A well-maintained deck adds beauty to your home and increases its value. It also provides a safe environment for family members and guests.
Mold and mildew growths on decks are not only unsightly but dangerous for anyone that walks on them. These slippery growths can cause injuries to children and adults alike.
Inspection
Professional cleaners usually begin the cleaning process by performing a thorough inspection. This allows them to identify any issues that need to be addressed in order to achieve a fully clean deck.
This includes things like cracks and wood damage, as well as missing hardware that could pose a safety hazard. Inspectors also check for rotted boards and make repairs as needed. Check out deck cleaning companies in Maryland for more info!
In addition to assessing the general condition of a deck, the inspection should also include a close look at any areas where water pools. This is where a deck needs special attention to avoid serious damage from occurring over time.
Inspecting a wooden deck to identify problems is relatively simple. A quick sweep with a broom can remove the majority of dirt and debris that has accumulated. A pressure washer is a more powerful tool, but should be used with caution as it can damage a deck if not used properly. A good rule of thumb is to keep the nozzle a consistent distance from the surface and always test it on an inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire deck.
Removal of Mildew and Mold
Mold and mildew are two of the most common problems in composite decks. These can appear as flat black, green, or grayish-white powdery stains on the deck surface and are usually caused by moisture trapped in the wood. A standard household cleaning solution of white vinegar and water is a natural and budget-friendly way to remove these stains. The acidity in the vinegar is strong enough to kill mildew and mold but doesn’t damage the composite.
If you want to speed up the cleaning process, there are a variety of products on the market that contain mildewcide (often sold as a premixed formula or as a liquid concentrate). These cleaners are more effective than bleach and also leave behind a film that discourages future growth of mold and mildew.
To prevent the recurrence of mildew and mold, it is recommended to sweep the deck regularly using a cordless blower or a broom, and to clear away leafs, twigs and other debris promptly. In addition, it’s a good idea to wear rubber gloves, an air mask and protective eye-wear while cleaning the deck as mold spores can cause allergic reactions or respiratory issues.
Preparation of the Cleaning Solution
It is best to clean your deck with a cleaning solution made for your type of wood, and for the specific stains that you have on your deck. For instance, vinegar can be used to clean a composite deck and is an effective solution for water stains and mildew. However, vinegar does not remove oil stains or marks.
Before applying the cleaner, spray down the deck with a garden hose to pre-wet it. This will help to loosen dirt and grime so that it will be easier to remove.
If you are using a power washer, be sure to hold the nozzle at least a foot away from the boards and use a fan tip for optimum safety and effectiveness. For non-power washing methods, wear eye protection and rubber gloves while scrubbing the deck. For best results, apply the cleaner and let it sit for the time recommended by the manufacturer. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose until no soapy lather remains.
Application of the Cleaning Solution
The next step in a thorough deck cleaning is to apply the proper cleaning solution. This should be done with a pump sprayer or hose-end sprayer and scrubbed in with a stiff brush, if necessary. Many cleaning solutions call for rinsing after application, but others remain on the wood surface to saturate it with mold- and mildew-fighting ingredients.
A homemade cleaning solution made with soda and starch can be very effective for mild stains and dirt, as well as a good alternative to commercial cleaners containing chlorine bleach, which whitens the deck unnaturally and can also corrode metal elements and harm plant life. Oxygen bleach, on the other hand, will safely remove stains and kill mold spores without damaging wood.
It is important to clean the deck during dry weather. Wet conditions delay drying and can increase the risk of slippery mold and mildew growth. Moreover, the cleaning process will be more difficult and time-consuming when wet.