How to Clean Mildew Off a Wood Deck

Clean mildew off a wood deck with oxygen bleach.

Mildew develops in many outdoor areas around your home, including deck, that are subject to excess moisture, standing water and dampness. Since the mildew is unattractive, spreads quickly and carries harmful bacteria, it is important to effectively clean the mildew off of the deck without causing damage to the deck itself. You also must consider your surrounding shrubbery and vegetation, as chemically-based cleaners will kill off and contaminate the surrounding soil.

Things You'll Need

• Garden hose
• Bucket
• Oxygen bleach
• Scrub brush

Instructions

1. Wash the wood deck with the garden hose, washing with the wood grain.

2. Pour 1 gallon warm water and 1 cup oxygen bleach into a bucket.

3. Dip a scrub brush into the mixture, and begin scrubbing over the mildewed area, again following the grain of the wood.

4. Rinse the deck every few minutes to check your progress and to rinse off lifted mildew. Continue until all mildew is removed.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean your deck one to two times per year with this method to keep mildew growth at a minimum.

References

• Ask the Builder: Clean a Deck