Brits are being urged to remove slippery moss from their pathways or patios as it can be a major falling hazard.

Experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have said fizzy drinks such as cola are a surprising yet effective remedy for getting rid of stubborn moss, and have named other household items gardeners can use.

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Spring typically brings damp weather, allowing moss to thrive in gardens across the UK.

Problems arise when moss starts growing on patio slabs, driveways or tarmac pathways, making these hard surfaces slippery and creating a safety hazard if left neglected.

Fortunately, there are cheap and easy ways homeowners can get rid of moss in their gardens by using products they may already have at home.

Household items such as baking soda, vinegar and dish soap can be mixed with water to create an effective moss-killing solution.

Carbonated drinks also work well when it comes to removing moss growth in smaller areas.

Chris Bonnett, the founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “With the arrival of spring, we can expect rain showers and high humidity, which create the ideal conditions for moss growth.

“While moss growing on trees in your garden can be a charming sight, if you notice moss spreading on hard surfaces in your garden then it’s time to take action to prevent safety hazards.

“You don’t need to reach for chemical removals to tackle moss, as certain household items work just as well. Opting for a chemical-free approach not only benefits your plants and soil, but it’s also less harmful to local wildlife.

“You can mix together effective remedies using simple products such as baking soda, salt or vinegar which you probably already have in the cupboard, or spray carbonated drinks on moss if the growth is only in a smaller area.”

Here are seven household items that remove moss from gardens:

1. Fizzy cola

If you’ve got fizzy cola in your fridge, you can use it to remove small patches of moss. Fizzy cola contains phosphoric acid which attacks moss cells and prevents it from coming back. Simply pour the drink into a spray bottle, spray it on moss, let it sit, wipe and rinse with clean water. Remember to not use cola for concrete as it’s acid-sensitive.

2. Baking soda

Baking soda is a cheap and effective solution for eliminating moss, and it works well on larger surfaces. To use it, simply mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste. Apply the paste to the affected areas, let it sit for a few hours, and then scrub it off.

3. Salt

A classic saltwater solution is great for tackling stubborn moss. Mix salt into warm water, spray the solution to the moss, and allow it to air dry. This process will dry out the moss, killing it in a natural way.

4. White vinegar

Vinegar is an incredibly versatile ingredient, killing weeds and repelling pests, and it’s also perfect for removing moss. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, spray the mixture onto moss, leave for 15 minutes, then scrub and rinse.

5. Lemon juice

Lemon juice’s acidic nature makes it a good remedy for killing moss. You can apply concentrated lemon juice directly to the moss and scrub it off with a brush.

6. Dish soap

A mix of gentle dish soap with water can help loosen moss and algae, making the removal process easier. Dilute the dish soap with water, typically using a ratio of 1 tablespoon of soap per gallon of water, spray it directly onto the moss covered area, let it sit and scrub it off.

7. Boiling water

Even just something as simple as pouring boiling water on moss can effectively tackle the problem as the high temperature kills moss cells directly. After treating the area, scrub it with a brush to loosen and remove the dead moss.