Concrete Pool Deck Cleaning
Cleaning a concrete pool deck is a pretty straight-forward process. Take the hose and rinse the surface to wash away dirt and debris leftovers away from the pool. Then, take a stiff brush and a water-bleach mix or water-mild detergent mix. When done cleaning the deck, take your time to inspect it and look for cracks. If you find it, it may be best to contact a professional to help you solve the issue. Once you finish all the repairs, use a concrete sealant to finish the cleaning process off.
Use This Bleach Solution
Professional pressure washers use a prewash cleaning mix of bleach, water, and a surfactant. The surfactant prevents the solution from evaporating too quickly. This allows time for the bleach to kill the algae and other undesirables.
You can make your own mix by combining 1.5 cups of bleach and 1tsp of blue dawn dish detergent to a 1-gallon container. Fill the remainder of the container with water.I use a 1-gallon lawn spray because it allows precise application. I can get every spot that I need without getting any overspray on my plants and lawn.
The bleach solution will kill algae almost immediately. It also brightens surfaces and makes concrete and driveways look refreshed.
If you are concerned about bleach causing damage to your plants, you should know that bleach very quickly neutralizes to into salt, oxygen, and water.
Giving the plants and lawn a nice pre-soaking of water. Apply the treatment on a calm and overcast day, and allow it to rest for several hours before rinsing away. This will give it plenty of time to work and plenty of time to neutralize.
Ive been using the bleach solution for years and have yet to experience any negative effects on plants or lawn.
Best For:
Works wonderfully on concrete, stones, and pavers, and other hard surfaces.
Where to Avoid:
Avoid using bleach on stained concrete or on surfaces that you dont want to lighten/brighten. Always do a spot test.
Is Green Mold Harmful
Contrary to popular belief, black mold is not the only type of mold that is harmful. Green mold has dangerous effects on humans who have been contaminated or accidentally ingesting it. They release airborne spores that can cause allergies, asthma, and other related respiratory concerns.
It is not safe to leave mold growths unaddressed, especially if they are located near your home. They have toxins that can even lead to blood poisoning and brain infections. Although it may not necessarily kill you, it can still seriously affect you and your familys well-being.
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One Start With A General Cleaning
Ideally, your vinyl deck should be cleaned at least four times per year using Duradek vinyl cleaner which is available from your authorized Duradek contractor or directly from Duradek. Follow the directions on the label.
This cleaner is designed for vinyl and will NOT leave a harmful chemical residue like many household cleaners may. Use warm water and a stiff broom, scrubbing in a circular motion to loosen the dirt. Spray with a garden hose to wash away the loose dirt. Flush thoroughly with clean water.
Note:It is very important to remove all residue from cleaners used on your deck. While the cleaner itself may be gentle enough, it is when the sun bakes the chemicals into the surface that your deck can experience discoloration.
Mold Mildew And Algae Stain Remover
There are available products in the market that targets molds, mildew, and algae stains. You can get one that suits your needs best and use it according to the manufacturers instructions.
Apply it in the morning and let it sit for at least 4 hours before rinsing. Scrubbing is not required for these products, but you can repeat the application 3 to 4 weeks after for stubborn stains. It would be best to scrape off and remove the surface mold before using these removers for better results.
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How To Clean Mold From Composite Decking:
Preventing Green Mold Moss And Green Algae Growth
You can save yourself time and money by being proactive – protecting your deck from mold, moss, mildew and algae before it takes hold. Here are a few simple ways to keep unwanted deck growths from moving in:
- Apply a deck stain or sealer: seal over your deck boards to keep moisture out. Thats a big deterrent for fungi and plants, which need damp environments to survive.
- Clean your deck regularly: fungi like mold and mildew feed on organic matter – and a deck covered in leaves, pine needles and dirt is like a buffet table for these deck pests. Regularly sweeping debris off your deck will starve out any potential fungal invaders.
- Choose composite deck boards: one huge advantage of composite deck boards are their protective shells, which keep water from seeping into your boards. Compared to wood boards, composite boards require less cleaning and less maintenance to keep fungi and deck growths away.
