Outdoor Decks and Green Mold
Green mold on outdoor wood decks is a common nuisance and can be an eyesore. Removing this pesky problem may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to feel like climbing Mount Everest. With the right tools and knowledge, removing green mold from your deck can become a breeze in no time – allowing you to reclaim your outdoor space with ease. Let’s face it, your beautiful backyard should not be ruined by the sight of green mold – so let’s get started on how to remove it quickly and effectively.
In order to make sure that you don’t waste your time or energy tackling this issue, we’ve done the hard work for you: researching the best techniques to remove green mold from wood decks. From what materials are needed to step-by-step instructions – our guide will provide all the information you’ll need to succeed.
So if you’re ready to take back control of your outdoor space and rid yourself of dreaded green mold once and for all, then join us as we show you how easy it can be when armed with the right know-how.
Definition Of Green Mold
Green mold is a type of fungus that can grow on wood decks. It’s an unwelcome sight and often causes distress to homeowners who have noticed it growing on their wooden decking. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to remove the green mold from your wood deck before it causes any more damage or becomes a health hazard. But before we get into how to do this, let’s look at what exactly green mold is and why it grows in the first place.
Green mold is made up of several species of fungi typically found in damp or moist environments such as bathrooms, basements, and outdoor areas like decks. The spores are spread by wind currents, water droplets, and even natural debris such as leaves or pine needles landing on wet surfaces. These spores quickly start to form colonies when they find moisture and warm temperatures – perfect conditions for growth on wood decks.
There are approximately 100,000 different types of molds or fungi (You may have seen that fungus has been the plot line of the award winning game The Last of Us as well as the hit streaming show of the same name). There exist thousands of mold variants that can appear green. Unfortunately, oftentimes Green Mold is often misidentified as green mildew, they couldn’t be more different in the case of wood decks.
How to tell Green Mildew from Green Mold
- First, Green Mildew will stay on the surface, Green Mold will penetrate your wood deck as it thrives on organic material (wood).
- Green mold will look greenish and has a fuzzy appearance. Green mildew usually begins as yellowish spots and transitions to a greyish/white appearance with a green look. Instead of appearing fuzzy as Green Mold, it’s more powdery.
- Lastly, Green Mildew typically will spread across the surface of your deck, whereas Green Mold will penetrate into the wood and move a bit slower, devouring your deck until treated.
Causes Of Green Mold Growth On Wood Deck
There are many causes of green mold –
- Wood decks are particularly vulnerable to moisture and humidity, making them prime breeding grounds for spores from all kinds of fungi, including green mold.
- A lot of recent rain
- unsealed or not properly sealed deck
- Standing water
- Poor ventilation
- Lack of sunlight
By being mindful of how much moisture stays around your wood deck and taking steps to reduce potential causes of green mold growth, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle this nuisance.
Identifying The Presence Of Green Mold
Once you understand the causes of green mold on wood decks, it’s time to identify if there is actually any present. Mold can be tricky and hard to spot at times due to its small size, but with a keen eye and patience, you should be able to recognize its presence.
The most common sign of mold growth is discoloration or staining of the wood deck. You might also find patches or areas where the color is different from the rest of your deck surface. Additionally, keep an eye out for any spots that look wet or feel damp to the touch. If these signs are present in certain parts of your deck, then it’s likely that green mold has already taken hold and started growing.
The best way to confirm your suspicion is by inspecting each affected area with a magnifying glass; this will help you detect any spores that may have formed around them. (Please see our example photos below for help in identifying Green Mold)
Health Risks Associated With Green Mold Exposure
Green mold is a menace to any wooden surface, but it can also pose serious health risks if left unchecked. Like an uninvited guest in your home, green mold will slowly spread its spores, invading every nook and cranny of the space. Without proper containment and removal, exposure to these spores can cause severe respiratory issues such as coughing, sneezing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
The risk of infection increases dramatically for those with weakened immune systems or pre-existing conditions like asthma or allergies. In addition to respiratory problems, prolonged exposure to green mold has been linked to skin irritation and eye inflammation. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms after coming into contact with green mold on your deck, seek medical attention right away. Taking proactive steps towards prevention by removing the affected wood and properly disposing of contaminated items is essential in order to avoid further exposure.
Protective Gear For Safe Removal
When you’re ready to remove the green mold from your wood deck, it’s important to take measures to protect yourself. First and foremost, wear eye protection when tackling this project. This could be safety glasses or goggles that fit snugly around your face. Additionally, use work gloves to keep your hands safe from splinters and scrapes, as well as any potential irritants found in the cleaning solutions used for removing the mold. It’s also wise to put on a high-quality air mask just in case particles become airborne during removal. Finally, consider wearing clothes made from thicker material like jeans or long-sleeved shirts so your skin is covered at all times.
By taking these steps before getting started, you’ll minimize exposure to any potential hazards that come along with eliminating green mold from wood decks. And now you’re ready for the next step: gathering the necessary tools and supplies needed for removal.
Checklist
- N-95 mask – there are plenty of cheap ones around because of COVID
- Long-sleeved shirts and long sleeve pants
- Protective work gloves.
- Waterproof boots
- Option of using a throwaway rain poncho, like the kind found in dollar stores
Tools And Supplies Needed For Removal
Removing green mold from a wood deck is like fighting an uphill battle—it can be tough but not impossible. To be successful in the fight against mildew and moss, you will need certain tools and supplies at your disposal. A pressure washer or garden hose can help get rid of stubborn growth while cleaning solutions such as oxygen bleach are important for deep cleaning.
