Table of Contents
Mix a cup of baking soda in a gallon of warm water and apply it with a scrub brush to remove green mold from the wood. Work the solution into the wood with the brush to lift the fungus out of the wood. The mixture can be used to wash the whole deck, or just applied to the moldy areas. Rinse with fresh water when done.
Why is my decking going green?
A wooden patio may turn green when excess moisture is held inside the pores for a long period of time. Mild, mildew and algae thrive in moist conditions such as this. If the wooden patio doesn’t dry out, it may develop a slimy film while simultaneously turning green.
What kills algae on decking?
Simple Solution Offering quick and effective cleaning solutions free of bleach as well as caustic and acidic chemicals, Wet & Forget will get the job done fast. It breaks down the algae, lichen and mould over time with the wind and the rain, keeping them at bay for at least a year.
How do you clean green algae off a wood deck?
White distilled vinegar: White vinegar is a popular natural cleaner that can be used both inside and outside. Simply combine one gallon of water with one cup of white vinegar and scrub the deck with the solution to remove algae, mold, and mildew.
What is the best homemade deck cleaner?
DIY Organic Deck Cleaner Recipes 1 gallon of warm water. 3/4 cup of oxygen bleach. 1 cup of powdered laundry detergent. 1 gallon of water. 2 cups of rubbing alcohol. 1 quart of household bleach. 1 cup of ammonia-free soap. 1 gallon of water. 1 cup of apple cider vinegar. 1/2 cup of lemon juice. 1 tablespoon of baking soda.
How do I stop mold growing on my deck?
The best enemy of a wooden deck is darkness and dampness; the best elements for mold and mildews to thrive. To keep mold away from your deck as far as possible, allow sunlight to pass by it. Consider clearing tall trees and branches that may be shielding sunlight from it. Enough sunlight will dry up moisture quicker.
How do you clean mildew off a deck?
Combine approximately 1 tablespoon of dishwashing detergent (like Dawn® or Joy®) with 1/4 gallon of warm, tap water. Use a soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush to scrub the affected area until mold is gone. Wipe the area with a dry, clean rag. NOTE: DO NOT USE A PRESSURE WASHER AS IT MAY DAMAGE YOUR COMPOSITE DECKING.
Can you use Clorox to clean a deck?
Pour 2¾ cups of Clorox™ ProResults® Outdoor Bleach into 1 gallon of water in a plastic bucket or container. Apply bleach solution using a brush or broom on horizontal surfaces, and a sponge or mop on vertical surfaces. Heavily soiled surfaces may require additional scrubbing. Wait 5 minutes for disinfecting.
How do you get rid of green mold on wood?
Baking soda – Form a solution of one part baking soda and one part water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution alongside the surface of the area affected by green mold. Let the application sit for ten minutes. A wet sponge can be used to wipe away the mold.
Can you pressure wash mold off wood?
Pressure washing will easily power away all the mold spores along with any debris/dirt that hides on your deck. Letting it dry up in the hot sun is definitely an easy technique to kill mold and mildew. Dry wood is always unattractive to mold and the heat will get rid of those spores.
How do you remove mold from unfinished wood?
With a simple cleaning solution of dishwashing soap and warm water. Add a teaspoon of soap to a spray bottle filled with water and shake it up. Spray the affected area and use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away the mold, sponging up any excess liquid as you clean. Dry the surface completely with a towel.
Can you use Dawn dish soap to clean your deck?
Liquid dish soap (ammonia-free) is safe for use on cleaning your deck when mixed with a little warm water. Once you’ve blended your mixture, swab it on your deck and rinse it clean with water. Oxygen bleach or powdered oxygen laundry cleaner is safe for use on wood decks and useful in removing mold or spores.
Will bleach damage wood deck?
Unfortunately, it creates havoc when used on wood. Chlorine bleach removes natural wood color, destroys wood lignin (the glue that holds wood fibers together), can corrode metal deck fasteners and hardware and can kill vegetation.
Can I use OxiClean on my wood deck?
OxiClean is safe to use on decks. When cleaning your outdoor deck, the oxygen bleach is a much better alternative than chlorine bleach as it cleans any deck surface without causing discoloration or damage to plants, shrubs, soil and similar surroundings.
How do you get green algae off a composite deck?
Steps for Cleaning Moss & Algae from Your Deck Step 1: Make your cleaning solution. Fill a bucket with one gallon of warm water and ¾ cup of chlorine bleach. Step 2: Apply the solution. After the solution has been mixed, pour it onto your deck and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes. Step 3: Scrub. Step 4: Rinse.
Why is my deck mold?
Once moisture, heat, and a food supply are introduced, the spores will bloom and create dark spots on the boards. Eventually this will spread across the deck. If the boards are not thoroughly cleaned of mold and its rooting, the mold will return — especially if it is prevalent in the environment around the deck.
What kills mold better bleach or vinegar?
Vinegar truly is better than cleaning with bleach when it comes to killing mold. The EPA does not recommend using bleach to kill or remove mold, except in special circumstances. In most cases, “a background level of mold spores will remain” after the application of bleach.
Can you stain over green algae?
Once the deck has dried out completely, inspect it once more to be sure you removed all the green algae. You may consider staining your deck with a semi-transparent deck stain that will give it a nice finish as well as seal it to help prevent future mold and mildew growth.
