Keep Wooden Decks From Growing Moss By Cleaning Them With Two Household Staples
A wooden deck can be a great place to hang out at home and can add a lot of visual appeal. However, it may start fading and looking unattractive if you don't take good care of it. It's essential to clean your wooden deck regularly to ensure that it keeps looking pristine. Failing to do so can lead to moss, algae, and mildew growth that can significantly alter the appearance of your deck.
While you may think you need a specialized cleaner to clean your wooden deck, all you need is probably already in your pantry. Baking soda and vinegar are two ingredients that work wonders for cleaning a wooden deck and can be even more powerful when used together. These ingredients can do a great job of removing mold and mildew from your deck. They can also eliminate any moss and algae growth that's present and help prevent it from growing in the future.
Cleaning your wooden deck with baking soda and vinegar
To clean your wooden deck and prevent moss, start by spraying your deck with water. Before moving on to vinegar and baking soda, scrub the deck with a soft bristle brush and a simple mix of soap and water. Then, rinse the deck thoroughly using a basic garden hose or a power washer.
Once this is done, you can then create a two-to-one mix of vinegar and water. Pour this mixture onto the deck and spread it thoroughly, especially focusing on areas that already have mold mildew and moss growth. You may want to use a pump sprayer or hand sprayer to spread it thoroughly. After doing this, you can then powder baking soda on top. Let these two ingredients sit for 20 minutes and then proceed by scrubbing the deck with a soft bristle brush. Finally, rinse all of the vinegar and baking soda off of the deck to complete the job.
Other ways to prevent moss growth on your deck
If you've thoroughly cleaned your wooden deck with this solution, then you've already won half the battle of preventing moss and algae growth. However, there are other things you can do to prevent problems with your wooden deck. Consider applying a decking oil to your deck at least once per year. This will help to inhibit algae and moss growth. Sealing your deck with either an oil or water stain can help protect against moisture and UV rays and protect your deck from destructive termites. Additionally, ensure that you're preventing the buildup of leaves and debris on your deck.
When using any cleaners or solutions on your deck, remember to be careful. Always be aware of nearby vegetation and consider how it will be affected. Be careful not to let a harmful chemical or ingredient run off and kill plants. Baking soda, vinegar, and soap can all be toxic to plants, so avoid letting these ingredients come into contact with them if you want them to keep growing strong.