Totally agree on the leaf blower—it's oddly therapeutic, haha. But yeah, sealing really does make a difference. I was skeptical at first, but after sealing my patio last spring, cleanup became noticeably easier. Leaves and dirt just don't stick as much. Still love my blower though...can't beat that instant gratification. Combining both definitely sounds like the smart move.
Sealing definitely helps, but honestly, I've found regular sweeping with a stiff broom does wonders too. I skipped sealing last year (budget was tight), and just sweeping every few days kept things surprisingly tidy. Sure, leaves stick a bit more, but nothing a quick pass with the blower can't handle. Might seal next season if funds allow, but for now, broom + blower combo is my go-to...cheap and effective.
I've been doing something similar—sweeping regularly—but I also sprinkle baking soda occasionally, especially after rainy spells. It seems to help prevent moss and algae buildup, which is a constant battle on my older brick patio. Honestly, sealing sounds great, but with an old historic home like mine, there's always something else demanding attention (and funds). For now, broom and baking soda are my trusty companions...cheap, cheerful, and surprisingly effective.
I've been dealing with a similar headache on my patio, though mine's concrete rather than brick. When I first moved in, I thought a quick power wash would do the trick—easy enough, right? Well... turns out that wasn't exactly the case. After a few rainy weeks, it was like nature had reclaimed its territory overnight. Moss everywhere, slippery patches, and even some stubborn algae creeping along the edges.
I tried vinegar at first because I'd read somewhere that it's a natural moss killer. It did help somewhat, but honestly, my patio smelled like salad dressing for days afterward. Not exactly the vibe I was going for. Then someone recommended baking soda—like you mentioned—and I was skeptical at first. But after sprinkling it around and letting it sit overnight before sweeping it off, I noticed a real difference. The moss dried up surprisingly fast, and the algae didn't seem to return as quickly either.
Still, it's not perfect. I've thought about sealing too—seems like it'd save me some hassle—but I'm hesitant because I've heard mixed reviews from neighbors who've tried it. One said it made their patio look shiny and unnatural; another swears by it and says it's saved them hours of maintenance each month. Plus, sealing seems like one of those projects that's easy to mess up if you're not careful (and I'm definitely still learning as I go).
For now, I'm sticking with baking soda and regular sweeping too. It's cheap enough that I don't feel guilty using plenty of it, and honestly... there's something kind of satisfying about seeing the moss dry up overnight after sprinkling it around. Maybe someday I'll take the plunge with sealing or find another long-term solution—but until then, I'll keep experimenting with these simple hacks.
I've had pretty good luck with baking soda too, but honestly, sealing isn't as scary as it sounds. I totally get the hesitation—my neighbor's patio ended up looking like a glazed donut after he went overboard with the glossy stuff. But if you pick a matte or natural finish sealer and apply it sparingly, it can really help keep moss and algae at bay without making your patio look like plastic.
I sealed mine about two years ago (after procrastinating forever because I was convinced I'd mess it up), and it's been a game changer. Moss still pops up occasionally, but it's way easier to sweep off now, and algae barely makes an appearance. Plus, no more salad dressing smell from vinegar experiments...been there, done that!
If you're still unsure, maybe test a small hidden corner first? That way you can see how it looks before committing to the whole thing. Either way, sounds like you've got a solid routine going already—can't beat cheap and effective!
