How to Clean Mold on Decks
There's nothing like having a deck to spend time on during the sunny, warm days. Your deck must remain outside all year long, and periods of cold, dreary and wet weather can lead to damage, such as mold. Mold is just as unappealing outside as it is inside, and any homeowner will want to rid his deck of the mold. Luckily, with a little effort any deck can be mold-free. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Power washer
- Steam power sprayer (optional)
- Bleach
- Liquid laundry detergent
- Safety glasses
- Dust-mask
- Gloves
- Sodium percarbonate product such as OxiDeck
- Broom
- Sponge
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Instructions
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Remove all items from your deck and sweep the area so the deck is clear and clean.
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Use a steam-power sprayer or power washer to thoroughly clean the deck. These powerful cleaners will let you penetrate the mold's water-repellent surface and remove the mold's food source.
Mold dies at temperatures above 140 degrees Fahrenheit, so using a hot steam-power sprayer at 250 degrees Fahrenheit or higher is especially effective.
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If you don't have a steam-power sprayer or power washer, spray and scrub the deck with a bleach mixture to kill the mold. Mixing bleach with water and laundry detergent is a very effective way to kill mold. Scrub the bleach solution on the areas of mold to kill and remove it.
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If mold stains remain, sprinkle a sodium percarbonate powder such as OxiDeck directly on the stains. Dampen the powder and leave it on the mold for about six hours before rinsing.
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To prevent future mold, sand your deck and treat it with an oil-based wood sealant. Sealants help propel water and keep it from penetrating the deck's wood, which can lead to mold. Retreat the deck every five years for best results.
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Contact a local mold and mildew professional if the problem persists.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have mold or mildew underneath your deck, it may be due to improper ventilation. Add ventilation to the underside of your deck to decrease water build-up and prevent mold from growing.
When working with hazardous chemicals such as bleach, wear the correct safety gear to avoid any unwanted health effects.
References
- Photo Credit deck image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