The more you know, the better your deck and backyard projects will be! Whether you’re looking at a brand new start or a fresh end-of-season deck renovation, give our deck designers a call at or send us an email at . Our deck experts will help you get the information, products, and tools you need for an awesome deck completely personalized to your needs!
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Use A Pressure Washer
If you have a small amount of mold or algae, you may find that the first two steps of drying out and sweeping the area is enough to remove it. If this is not the case, pressure washing is often quite effective in removing mold and algae from pavers, bricks or concrete.
If you do not have a pressure washer, you can purchase one relatively inexpensively to have on hand for this and future projects. You can also rent one or hire someone to power wash your surfaces for you. If you are pressure washing paving stone patios, walkways or driveways, you may need to replenish the joint sand between the pavers after cleaning them. This is typically included in a professional clean and seal paver service.
Pressure washing is often all you need to remove mold or algae from hardscapes, but if this does not work, there are other options.
Black Mold And Why It Grows In Certain Deck Stains
Moldy Deck
Exterior deck stains are subjected to the elements making them prone to natural contaminants. A deck stain is there to shield the wood from harsh weather and the damage it can cause such as rot and decay. In providing protection sometimes the deck stain itself can be compromised.
Black mold is one of the natural occurrences that can affect wood stains effectiveness and longevity. There are several reasons why black mold can grow on or in a deck stain but here are the most common reasons.
Over Applying Deck Stain
When a deck stain is over-applied to the wood it can affect the curing or drying time of the stain. When this happens the deck stain remains tacky for several days or longer allowing dirt and tree pollen to become embedded. Once these contaminants have intruded the stain they can attract and begin to grow black mold even after the stain finally cures.
Tips: To avoid curing issues by over applying a wood stain, work in small areas or one board at a time. Let the stain soak into the wood for several minutes then use a brush or a stain rag to wipe any excess drips or puddles.
Inexpensive or Cheap Deck Stain
Going with a cheap deck stain may save you money initially but may cost you more in the long run. Cheaper deck stains consist of a cheap grade linseed oil that lacks the mildewcides that help fight black mold.
Tips: Do some research and buy a quality deck stain that is not prone to mold and mildew.
Humid Climates
Oil-Based Stains
Water-Based Stains
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Brush Your Pool Again And Again
Brush your pool at least 3 to 4 times a week, concentrating on where you first spotted the algae. Remember, black algae has deep roots that can be embedded into your pool walls. It may look like its gone, but its probably still there. Just keep brushing. Continue brushing for several days after you see it starting to dissipate.
This is, however, not a guarantee. Black algae is relentless and could continue to infect your water. If it does, you know how to kill it, just be more aggressive next time. Perhaps consider an additional dose of acid and chlorine and constant brushing.
Don’t forget to use some Black Spot Remover to make sure that the not only does the black algae brush off easier, but they stay off as well.
How Do You Remove Black Algae From Concrete
Scrub and loosen the black algae on the affected concrete, using the push broom with short strokes and heavy pressure. Prepare a strong detergent solution. Saturate the black algae with the solution without any of it spilling over onto nearby plants. Leave the bleach solution to sit for 20 minutes.
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How To Remove Moss And Algae From Wood Deck
To remove moss and algae from stained, painted, or untreated wood lumber:
Hire A Pro To Clean And Seal Your Pavers
As you could see through this article, removing black mold by yourself is not an easy task. But, fortunately, you can always leave all the cleaning and sealing in the hands of professionals, and if you are worried about the price, you can get a free estimate for the service.
S& S Pavers has over 10 years of experience serving the counties of Manatee and Sarasota. If you live in Sarasota, Manatee, or any of our surrounding counties contact us, we will be glad to assist you!
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Can Black Mold Damage My Deck
Black mold isnt just unsightly. If left unchecked, it can and will eventually destroy a deck as black mold is usually accompanied by wood-eating fungus.
Mold breaks down the wood fiber, leading to rot and decay. Rot will ultimately impact the structural integrity of the deck, requiring parts of the deck to be replaced.
What Is Black Mold
Black mold, or Stachybotrys chartarum, is a micro fungus that grows on material with high cellulose content, including fiberboard, gypsum board, and lumber. Because black mold requires a significant amount of water to grow, it generally exists in places that are always wet.
