How to Remove Green Mold from Wood Deck

A deck is a flat surface that supports weight similar to the floor of a home, but is typically constructed for an outdoor space to beautify the home, for relaxation and outdoor entertainment.

Wood is generally the preferred material for deck construction because of its beauty appeal, it has a naturally beautiful look which does not always need painting or extra form of beautification. Wood decking is also generally recommended for its strength and long lasting properties especially teak wood.

One issue that however worries most home owners about wood deck is its susceptibility to molds.

Knowing the causes of green mold is the first step to protecting your home and getting rid of mold forever.

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Cause of Green Mold on Wood Deck

First, mold grows when four of its living conditions are met and are excellent. The four conditions are air, temperature, a stable food source and water. As the deck is in an open space, during the rainy season, there might the dampness to the wood and other factors will always be met so your hands must be full. The cold rainy season is anyone to look out for any be aware of mold growing on your wood. Even in other weather conditions, shade maybe provided for the wood deck leading to continued dampness and the air trapped within wood is not enough to dry out the space. Mold occurs naturally but thrives under good air, water, temperature and food source conditions which wood provides. There is no way to completely eliminate all the conditions which makes green mold grow on wood but the tips below can help you reduce the occurrence and even control it.

How to Remove Green Mold from Wood Deck

Clean the deck regularly with laundry detergent.

Different weather conditions for each region would determine how often you should clean your deck. However, you should clean at least 2 to 3 times a year.

For each cleaning times, ensure you use a protective but strong brush, broom or a pressure washer to completely remove any spots on the floor. Cleaning should be done as throughly as possible with lots of water at least twice while ensuring you scrub corners and edges of the deck. You should thereafter apply mold inhibitor to reduce further growth of more mold and keep the wood deck free of mold for a very long time.

Read the instructions from manufacturer’s while using any cleaning solution to ensure that it would not causes damage to you, the wood and wood products.

Using bleach

Molds are classified under fungi and because of this property, they can work their way into wood and begin to decompose it gradually. This is why surface cleaning of green mold might not be enough at all times. Chlorine bleach is a product that has been used for a number of years to get rid of mold and mildew from it use. However with new research, it has been established that it maybe toxic to the environment and destroy organic fibres that bind wood together, this is why its use has been discouraged in recent times. Another alternative to chlorine bleach which also kills fungi(mold) from its roots is oxygen bleach. Unlike chlorine bleach, its use is not toxic to humans, safe for the environment and biodegradable.

Read up on manufacturer’s instructions on how to use. To restore the wood’s polish, use a brightener after, this also helps to stop further actions of the bleach on wood and restore the wood to its normal pH.

Using Hydrogen peroxide.

Using hydrogen peroxide also works like bleach, it is an environmental friendly choice, but you should protect yourself and clothing while using to prevent damage to skin. Equal  parts of hydrogen peroxide should be diluted with water and sprayed twice for an effective finish which ensures you are rid of mold for a long time. After the first spray, ensure the solution dries up on wood surface, rinse with clear water, spray again and then rinse with water. Because of the strong effects of hydrogen peroxide, you should also use a brightener and neutralize to bring back the wood’s natural shine and neutralize the effects

Use of White Vinegar

Vinegar is a largely underrated acidic substance that actually kills fungi from its roots. Mix equal part of whit vinegar which can be found in your kitchen with water and use it to wipe the surface of your wood deck or spray. Use a scrub brush or broom to scrub thoroughly till all the stain are out, then rinse with clean water.

Use of Baking soda

Baking soda is another underrated household item that can be used for more than cooking purposes. Its highly alkaline property makes it a good option for taking deep seated diets off surfaces. Mix baking soda with as much warm water as your need. Work the solution into the wood and leave for few minutes, scrub and clean thoroughly then rinse with water.

How to stop algae growing on decking

After getting rid of green mold in your wood deck area, to keep your mind from worrying about future occurence:

  • Clean off any damp or wet surface as soon as you see them.
  • Ensure the use of dehumidifier to reduce moisture in the air.
  • Check your house plants and other plants in the wood deck regularly for moisture buildup which can cause fungi infestation.
  • Regulate the temperature of the space by using a thermostat.
  • Wipe the surfaces and wood deck clean as often as possible with anti-fungal cleaners or detergents.
  • Invest in a air purifier to reduce microorganisms in the air around you that are pathogens for fungi.

It is perfectly understandable why you want green mold away from your wood deck, apart from the unappealing look it gives your deck,

Green mold can be very slimy and anyone can slip off on it surface. As a fungi, it can be toxic to human health can trigger a lot of health hazards such as asthma and allergies. Long term exposure to mold spores can cause serious health challenges for people.

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