Using dish soap kills moss on your lawn – a gentle solution to the common problem

When faced with the question of how to get rid of moss on your lawn, there are several methods that you can choose. Some may turn to iron sulfate, and others to baking soda. However, there is an even more accessible (but nonetheless effective) solution hiding in your kitchen: dish soap. 

While dish soap is best associated with its uses indoors, experts urge us to take it out of our kitchen and into the garden, where we can use it to get rid of moss on our lawns. 

This method is simple, effective, and removes moss permanently. So, if you're looking to achieve a moss-free lawn that looks greener and thicker this summer, this solution may be the answer.

Using dish soap to kill moss on your lawn – the easy solution

'Killing moss without decimating your grass can be tricky, but a dish soap solution can make it look easy with a little care and attention,' says Tom Monson from Monson Lawn and Landscaping (opens in new tab). 

The expert explains that this solution is most effective if you catch the moss early. As soon as you notice the moss, Tom suggests mixing two ounces of dish soap with a gallon of water to make a gentle solution. This will kill the moss without harming your grass. Here is what the process involves.

1. Cover the moss in dish soap

Tom suggests using a sprayer to drench the moss thoroughly in your dish soap and water solution. For small to moderate-sized lawns, you will need around 2 ounces of soap and 1 gallon of water. However, if your yard is bigger, you will need to increase the dosage to cover all the moss. Use approximately 2 gallons of water for every 1000 square feet of grass. 

After applying the soap, the expert suggests waiting for around one day when it will dry up. 

2. Scrape the dead moss away

After the moss has dried, you can easily scrape it up using a tool of choice. If you're dealing with lots of moss and dethatching a lawn anyway, it may be worth investing in a more specialist rake [such as this one on Amazon (opens in new tab)] that will make the scraping process quick and efficient. 

3. Replant grass seed if necessary

When applying the soap solution, it is worth taking care of your lawn, as this solution can be harmful to your greenery. However, if you notice any damage, you can use one of the best fast-growing grass seeds to ensure your lawn is back to full health quickly.