Additionally, safety equipment such as gloves and eye protection should always be worn when dealing with chemicals. Depending upon the severity of the infestation, you may even want to consider using a fungicide product to prevent future outbreaks.
Steps To Remove Green Mold From Wood Deck
To start, gather some gloves, goggles, and other equipment listed above for your protection; you’ll need a scrub brush and garden hose or a power washer to help loosen up the mold. Once you’ve got those ready, spray down the area with water, then use the scrub brush or power washer to give it a good cleaning. After that’s done, don’t forget about disinfecting the surface before moving on. Use bleach mixed with equal parts water in either a bucket or spray bottle to kill any remaining bacteria. Be sure to rinse off all surfaces after using chlorine-based cleaners. Then let everything dry completely before proceeding – this will help prevent future growth of any spores left behind.
- Spray area
- scrub
- disinfect
- dry
Green Mold Product Options:
Anti-mold spray
Purchase an anti-mold spray from online or from a hardware store. Be sure to read directions thoroughly before using this method, as improper application could lead to further damage.
RMR-86 Pro Instant Stain Remover
Mold and Mildew Stain Remover
- removes stubborn stains in just seconds
- Created for professional use
- Ready to use
- for use on attics, crawlspaces, wood, concrete floors, brick walls, plywood, drywall, and decks
Scrub with vinegar or bleach
For tougher stains, you can use a combination of white vinegar or chlorine bleach diluted in water for extra power (always test on a small area first). Scrubbing surfaces with brushes and cloths soaked in these solutions can help remove stubborn patches of green mold without damaging the wood itself.
Pressure wash
Pressure washing is another option if all else fails, but caution must be taken when using this technique since too much pressure can cause splintering and other damage over time.
Cleaning Solutions To Use
The best way is usually with a simple combination of water and a bleach solution.
- Start by using a pressure washer or garden hose with a sprayer nozzle to get rid of any dirt or debris that could be contributing to the growth of the mold.
- Then make up a mixture of one part bleach (sodium hypochlorite) in nine parts water
- Apply the mixture directly onto the affected area with a scrub brush or broom.
- Let this sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with clean cold water from your garden hose.
- If necessary, repeat this process until all traces of the green mold are gone.
No matter which approach you take, always remember to wear protective gear like gloves and masks while dealing with any form of mold – even if it looks harmless.
Disposing Of Debris And Materials After Removal
Once you’ve finished cleaning the wood deck of green mold, it’s time to dispose of debris and materials. Start by sweeping up any remaining loose particles with a broom. Then remove all sponges, cloths, brushes, and other tools used in the process. If possible, wear gloves when handling these items to avoid coming into contact with any residual spores.
When disposing of materials affected by green mold, take special precautions so as not to spread spores into other parts of your home or yard. Next, gather the collected material into plastic bags for disposal. Make sure to tie them tightly shut so no further spread of contamination can occur.
Contact your local waste management company for specific instructions on how to properly discard this type of material. Once everything is disposed of correctly, you can move on to preventing future growth of green mold from occurring on your wood deck.
Preventing Future Growth Of Green Mold
To prevent green mold from growing on your wood deck again, there are a few simple steps you can take. First, start by keeping your deck clean and dry—a key to preventing any type of mold growth, including black mold. After storms or long periods of rain, make sure to clear the deck of debris, such as leaves and dirt. You should also sweep off any standing water that accumulates after rainfall or sprinkler use.
Next, consider applying a sealant to your wood decking once it is completely cleaned and dried out. Sealants help protect wood against water damage, reducing the chances of future fungal growth.
Sealing Your Wood Deck After Cleanup
To actually complete the job of removing mold from your deck, we consider this a vital and last step in the process. Sealing your deck with a high-quality sealer will help prevent green mold from returning in the future.
Here are a few tips on how to properly seal your deck:
- Use a high-quality waterproofing sealant specifically designed for decks
- Clean the deck thoroughly before applying any sealant
- Apply multiple coats of sealant over the course of several days, following manufacturer instructions carefully.
Inspecting The Deck Regularly For New Growth
Regular inspection of a wood deck is key to keeping it free from green mold. To ensure your deck remains free of green mold, regular inspection, and cleaning should be part of your ongoing maintenance plan—especially after periods of heavy rain or snowfall. While protecting your wood deck with a good coating of waterproof sealer will help keep out moisture, there’s no substitute for visually inspecting it periodically for signs of discoloration or deterioration due to water exposure. If caught early enough, many problems can be remedied quickly without too much effort.
- Look for any discoloration, clean and treat if needed
- Patches of Mold, remove as soon as found
- Changes in Texture, sand & refinish
Also, take note of areas where there might be more moisture present, such as near faucets or planters, that could potentially cause an issue. If caught early enough, most instances of green mold can be taken care of with proper cleaning and maintenance techniques. But if left untreated, this kind of problem can spread quickly and become difficult to contain. It’s important to act fast when dealing with green mold on a wood deck – prevention is always better than the steps needed to cure it.
Conclusion
Removing green mold from a wood deck is vital for the health and safety of you, your family, and your pets. – don’t procrastinate! It’s important to inspect your deck regularly for new growth, wear protective gear when removing it, and properly dispose of any contaminated items. When dealing with this type of problem, prevention is key.
To keep your deck free of mold year-round, use a specialized cleaner at least once every 3 months. According to the EPA, regular cleaning can reduce the number of spores in the air by up to 90%. This simple step can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your outdoor space healthy and safe. At the end of the day, taking proactive steps like these will ensure that your wood deck remains clean and clear of mold.