How To Handle Mold & Mildew Under Your Deck

Ask The Carpenter: Removing Algae From A Composite Deck

Finish by spraying the deck surface with clean water from a garden hose. Make your deck shine with these tips from Mr. Handyman. These are general cleaning tips, and every deck isn’t the same. Since there are many different types of composite decking materials, we recommend reading the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations before following ours.

Hire A Deck Builder

Consider using DEFY Composite Deck Sealer – Crystal Clear; it has all of the above characteristics. The reason why mildew grows on composite decking is really pretty simple. Composite lumber is made up of a combination of both plastics and wood fiber/flour. But the fix is pretty easy if you just follow a few steps.

As far as the greasy spots I would try warm water and dishwashing liquid. I would stay away from the power washer as you may end up damaging the deck if you are not use to it. I'm beginning to believe that these products (not counting Corte Clean since we haven't been able to try it) are all focused on mildew and not on "deep cleaning". We're at the end of our first full season with a new TT deck and are starting the cleaning chore.

You would also want to apply a mold inhibitor to retard future growth. The porous nature of decking aids the process, as mold spores will settle into these pores and root. Once moisture, heat, and a food supply are introduced, the spores will bloom and create dark spots on the boards. Eventually this will spread across the deck. If the boards are not thoroughly cleaned of mold and its rooting, the mold will return -- especially if it is prevalent in the environment around the deck.

How To Remove Mold From Deck In 3 Simple Steps

Leaf Stain Removal - Popular Mechanics

How to Clean Wood check that Deck

Calcium-chloride is an example of a safe and effective compound you can use for melting ice on your decking. Sodium chloride rock salt should not be used for ice melting. The granules may leave permanent unsightly marks on the surface of your decking.

They had a larger deck completely built from the PVC AZEK material. This looked pretty good all the way around, but didn't have the natural wood color variations like the TT Realwood options. The other 'problem' with AZEK is that for 45 degree applications that it requires 12" joist spacing. My 2500sqft deck is all 16", so this is a bit of a pain for me.

However, if you do use a pressure washer, set it between psi and hold the nozzle at least 8 in from the surface of the deck. Stiff brooms might etch your wood or composite decking over time.

When done, spray the entire surface area of the deck with a garden hose. Trisodium phosphate, or TSP, is an inorganic compound that becomes an alkaline solution when combined with water. It’s incredibly useful as a cleaning agent and works well to remove green mold from wood. Make sure that you have swept the deck surface to remove debris before beginning the cleaning process.

How To Stain Your Deck 4 6

Complete the job by removing any remaining cleaning solution or mold. The pressure from a hose or power washer will remove some of the surface mold and make the cleaning process easier. Mix the cleaner with water in the spray applicator. All cleaning fluids mix with water for application, but the specific mixture varies depending on which product you use. Check the directions on the product and follow that mixture carefully. Mix the water and cleaner in the spray applicator you'll be using. The oil and grease in food can soak into the composite deck and stain it.

How To Clean Composite Decking

Keep a safe distance between the power washer and the deck surface. We recommend staying a minimum of 6” away from the surface. This should be enough to remove any dirt without damaging the composite decking. Capped composite decking is made of a precise blend of vinyl and wood and then surrounded with a vinyl coating or cap. It is engineered to repel dirt, be easy to clean, require little maintenance, and highly customizable in its designs and colors. In addition to cleaning, there are a number of things you can do to prolong the life of your composite decking.

I have this deck that barley gets any sun at all. I finished it with something like a tough coat.

Reducing Moisture Under Your Deck

While mildew and mold can infiltrate and ruin a wooden deck, it can’t damage a composite deck. They look unsightly on your deck, but it won’t harm or ruin the composite structure. If the stain or material is unusual, this cleaning method might not remove the stain. If this happens, check with the deck manufacturer to see their approved list of stronger cleaners.

• Mold and mildew can sometimes make composite deck boards slippery, so use caution and wear good shoes while cleaning.
• Mold problems began one year later and has spread ever since.
• I installed 500 sf of Trex Accents Saddle composite decking for a client in April of 2013.
• Mold and mildew aren’t just an eyesore, they can be hazards to your health and can even shorten the life span of many composite deck boards.
• Use these tips to remove mold and mildew stains from your deck boards.

Fiberon, trex, Timbertech composites are all horrible. Don’t be fooled by the contractors on here saying it’s not what it used to be. New names every year and ground breaking technology every year. Inside is wood fillers and recycled milk jugs, garbage bags etc. outside is a cheap “vinyl” capstock. It won’t cover any of it due to weather conditions.

Begin by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water into a spray bottle. Begin by sweeping the deck to remove dirt and debris. Move any furniture that is in the areas that will be cleaned. Combine the water and detergent in a bucket and use the scrub brush to scrub the areas of the deck affected by green mold. After the mold has been removed, use a garden hose to rinse the deck surface. You can use a homemade deck mold remover to clean the entire deck or just the areas that are affected by green mold.