This method will allow you more sunlight to reach your building’s roof by keeping it dry and making it harder for moss to grow back. 

Another important step to prevent moss growth is to keep your gutters clean. When gutters are full of leaves and dirt, water gets trapped and creates the perfect spot for moss to grow. 

Make sure to clean your gutters regularly to help water flow properly and stop moisture from staying on the roof.

For some extra protection against roof moss, you can install zinc or copper strips along the top of your roof. When it rains, small amounts of metal will wash down the roof and prevent moss from growing.

It is suggestable to check and clean your roof from time to time. If you remove moss early, it won’t have a chance to spread and cause damage. A quick check every few months will help you avoid costly repairs and keep your roof looking clean.

Here’s our homemade roof moss killer recipe

By following this homemade roof moss killer recipe, we can guarantee that you will effectively remove any unwanted moss-covered areas on your roof while protecting it from any sort of damage. 

Softwashing your roof with a natural solution, can gently remove moss at the root and prevent it from growing back, unlike pressure washing, which can harm shingles or slate tiles.

But keep in mind: Maintaining your roof regularly by keeping it clean and fixing damages is very important. 

If you want long-lasting protection for your roof, Cajun Softwash offers expert softwashing services to make sure your home stays moss-free without the risk of damage. 

If you are ready to restore your roof’s condition and make your house feel fresh as new, contact our team today at 225-612-5988 for a free consultation and let us help you keep your home looking at its best. Visit our roof cleaning services page to learn more and schedule your appointment!