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Deck Cleaning Questions and Answers
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Topic starter
23/10/2014 8:52 pm
Based on the information I read on this site, I purchased Restore-A-Deck wood deck stripper and brightener to clean my deck. It looks like I will have to reapply the stripper because all the old stain was not removed after one application. However, the other problem I am tackling is the mold and algae.I cannot find the best recommended mold and algae removal product on this site, just instructions not to use bleach. The Restore-A-Deck stripper did not do anything to remove the mold and algae. