Sweeping the leaves, dirt, and debris off your wood deck can be enough to keep it relatively clean\u2014that is, unless it\u2019s coated in a layer of something slimy. In addition to making your deck slippery, and potentially dangerous, the growth of algae, moss, and\/or fungi can do some serious damage. Here\u2019s what to know about why your deck is so slippery, how to get rid of the slime, and why it\u2019s so important.<\/p>\n
Regardless of whether they\u2019re covering grass, pavement, or a wood deck, fallen leaves make surfaces slippery when it rains. If they\u2019re left on a deck long enough, they keep the wood perpetually moist, and create the ideal conditions for the growth of algae, fungi, or moss. Not only does a coating of algae, fungi, or moss make the deck quite slick, it may also leave green or black stains on the wood, even after the leaves and other debris have been cleared away.<\/p>\n
Moisture is the enemy of wood. Over time, constantly damp wood may warp, swell, crack, and eventually, start to rot. When algae, fungi, and moss grow on damp wood, they tend to spread quickly, and make the moisture problem even worse\u2014and, unlike leaves, can\u2019t be easily swept off a deck.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Even if, for some reason, you\u2019re not concerned about your slippery deck being a falling hazard, and you don\u2019t mind the green or black stains, you should still get rid of any algae, fungi, or moss covering it\u2014it can harm your wood, and shorten your deck\u2019s lifespan. And while algae and the like will cause more extensive damage to untreated lumber, they can grow on, stain, and harm treated wood as well.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Whether you\u2019re dealing with algae, fungi, or moss growing on your wood deck, here are a few ways to get rid of it:<\/p>\n
Most advice on how to remove algae, fungi, or moss growing on your wood deck begins and ends with bleach. If you want to go straight to the hard stuff, and don\u2019t mind working with bleach\u2014and it running off into whatever surrounds your deck\u2014you can make a DIY cleaning solution<\/u><\/a> by mixing the following items in a large bucket<\/u><\/a>:<\/p>\n 1 quart of household bleach<\/p>\n<\/li>\n 3 quarts of warm water<\/p>\n<\/li>\n \u2153\u00a0 cup of ammonia-free powdered laundry detergent OR ammonia-free dish soap<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Use the solution and a stiff-bristled brush<\/u><\/a> or broom<\/u><\/a> to scrub the slippery and\/or stained parts of your deck, then rinse it off with a hose. Repeat the process on any stubborn spots, if needed.<\/p>\n Combine one gallon of warm water, one cup of white distilled vinegar, and a few squirts of Dawn<\/u><\/a> dishwashing liquid (or something similar) in a bucket. Once again, use a stiff-bristled brush<\/u><\/a> or broom<\/u><\/a>\u2014we\u2019re partial to the broom version, to avoid bending down and working on our hands and knees\u2014to scrub the deck, then rinse it with a hose. Repeat if necessary.\u00a0<\/p>\n There are also plenty of premixed solutions specifically formulated to remove algae, fungi, and or moss from wood decks, including 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner<\/u><\/a>, Concrobium House & Deck Wash<\/u><\/a>, and Mold Armor E-Z Deck, Fence & Patio Wash<\/u><\/a>. Follow the directions on the packaging.\u00a0<\/p>\n Though some experts caution against pressure washing a deck, others point out that it\u2019s possible to do it without damaging the wood. The key is to use a fan attachment<\/u><\/a>, and avoid high-pressure settings. If water alone isn\u2019t cutting it, use your pressure washer<\/u><\/a> to apply one of the solutions above\u2014as long as yours is equipped with a tank or basin that allows you to do so.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve removed the algae, fungi, or moss from your deck, do what you can to keep it clean, including sweeping any leaves and other debris off your deck right away.<\/p>\n
Sweeping the leaves, dirt, and debris off your wood deck can be enough to keep it relatively clean\u2014that is, unless it\u2019s coated in a layer of something slimy. In addition to making your deck slippery, and potentially dangerous, the growth … Continue reading \n
White vinegar and soap solution<\/h3>\n
Use a premixed solution<\/h3>\n
Pressure washing<\/h3>\n
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\nSource: LifeHacker – Why You Need to Clean Algae From Your Wood Deck (and How to Do It)<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"