A backyard barbecue can be a great way to spend a weekend with friends and family. But, if your deck is covered in mold, it can really ruin the atmosphere and cause any guests suffering from allergies a lot of discomforts.
Unfortunately, every deck is bound to suffer from the mold at some point, and with wood, this can be a particular problem. Your deck is a valuable part of your home, and if it begins to suffer from the mold, it may be only a matter of time until it spreads to the rest of your structure. So, let’s take a look at how you can clean mold from your deck.
Why You Should Clean Mold Off Your Deck
Mold naturally exists pretty much anywhere that gets damp in the outdoors, so you may be wondering why you really need to clean it off your deck. Well, not only can it cause your deck to look and smell less attractive, it can also be dangerous.
When people spend time on your deck, they will likely inhale and come in contact with the mold, potentially causing severe allergic reactions. It can also cause eye and skin irritation, as well as exasperate asthma symptoms. For those with a weakened immune system, the presence of mold can prove particularly hazardous, such as for those undergoing chemotherapy.
Finally, mold can severely weaken the structural materials of your deck and spread aggressively. This can pose a threat to the lifespan of your deck and potentially cause damage to your home itself.
How to Clean Mold Off Your Deck
There are several ways to clean mold off of your deck, ranging from homemade and commercial cleaners to pressure washers. Though the most effective means is likely to use a pressurized steam cleaning machine, this will typically only be readily available to a professional mold remediation service. Let’s take a look at the different means a homeowner can use
Pressure Washer
Pressure washers are a common tool for cleaning your home and driveway. However, this tool can be used to very effectively clean mold from your deck with careful use. As long as your pressure washer can produce at least 800 psi but not more than 1200 psi, it can be used. Use the pressure washer with a mild detergent and an angled tip, 40 to 60 degrees, which will work and keep from holding it too close to the deck. After going over the whole deck, rinse the remaining dirty water and debris off your deck. The bad part of this cleaning method is that it will remove any remaining protective finishes and coating from the deck, requiring a quick reapplication to prevent mold from quickly returning.
Commercial Cleaners
There are a number of commercial mold treatments on the market, and many of them are designed for use on decks and patios. These often use harsh chemicals and generally will be less effective than a pressure washer for powerful mold buildup, but they can still work.
Homemade Cleaner
There are a variety of household cleaners that can be used to clean your deck without the harsh chemicals if you are willing to get up close and personal with a bucket and scrub brush. One option is to use a mixture of 50-50 water and white vinegar. Another option is a 50-50 mixture of baking soda and water, but don’t try these techniques at the same time, or they will neutralize each other. Whichever option you choose, just apply the mixture and get scrubbing!
Final Thoughts
Cleaning mold from your deck regularly can be a pain, but it is a regular occurrence for most homeowners. It is important to tackle it quickly before it causes any permanent damage, and typically it will also be much easier to remove this way. Just think about how much better your deck will look when it is done!
Contact Us
If your home is suffering from a mold problem, contact RestorePro. Our professional, certified team has been helping homes and businesses for more than twenty years. Call us at 1-800-847-0114 and connect with us on Facebook.
