How to Remove Moss from My Driveway
If you’re tired of slippery moss taking over your driveway, you’re not alone. Moss can make even the best-kept property look tired—and worse, it’s a real slip hazard. Over the years, I’ve cleaned hundreds of driveways, from private homes to large car parks, and I can tell you this: nothing beats the Westermann WR 870 Moss Remover when it comes to tackling moss quickly, cleanly, and thoroughly.
If you’ve been wondering how to remove moss easily without backbreaking scrubbing or messy pressure washing, this guide is for you. Whether you’re maintaining your home, school grounds, or a car park, there’s a faster, cleaner, and more effective way to get it done.
Whether you’re a DIYer looking after your home or a contractor maintaining schools, apartment blocks, or visitor centres, this guide will walk you through how to use the WR 870 like a pro.
Why Use the Westermann WR 870 Moss Remover?
Built for the Job
There are a lot of machines out there that say they remove moss. But most are just glorified sweepers or glorified pressure washers. The Westermann WR 870, on the other hand, was designed from the ground up for this exact job. With a heavy-duty wire brush and robust Honda petrol engine, it scrapes out moss from every nook and cranny—without damaging your surface.
The first time I used one was on a shaded tarmac driveway in Rathfarnham that hadn’t seen proper maintenance in about 5 years. Thick mats of moss everywhere. I had it looking like new in under 40 minutes. No mess. No sludge. No damage.
Gentler Than Power Washing
Pressure washers can be great—but they can also blast out the jointing sand in block paving, or etch patterns into soft concrete. And if you’re working in areas with drainage concerns or water restrictions, they’re not ideal. The WR 870 does its job dry, with just a bit of dust to sweep up afterward. Much tidier, much safer.
Perfect for All Surfaces
I’ve used this on block paving, concrete, tarmac, even along kerb edges and footpaths. It’s equally at home on a private driveway or in a big commercial car park.
Looking for the best way to remove moss without chemicals or pressure washers? The WR 870 is built for exactly that. It’s the perfect solution for those searching for easy moss removal tools that actually work.
Tools & Gear You’ll Need
Before you get started, make sure you have:
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Westermann WR 870 Moss Remover (available for hire at A-Z Hire in Dublin 12)
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Stiff broom and shovel – for sweeping up after
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Protective gear: gloves, eye protection, ear defenders, and a dust mask (especially if it’s dry)
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Fuel – It runs on petrol, so have a small jerry can ready
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Optional: Moss treatment spray (for long-term prevention)
- Leaf Blower
Step-by-Step Guide: Removing Moss Like a Pro
Step 1: Inspect & Prepare the Area
Walk the area and clear any big bits of debris—twigs, stones, toys, or garden gnomes (yes, I’ve found all sorts). If you’re working near gravel, flower beds, or painted markings, think about putting down boards or masking tape to protect them.
Step 2: Get the WR 870 Set Up
If you’ve hired it from A-Z Hire, they’ll likely have it ready to go. But always double-check:
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Top up petrol and check oil levels
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Inspect the wire brush for wear
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Adjust the handle height to suit you—this makes a big difference over a long job
It’s powered by a Honda GXV engine, so starting it is usually straightforward: fuel on, choke out (if cold), a few firm pulls, and you’re away.
Step 3: Fire It Up and Get to Work
Start in one corner and work in slow, overlapping passes, like mowing a lawn. The key here is not to rush. Let the machine do the heavy lifting. It might feel a bit bumpy at first, especially on block paving, but you’ll quickly find your rhythm.
In areas with heavy moss, go over it twice—once in one direction, then again at a 90-degree angle. This cross-pattern really helps to lift the deep stuff.
Quick tip from the field: On a recent job at a school in Lucan, I had to work around metal grates and drains. A quick pass over them with the WR 870 lifted the moss perfectly, and because it’s dry, there was no need to worry about water pooling or flooding the area.
Step 4: Sweep Up and Dispose of the Moss
Once you’re done brushing, you’ll be left with piles of dry moss and grit. Use a stiff broom and shovel to collect it. It makes excellent compost or can go into green waste bins.
In larger spaces like car parks or apartment blocks, I’ll often bring a leaf blower or yard vacuum for the final tidy-up—it’s a real time-saver.
Step 5: Optional Aftercare
If your moss problem was severe, you might want to apply a moss treatment (iron sulphate or a biodegradable moss killer) after brushing. This can help prevent regrowth for several months.
For block paving, consider brushing in some fresh kiln-dried sand after cleaning to stabilise the joints.
See the Westermann WR 870 in Action
Want to see how to remove moss easily with the Westermann Moss Remover in Dublin WR 870 before you try it yourself?
A video is available showing this moss remover in use, so you can see exactly how effective it is on real-world surfaces.
Watch the Westermann WR 870 Moss Remover in action here
It’s especially helpful if you’re a first-time user or curious about how the machine performs on block paving, tarmac, or concrete.
Pro Tips from Years on the Job
Don’t Wait Until It’s Out of Control
One of the biggest mistakes I see is waiting until moss is thick and carpet-like. If you clean it once or twice a year—spring and/or autumn—you’ll save yourself hours of work. And your driveway will look better year-round.
Brush Direction Matters
On awkward corners or stubborn patches, change your brushing angle. Sometimes going diagonally across the joints can free up moss that’s been rooted in for years.
Time It Right
Avoid doing this in frosty weather—frozen moss is harder to remove and it’s not safe. I find early spring or late autumnare the sweet spots: cool enough to stop regrowth, warm enough to work comfortably.
Use This Trick for Quick Moss Removal
If you’re dealing with moss on a shaded path or patio, use the Westermann Moss Remover on a dry day when the moss is slightly brittle. This makes the job go faster and reduces cleanup. It’s a real time-saving moss removal tip.
Other Places You Can Use the WR 870 for Easy Moss Removal
The WR 870 isn’t just for driveways. It works great on:
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Garden paths and patios
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Playground surfaces
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Public walkways and building entrances
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Tarmac and concrete in apartment blocks or visitor centres
If you’re wondering how to remove moss easily from any outdoor surface, this machine handles it all with zero fuss.
Where to Hire the Westermann WR 870 in Dublin
You can hire the WR 870 from A-Z Hire in Dublin 12. They stock the machine and provide all the advice you need to get started, whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time contractor.
They’re also an official stockist for STIHL, so if you need PPE, moss treatments, or blowers, you can sort it all in one go. You can even browse online at www.azhire.ie.
Final Thoughts
If you want a driveway that’s clean, safe, and looks sharp without resorting to pressure washing, the Moss Remover Westermann is your best friend. It’s powerful, easy to use, and delivers professional results in a fraction of the time it would take with manual tools.
So if someone asks you how to remove moss easily, you’ll know exactly what to say: grab a Petrol Moss Remover , give yourself a morning, and enjoy a moss-free surface without breaking your back.
