Why You Need to Clean Algae From Your Wooden Deck (and How to Do It)
Sweeping away leaves, dirt, and debris from a wood deck may be enough to keep it relatively clean, unless it’s covered in a layer of something slimy. The growth of algae, moss and/or fungus not only makes your deck slippery and potentially dangerous, but can also cause serious damage. Here’s what you need to know about why your deck is so slippery, how to get rid of the slime, and why it’s so important.
Why is my deck so slippery?
Whether they cover grass, a sidewalk, or a wooden deck, fallen leaves make the surface slippery when it rains. If left on the deck long enough, they will keep the wood constantly damp and create ideal conditions for algae, fungi, or moss to grow. A coating of algae, fungus or moss not only makes the deck look very smooth, but can also leave green or black stains on the wood even after leaves and other debris have been cleared away.
Is algae harmful to your deck?
Moisture is the enemy of wood. Over time, wood that is constantly damp can warp, swell, crack, and eventually begin to rot. When algae, fungi and moss grow on damp wood, they tend to spread quickly and further exacerbate the moisture problem – and, unlike leaves, they are not easily swept off the deck.
Even if for some reason you don’t mind the risk of falling off a slippery deck and don’t mind green or black stains, you should still get rid of any algae, fungus or moss that covers it. may damage the wood and shorten the life of the deck. And while algae and the like are more damaging to untreated wood, they can grow on treated wood, staining it and causing damage.
How to remove algae from a wooden deck?
If you’re dealing with algae, fungi, or moss growing on your wood deck, here are a few ways to get rid of it:
DIY bleach solution
Most tips on how to remove algae, fungus or moss growing on a wood deck begin and end with bleach. If you want to get straight to the tougher stuff and don’t mind working with bleach—and it drips into everything around your deck—you can make your own cleaning solution by mixing the following items in a large bucket :
-
1 liter household bleach
-
3 liters of warm water
-
⅓ cup ammonia-free laundry detergent OR ammonia-free dish soap
Use the solution and a stiff-bristled brush or broom to scrub slippery and/or stained parts of the deck, then hose them down. Repeat the process on any stubborn stains if necessary.
White vinegar and soap solution
Mix one gallon of warm water, one cup of white distilled vinegar, and a few drops of Dawn dishwashing liquid (or something similar) in a bucket. Once again, use a stiff-bristled brush or broom —we’re partial to the broom version to avoid bending over and working on your hands and knees—to scrub the deck, then hose it down. Repeat if necessary.
Use a ready-made solution
There are also many ready-made solutions specifically formulated for removing algae, fungus, and moss from wood decks, including 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner , Concrobium House & Deck Wash , and Mold Armor EZ Deck, Fence & Patio Wash . Follow the instructions on the package.
Pressure washing
While some experts caution against pressure washing your deck, others note that it can be done without damaging the wood. The key is to use a fan attachment and avoid high pressure settings. If water alone doesn’t do the trick, use a pressure washer to apply one of the solutions above, if your car has a tank or sink that allows you to do so.
Once you’ve removed algae, fungus, or moss from your deck, do your best to keep it clean, including promptly sweeping away leaves and other debris from your deck.