Home Garden

How to Clean Mold & Mildew From Treated Wood Decks

Mold and mildew can develop on just about any surface, particularly in damp or wet conditions. This includes siding, driveways, furniture and decks, even wood decks that have been treated with moisture repellent. While the mold or mildew is likely to be less severe on treated wood decks, a small amount may develop over time if the deck is not properly cleaned and maintained. Cleaning mold or mildew off a treated deck requires some basic household tools and some warm, sunny weather.

Things You'll Need

  • Bleach
  • Laundry detergent
  • Bucket
  • Brush
  • Hose or power sprayer
  • Water-repellent treatment
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mix 1 qt. bleach, 1/3 cup powdered laundry soap and 3 qt. warm water in a large bucket.

    • 2

      Apply to the mildewed area on the deck. Use a scrubbing brush with a long handle to thoroughly scrub the mixture into the deck.

    • 3

      Allow the cleaning mixture to sit on the mold for several hours, preferably overnight, during dry conditions. Warm, sunny weather is best for this treatment if possible.

    • 4

      Spray the mixture clean with a garden hose or power washer. Make sure all traces of the cleaning solution and mildew are gone. Allow the area to dry. Repeat as needed.

    • 5

      Apply a new layer of moisture repellent to the deck after waiting at least two days.