Best Tips on How to Remove Mold from a Wood Deck

There’s something soothing about sitting on your wood deck after a busy day in the Los Angeles, California, area. Decks add beauty and extra living space to your outdoor area, and you want to keep the wood looking fresh for all your relaxation and entertainment needs. However, after rain or when the humidity is high, mold can grow on the wood, resulting in an unpleasant appearance.

Mold can also cause health hazards, especially for those who are sensitive or allergic to the spores created by mold. To help you learn how to clean mold off a wood deck, our team at Teak Master wrote this comprehensive guide so you can maintain a healthy and beautiful outdoor space.

Cleaning Techniques for Removing Mold and Mildew From Wood Decks

If you notice mold growing on your wood deck and decide to remove it yourself, there are some steps you should take before you start cleaning to make the process more efficient. First, protect any plants around the deck that may be affected by the cleaning products. Once you’ve removed or covered any plants, remove all furniture and accessories from the deck so you have plenty of space to work.

After preparing the space, follow these steps to remove mildew from a wood deck:

• Wear protective gear: Safety goggles, rubber gloves, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants will help keep the mold and cleaning chemicals from contaminating your body.
• Use a pressure washer: If you don’t own a pressure washer, consider renting one, as this is the easiest way to get deep into the wood fibers to remove the mold. Be mindful that pressure washers are forceful and can gouge or splinter the wood. Be sure you understand how to use the pressure washer before starting.
• Use a scrub brush: In areas where you don’t want to use a pressure washer, dip a scrub brush into a cleaning solution and carefully scrub the area to remove the mold.
• Remove excess water: Use a broom, mop, or squeegee to remove excess water from the deck.
• Sand deeply affected areas: If there are unsightly stains after pressure washing and scrubbing the deck, sand the areas to ensure the mold is removed completely.
• Seal the deck: After allowing the deck to completely dry, use an oil-based sealer designed specifically for your wood type. If you want a touch of color, add an appropriate stain to the sealer and apply it to the wood deck.

Best Mold Remover for Decks

There are many commercial products designed to clean decks and remove mold. DIY products include hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar. Be careful of using bleach to kill mold spores, as it may stain the wood and can be harmful. The best way to learn which cleaning product will work for your wood type is to contact us at Teak Master. We can let you know which product is safest and most effective for your circumstances and wood type.

Will Vinegar Kill Mold on a Wood Deck?

Distilled white vinegar is quite effective at killing mold on a wood deck. White vinegar is high in acid and can kill mold spores. This product is cost-effective and can penetrate the wood to get to mold spores deep within the fibers.

To clean your deck with vinegar, first put on protective clothing and safety goggles. In a bucket, add one gallon of warm water and one cup of white vinegar to make the cleaning solution. Next, take a scrub brush and clean the area where the mold is. Let the vinegar solution soak into the wood, then allow the wood to thoroughly dry before staining or sealing it.

What Kills Mold on Wood Permanently?

White vinegar and other cleaning products will kill mold spores, but without proper preventive measures, the mold can grow back. If you have a serious mold problem due to excessive moisture or lack of sunlight, you’ll need professional help to remove it. At Teak Master, we use special cleaning and mold inhibitor products to help prevent mold from coming back. You should also keep your deck maintained and professionally sealed to keep the mold from growing back.

Preventing Deck Mold and Mildew Growth

Proper ventilation, sunlight, and regular maintenance are the best ways to prevent mold, mildew, and algae from growing on your deck. If you have plants on your deck that you water regularly, the water that leaks out can cause mold to grow. Consider putting plants in protective planters that don’t leak or removing them from the deck.

When the wood planks of your deck get wet, they swell up, decreasing the gap between each board and reducing airflow that can help prevent mold growth. If you notice the wood planks are swollen, our team can replace the boards to increase the gap, allowing air to flow between them.

Sweeping your deck and keeping it free of debris can also help reduce mold growth, and having it resealed with a protective coating will extend its luster and beauty. Schedule periodic inspections from our team to help ensure mold doesn’t overtake your deck.

Keep Your Deck Mold-Free With Teak Master

Not only is mold on your deck unsightly, but it can also be dangerous. Preventive maintenance is essential for keeping your deck looking stunning and healthy for years. Deck cleaning and preservation is a big job, and our team at Teak Master has the tools and knowledge to do it right. Contact us to learn more about how to protect your deck from mold in Los Angeles, California, or schedule a consultation for professional wood deck cleaning and refinishing.