Wet and Forget is often sprayed onto the sides of houses and other buildings to reduce mold and mildew in wet climates. In humid weather, unwanted algae or moss may also spring up in other places around your yard. Decks, picnic tables, playground equipment, and stepping stones can all be made slick by this green growth. Wet and Forget may seem like a great solution for these situations. However, it’s reasonable to take a moment and wonder, “Will Wet and Forget kill grass if it’s sprayed directly on my lawn?”
Will Wet and Forget Kill Grass?
No, Wet and Forget will not kill grass. Grass is unlikely to be phased by even a direct application of Wet & Forget, provided that all directions to properly dilute the product have been followed. Even better in the case of a spill or other accident, Wet and Forget can take time to work and is even rendered completely ineffective if too much water is added.
While the directions on a package of Wet and Forget often recommend spraying it on a dry, overcast day, planning to do so a few days before there is a high chance of rain in the forecast can help wash away any accidental overspray before it has a chance to affect your grass, trees, or other ornamental plants. Accidental spills can also be diluted after they occur at a rate of 1 part Wet & Forget to 10 parts water.
What Does Wet and Forget Do to Grass?
The primary ingredient in Wet & Forget is Alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. This only makes up about 10% of each Wet & Forget product, but this chemical is responsible for providing Wet and Forget with its ability to kill and repel moss, algae, mold, and mildew. Often, this chemical’s name is shortened to ADBAC, Benzalkonium chloride, or even just Benzalkonium.
ADBAC has surfactant properties and can dissolve the outer lipid layer of cells. It also has excellent and long-lasting antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Both of these traits combine to allow Wet and Forget to kill small plants, such as algae. Moss, if well-established, will take several applications to kill.
Grass is too large a plant to be harmed by the small amount of ADBAC contained in a Wet and Forget product if it has been prepared as directed. In the case of a spill, it will still take some time for ADBAC to affect grass or any other plant larger than algae or your typical mold or moss spore. During this time it is easy to find a container or hose that will allow you to dilute the spilled solution.
If the solution is not diluted and a sufficient amount has been spilled on a patch of grass, the grass may develop a “burnt” appearance but should not be permanently damaged. Additional water should be given to this patch of grass but it should be mown as usual and will recover rapidly.
Related Article: Read More About What Kills Grass
Does Wet and Forget Kill Grass and Weeds?
Wet and Forget is not a true herbicide. Though it does kill algae, moss, mold, and mildew, it does so in such a “light” way that most plants would be able to shrug off the damage. Even the packaging for Wet and Forget says that larger clumps of moss should be removed before application. This is because Wet and Forget is more of a spore eradicator than a product that will kill or dissolve a live plant.
Will Wet and Forget Kill My Grass?
Wet and Forget is safe for use on all grass, tree, and plant types if used as directed or if spilled directly and then diluted. No type of grass is more susceptible to harm from Wet & Forget than another. However, Wet & Forget is not so safe for people or pets and care should always be taken to prevent Wet & Forget from coming into contact with skin, eyes, or paws.
How to Clean Up a Wet & Forget Lawn Spill
Wet and Forget is one of the simplest products to clean up after a spill. All you need to do is flush the area with a little more clean water and the product will be sufficiently diluted that it will be harmless to nearby plant life.
The ideal dilution range is 10 parts water to 1 part Wet and Forget. For example, if you spill an entire 1-gallon jug of undiluted Wet and Forget, you will need to add 10 gallons of fresh, clean water over the spill to sufficiently dilute the spill.
Wet and Forget is Lawn-Safe if Used as Directed
Wet and Forget is a solid choice for an algaecide, moss remover, or siding cleaner if you have no clearance between your home or project area and your lawn. In the case there is a spill, a little water is all you need to clean it up and protect your grass. As a preventative, flushing the grass and plants around a Wet and Forget application site can help prevent any problems.
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