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Green mold can be a problem on outdoor surfaces because it can affect the resale value of your home when developing on exterior wooden decks. Even if you don’t plan to sell your house, it’s important to know how to remove green mold from the wood deck to make your hangout space more visually relaxing.
What looks like green mold is actually algae that grow on wood and in damp areas with shady and wet conditions. Green mold can usually be found on a wood deck. But this slimy, green layer is definitely not something that you would want to see or step on. Read on to find out how to remove green mold from wood deck.
How to Remove Green Mold from Wood Deck
Method 1: Use a Pressure Washer to Get Rid of Green Mold from Deck
For this method, you will need a power washer, a deck cleaner (option), and a scrub brush (also optional). If you don’t have a power washer, it can often be rented from a local hardware store. Follow these simple steps!
Step 1
First things first, you need to move the items from your deck, such as planters, chairs, tables, toys, BBQ, and so on. If there are any sticks or leaves, sweep them away. Sweep away debris, too.
Step 2
You can use just water and the pressure will take care of the scrubbing. Optionally, follow the recommended guidelines for adding the mold cleaning solution to your pressure washer before turning it on. You can use vinegar as a cleaning solution, too.
Step 3
Use the sprayer nozzle that is designed for soap dispensing. Choose the widest option on your washer. The nozzle should be about 2 ft. away from the wood surface.
Step 4
The cleaner should be distributed across the boards using sweeping motions. Work the mold remover into corners and moldy areas with a scrub brush.
Step 5
The last step is to rinse the deck thoroughly with water. Consider applying a wood sealer once you’re done with pressure washing to protect your decking from the elements.
Method 2: Remove Green Mold from Your Deck Using Oxygen Bleach
As you can see, mold can produce an unpleasant smell. Oxygen bleach is used to clean laundry and can be effective at removing mold and mildew. The bleach can make green algae disappear and unlike toxic chlorine bleach, less likely to remove color from the deck if it has been stained or painted. Furthermore, it will help remove any loose dirt and debris from the surface of the decking.
Step 1
Mix one part oxygen bleach with nine parts water in a bucket or spray bottle.
Step 2
Next, spray or brush this mixture onto any areas where you see mold growth on your decking.
Step 3
Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing with a deck scrubber.
Step 4
Rinse it away with water.
Tip 3: Get Green Mold Out of Your Wood Deck with Cleaning Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural cleaner that can be used to remove mold from different surfaces. This acidic liquid has antibacterial properties that can help keep mildew from growing back. That makes it a good solution for the removal of green mold.
For this DIY mold remover, you will need the following things:
Scrub brush for decks
Garden spray bottle
Cleaning vinegar
Water
Before starting the cleaning process, you need to sweep the surface of your wood decking to eliminate debris. Then mix water and white vinegar – use equal amounts – into an appropriate spray bottle.
If your deck is covered with mold, apply this mixture over the entire surface. Otherwise, you can only spray affected spots. The goal is to saturate mold spores.
Brush it away using a stiff bristle broom or scrub brush. Finally, grab a garden hose and rinse your deck thoroughly.
Tip 4: Getting Rid of the Green Mold with Baking Soda
Baking soda is a white powder that contains sodium bicarbonate and can be used to remove mold from wood surfaces. Many people use it to scour scuffs and stains off their decks because it’s not a harsh chemical either.
One way to remove green mold is by sprinkling baking soda on the surface that has grown mold and then wiping it off with a cloth or sponge. Another way is to mix baking soda with water into a paste-like substance which you then apply onto the affected surface.
Whatever method you choose, we recommend mixing 1 gal of water with 1 cup (roughly 200 g) of baking soda. Apply this solution using a scrub brush to get mold out of your deck. Once you’ve lifted the fungus, rinse the surface with warm water.
You can either apply this mixture to the moldy places or use it to clean the entire deck. However, keep in mind that this is not an immediate solution for mold removal but it does work well when combined with other ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or vinegar.
Method 5: How to Remove Green Mold from Wood Deck with Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)
There are many ways to remove green mold from wood decks. One of the popular methods is to use a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water in a spray bottle. The solution needs to be sprayed on the moldy area and then scrubbed with a brush or rag.
Keep in mind that hydrogen peroxide has a light bleaching effect on wood.
Step 1
The first step in removing green mold from your wood deck is to mix hydrogen peroxide with water. You should make a 3% solution. If you use 30% peroxide, 10 parts of water should be combined with 1 part of hydrogen peroxide.
Step 2
Pour this mixture onto the affected area of the deck and let it sit for at least 5 minutes. Actually, it’s best to leave it for 15-30 minutes to achieve the best results.
Step 3
After scrubbing off the mold with a deck scrub brush, clean your deck with water and allow it to dry. That’s it!
NOTE: Wear protective gloves when cleaning mold because it can cause skin irritation or other health problems if breathed in or touched.
FAQs About How to Remove Green Mold from Wood Deck
What Is Green Mold on Wood Decks?
These are naturally occurring algae that can grow anywhere. Green mold can grow on your deck, furniture, windows, and other parts of your house if they are not treated. It can develop on wood or any other organic substances. When growing on wood, it’s referred to as a green mold.
How Do You Quickly Remove Green Algae from Your Wood Deck?
Use a pressure washer. This pressure based cleaner can be used with just water, or you can add your choice of cleaning solution for a deeper clean. For a DIY solution, you can add white distilled vinegar into the cleaning soap area. Then spray your deck thoroughly to get green mold off it. You can also try other solutions like manual scrubbing with vinegar, baking soda, or outdoor mold removers.
Takeaway
Now that you know how to remove green mold from the wood deck, it’s going to be an easy task to refresh the look of your outdoor space.
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