In addition to being unsightly, black mold can cause serious respiratory problems, which is why it typically requires professionals to perform mold removal or mitigation when found on a homes interior.
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How Do I Get Rid Of Black Mold On My Porch
4.4/5That is why it is important to remove the mold from the ceiling as soon as possible.
Remove mold and mildew from your porch as soon as you spot early signs, using diluted bleach on wood as well as concrete porches. Mix 1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water. Scrub the porch with a sponge, then rinse off the bleach.
One may also ask, how do you clean a wood porch ceiling? I mix a few drops of liquid dish detergent in with the water/bleach solution to help it adhere to the surface better. Rinse off well after it does it’s job. This does work really well. Just be sure to brush clear poly on the ceiling once the wood has dried.
Simply so, how do I get rid of green mold on my porch?
Regularly cleaning painted porch rails can enhance their appearance and help prevent future mildew or mold growth.
What kills mold better bleach or vinegar?
How To Remove Mold From Composite Decking
Care needs to be taken when using cleaning products with composite wood to avoid damaging the deck. Pressure washers should never be used on composite decking as the force of the water can easily imprint the plastic in the decking, ruining it.
Its also a bad idea to use bleach on decking. Most composite decking manufacturers warn that bleach will discolor their products, especially if used in sunlight. Chlorine bleach can also affect the composition of the decking, causing it to crack or chip prematurely.
Instead, use a mix of dishwashing liquid and water, which will remove the mold but is mild enough not to harm the deck. As with cleaning stained and painted decking, apply vinegar with a spray bottle after cleaning to prevent future mold growth.
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Protecting Plants During Treatment
Since I am listing several chemical treatments to get rid of algae and/or mold and mildew, I feel it is important to stress the need for plant protection. Each option listed above will present its own unique potential for damaging your plants. You will need to judge which option is safest.
However, it is incredibly important that you always do a pre-soaking on your plants and/or lawn when using any chemicals. The water will help to protect leaves and to saturate the soil in an attempt to dilute any runoff.
It is also important that you be mindful of the direction of your water runoff and act accordingly. Focus most of your pre-soaking on areas that will receive the brunt of runoff.
Always use a controlled application container, such as this lawn treatment sprayer.* And always do your treatments on calm days. Any breeze can carry mists of chemicals to plants that you want to protect.
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Cleaning Solutions That Remove Algae
When it comes to removing algae from your wooden deck, you have quite a few options. The most common youll hear is bleach, but bleaching your deck can alter its color and even corrode the metal fasteners keeping your deck together. For these reasons and more, bleach is not recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for algae and mold removal.
If youre looking for alternative algae cleaning solutions, here are a few suggestions:
- Moss and algae removal products: There are quite a few different products on the market that are designed specifically to remove moss and algae from decks. Many of these products allow you to wet it and forget it, but tend to be more expensive than DIY cleaning solutions.
- Hydrogen peroxide: Another cleaner you probably already have in your home is hydrogen peroxide. However, its important to understand that hydrogen peroxide alone wont kill algae growth instead, it creates a foamy surface that helps lift the algae away from the surface, making it easier to scrub away.
- White distilled vinegar: White vinegar is a popular natural cleaner that can be used both inside and outside. Simply combine one gallon of water with one cup of white vinegar and scrub the deck with the solution to remove algae, mold, and mildew.
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How To Get Rid Of Black Mold On Wood Deck
Black mold on your deck isnt just unsightly it can damage your deck and adversely impact the health of those using it. When inhaled, black mold spores can cause respiratory problems, while wood-eating fungus can cause rot and decay, laying waste to a deck.
With that in mind, its essential to remove black mold as quickly as possible. Before opening up your wallet to pay for an expensive professional cleaning, consider ridding your deck of that black mold yourself with common household cleaners you probably already have in your home.
To remove black mold from deck wood, apply a solution of ordinary dish soap and water to the deck, scrub it with a scrub brush attached to a pole, spray it clean with a hose, then spray the deck with vinegar to prevent new mold growth.
In this article, well examine this and other methods for safely removing black mold from your deck without harming your health, landscaping, or the deck wood.
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