How to remove green mold from a wooden deck

Removing green mold and mildew from a wood deck is a task that every deck owner faces from time to time. Leave it and it will not only make your garden look neglected and unattractive, the green patio can also become slippery, dangerous and can even damage the structure of the patio.

It is common for decking to develop green algae and mold when moisture is trapped in the wood, so cleaning a decking every year is a must. However, you may find that although it is worse in the winter, it is also a problem in shady areas of the patio during the summer. So, if you are planning to build a deck or are about to stain a deck, you will need to know what to look for and how to remove green mold from a wood deck.

To remove green mold from your patio ideas, you will need to regularly brush your patio with a stiff broom. Using a pressure washer on your deck at least once a year is also an extremely effective way of banishing any buildup of dirt and algae, as well as giving your deck a new look by restoring the wood’s original appearance. original color.

If you are using a pressure washer to remove green mold or mildew from a wooden deck, keep in mind that wood is made of fibers that can split apart if exposed to too much pressure, causing can make the deck vulnerable to rotting, so be sure to keep the washer head at least six inches from the deck boards and make sure the pressure washer is on a wide setting.

Chris Moorhouse, Category Manager for Wood with Wickes (opens in a new tab) suggests investing in a wood cleaner, which removes algae and stains with a biodegradable mixture without damaging the deck with other harsher products. The wood cleaner can be easily brushed into your deck and washed off with water and a stiff brush, keeping your deck algae free. This is a good, if slightly more laborious, alternative to using a pressure washer and only needs to be reapplied every few months.

Another step you can take to prevent green algae buildup on the deck is to replace old boards with non-slip decking, which is less prone to algae buildup.

“Traditional wood and composite deck boards become dangerously slippery when wet or icy and due to the buildup of algae and leaves. If you choose non-slip decking, that will be much less of an issue,” suggest the pros at Gripsure. (opens in a new tab).

Why is my deck turning green?

Gripsure experts explain that “wood is an attractive substrate for algae to quickly take hold – the surface of the wood retains moisture and can therefore stay wet long after the rain has stopped”, which means that it can easily form mold, mildew and algae. When this process is repeated each season without cleaning measures at intervals to prevent the formation of algae, your terrace is likely to turn green and develop a slimy film.

What happens if algae on the deck builds up?

Algae on the surface of your deck, if neglected, can cause the wood to splinter and will inevitably damage the structure of the deck, which will be costly.

To prevent and reverse the harmful effects of green decking, we suggest using preservatives and dyes.

Chris Moorhouse, Category Manager for Wood at Wickes recommends using a coat of wood reviver to restore your deck. “All cut ends, drill holes and notches in pressure treated softwood lumber should be treated with an end grain preservative,” he says.

Gripsure experts advise protecting the wood against fungal attack. “Softwoods and hardwoods can be oiled to prevent the wood from weathering. This will also prevent the wood from naturally weathering to a silver gray.

“Oils and stains are a great way to bring older wood back to life, improve the longevity and performance of your deck, and make next year’s cleanup easier.”

How to get rid of green on the terraces?

Deck supermarket experts (opens in a new tab) recommend using a mixture of one cup of distilled white vinegar and one gallon of warm water to treat the early stages of green mold on a wood deck.

Distilled white vinegar is a natural cleaner and just like other decking products, it adds a layer of protection to ward off algae growth. After pressure washing your deck, allow the mixture to soak on your deck for five minutes. Thoroughly rinse off the solution and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth. When this process is complete, we suggest using a deck stain to ensure your deck is further protected.

Can we paint the algae on the terraces?

You can paint over seaweed, but you’ll get a very poor finish and only momentarily cover the green look of the deck. Algae will continue to grow, so still needs to be removed.