Now that the weather is getting warmer and sunnier, it's the ideal time to get some work done in the garden. If you want a long summer of hosting your friends and family, you'll want your outdoor space to look as presentable as possible.

One common issue in UK gardens is moss that crops up in between paving stones. The damp UK weather creates the perfect conditions for it to spread across patios, driveways and paths. Left untreated, moss can make outdoor surfaces dangerously slippery, and can also cause long-term staining and contribute to cracks and erosion in paving over time.

With many households trying to save money as bill pressures rise, experts say there are simple, eco-friendly ways to remove it without expensive chemicals or pressure washing.

High-pressure washing is often seen as the quickest fix, but it can damage mortar joints and waste large amounts of water. On the other hand, harsh chemical treatments can also harm nearby plants, pets and wildlife.

But Jon Saeed, garden fan and co-founder of LightingLegends.com, says there's a cheap and natural way to quickly get rid of moss on a patio - and all you need is some boiling water.

Jon explained: "Moss is usually a sign that an area is staying damp and shaded for long periods of time. The good news is that once you tackle those conditions - improving drainage, letting in more sunlight and gently removing the buildup for example - it becomes much easier to keep it from coming back.

"In most cases, you don't need harsh chemical treatments at all, just a bit of regular maintenance and the right approach."

All you need to do is carefully pour boiling water over moss to kill it naturally. Wait around five to 10 minutes until it starts to turn brown, then use a scrubbing brush to remove the debris.

However, boiling water isn't the only natural remedy for getting rid of patio moss. Jon also recommends baking soda, which you can simply sprinkle over any mossy patches and brush it in.

Baking soda is alkaline, which helps to dry moss out and ultimately kill it.

You can also mix equal parts white vinegar and water, spray it on to moss and leave for half an hour before scrubbing away. However, take care to avoid any nearby plants, as white vinegar may kill these too.

And if there's an area of your patio that keeps on growing moss, it could be the lighting that's the problem. Moss thrives in shaded areas, so trim overhanging plants and trees to reduce shade and moisture buildup.