It is officially summer! This is a great time to host cookouts, bonfires, and other fun events with friends and family. If you are like us, you likely enjoy a good burger or hot dog while mingling on your deck. This frequently used area will be quite the hotspot throughout the summer, which is why it is important to know how you can manage any mold that pops up.
Prevention Tips
Preventing mold growth on your deck is as simple as keeping it dry. If you limit the amount of moisture, you are also decreasing the likelihood of any mold appearing. With that being said, we know that it is impossible to keep your deck dry constantly. Long periods of rain, people dripping on your deck after a dip in the pool, and other factors are bound to get your surface wet. While most of these scenarios are unavoidable, it’s what you do afterward that can make a big difference.
We recommend using the sun to your advantage. This means allowing the sun to shine down on your entire deck by moving any furniture or similar items after getting wet. This will help dry out the wood quicker. You can also mop up any standing water to speed up the drying process.
Buying a water-based stain for your deck can also make a significant difference. In addition to making the finish of your deck pop, a stain will also offer weather and mold/mildew resistance.
Our last tip is for decks that are a little closer to the ground. If this sums up your situation, be sure to have good ventilation around your deck to cut down on humidity and keep the area dry. You can also add some drainage areas to cut down on water buildup, limiting the chance of mold growth.
How To Get Rid of Mold On Your Deck
Several people have used their pressure washers to remove mold. This includes spraying your desired cleaning agent on the deck before washing it away. While this method can be successful, there is also the risk of damaging your deck or pushing mold spores deeper into the wood. If you choose to go with this option, be sure to use a nozzle with less pressure at the start before using a nozzle with up to 1,000 psi for the last step.
If you would like to go with a more traditional path, no problem! Just grab a bucket, scrub brush, gloves, and the detergent of your choice (oxygen bleach, vinegar, and ammonia-free laundry detergent powder). From there, add one cup of your cleaning solution and ⅓ cup of laundry detergent to your bucket of water. Apply the mixture to the desired areas and then rinse the sections with water after about 15 minutes.
Call Mold Medics
If you would like to have your mold outbreak managed by professionals, Mold Medics is here to assist you. We’re happy to bring our expertise to customers throughout the Pittsburgh region while offering pet-safe, kid-safe, and people-safe treatment options. Contact us today to receive your free quote!