Applying Wet & Forget is a straightforward process that effectively removes moss, mold, mildew, and algae from your outdoor surfaces with minimal effort.
Keeping our outdoor spaces looking their best can feel like a constant battle against nature. Those green and black growths like moss, mold, mildew, and algae can quickly diminish the beauty of your patios, decks, and walkways.
Thankfully, there’s a simple solution that lets you treat these issues without endless scrubbing. Let’s walk through how to use Wet & Forget so you can reclaim your pristine outdoor living areas.
Preparing Your Outdoor Space for Wet & Forget
Before you even think about mixing a solution, a little preparation goes a long way. This ensures the product works its best and your application is effective.
First, always check the weather forecast. You’ll want at least 4-5 hours of dry weather after application for the product to settle in properly. Avoid windy days, as spray drift can be a concern.
Next, clear away any loose debris from the surface you plan to treat. This includes:
- Fallen leaves
- Twigs and small branches
- Loose dirt or mud
- Any furniture or potted plants that might be in the way
A quick sweep or a leaf blower can make this task easy. While Wet & Forget is generally safe, it’s a good practice to lightly wet any surrounding plants, especially delicate ones, with water before application. This creates a protective barrier.
Finally, gather your application tools. A pump-up garden sprayer is ideal for even coverage. Make sure it’s clean and ready to go.
How To Apply Wet And Forget: The Simple Steps
Once your area is prepared, applying Wet & Forget is surprisingly simple. There’s no scrubbing involved, which is a huge relief for anyone who’s spent hours with a brush.
The key is proper dilution and thorough coverage. Most outdoor Wet & Forget products come as a concentrate that you’ll mix with water.
- Dilute the Concentrate: For the standard Wet & Forget Outdoor Concentrate, you’ll mix one part Wet & Forget with five parts water. A common ratio is one gallon of concentrate to five gallons of water.
- Fill Your Sprayer: Carefully pour the diluted solution into your pump-up garden sprayer. Ensure the sprayer is clean and in good working order.
- Apply to a Dry Surface: Spray the surface you want to treat until it is thoroughly saturated. The surface should be dry before application to allow the product to penetrate fully.
- Choose the Right Time: Apply on a cool, dry day when rain is not expected for at least 4-5 hours. Early morning or late evening are often best to avoid direct hot sun, which can cause the product to evaporate too quickly.
- Ensure Even Coverage: Walk slowly and methodically, ensuring you cover all affected areas. You don’t need to drench the surface, but it should look visibly wet.
Remember, the product needs time to work its magic. Resist the urge to rinse it off or scrub the area immediately after application.
Wet & Forget Dilution & Coverage Guide
Understanding the right mix and how far it goes helps you plan your project effectively. This table focuses on the standard Wet & Forget Outdoor Concentrate.
| Product Type | Dilution Ratio (Product:Water) | Coverage (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Concentrate | 1:5 | Up to 2,000 sq ft per gallon of mixed solution |
| Ready-To-Use (Hose End) | Pre-mixed | Up to 2,000 sq ft per bottle |
Understanding How Wet & Forget Works
The beauty of Wet & Forget lies in its “set it and forget it” approach. Unlike harsh bleach or pressure washing, this product works over time, gently cleaning surfaces without damage.
Its unique formula contains surfactants and a very mild bleach alternative. When applied, these ingredients penetrate the growth, weakening its structure at a cellular level. The formula then sits on the surface, reactivating with each rainfall.
This process allows the wind and rain to naturally wash away the dead moss, mold, and algae over several weeks or months. It requires patience, but the results are worth the wait, revealing a clean surface without any scrubbing from you.
The long-term effect is also significant. Wet & Forget leaves a residual barrier that helps prevent immediate regrowth, keeping your surfaces cleaner for longer periods.
Important Tips for Best Results and Longevity
To truly get the most out of your Wet & Forget application and maintain beautiful outdoor surfaces, a few extra considerations can make a big difference.
First and foremost, do not rinse the product off after application. Wet & Forget needs to stay on the surface to work effectively with the elements. Rinsing will stop the cleaning process.
For particularly stubborn or thick growths, you might consider a second application a month or two after the first, if you haven’t seen significant improvement. However, most issues resolve with a single treatment.
Regular reapplication, typically once a year or every other year, is key to preventing growths from returning. This proactive approach saves you time and effort in the long run.
Ensure the surface is completely dry before applying. Applying to a wet surface dilutes the product too much, hindering its effectiveness.
Recommended Application Frequency for Common Surfaces
Knowing when to reapply helps keep your outdoor areas consistently clean and well-maintained.
| Surface Type | Initial Application | Reapplication Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Roofs | As needed for growth | Every 1-2 years |
| Patios & Decks | As needed for growth | Every 1 year |
| Driveways & Walkways | As needed for growth | Every 1 year |
| Siding | As needed for growth | Every 1-2 years |
Safety First: Handling and Storage
While Wet & Forget is a gentle cleaner, it’s still a chemical product and should be handled with care. Taking simple safety precautions protects you, your family, and your property.
Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during application. This includes safety glasses to protect your eyes and gloves to protect your skin. Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
Keep children and pets away from the treated area until the surface is completely dry. Once dry, the area is generally safe for them to return.
Store the concentrated product in its original container, tightly sealed, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children and pets. Do not store near food items or open flames.
If you have any leftover diluted solution, it’s best to use it up on another suitable outdoor surface or dispose of it according to local regulations. Never pour chemicals down storm drains.
How To Apply Wet And Forget — FAQs
How long does Wet & Forget take to show results?
Patience is key with Wet & Forget. While you might see initial changes in a few days, the full cleaning process can take several weeks or even months for heavy growth. The product works with natural rainfall and wind to gently remove the moss, mold, or algae over time.
Is Wet & Forget safe for pets and plants?
When used as directed, Wet & Forget is generally safe for pets and plants once the treated surface is completely dry. It’s always a good practice to keep pets and children away from the wet application area. You can also lightly mist nearby delicate plants with water beforehand as a precaution.
Can I use Wet & Forget on all outdoor surfaces?
Wet & Forget Outdoor is formulated for a wide range of outdoor surfaces including concrete, asphalt, roofs, decks, siding, and more. It’s designed to be non-acidic and bleach-free, making it safe for most materials. Always check the product label for specific material compatibility if you are unsure.
What if it rains after I apply Wet & Forget?
Ideally, you want at least 4-5 hours of dry weather after applying Wet & Forget. If it rains shortly after application, some of the product might wash away, reducing its effectiveness. You might need to reapply to achieve the best results once the surface is dry again.
How often should I reapply Wet & Forget?
For most outdoor surfaces, a single application can keep them clean for about a year or even longer. For areas with persistent growth or in very damp climates, you might consider reapplying annually. Monitoring your surfaces and reapplying when you notice new growth beginning is a good strategy.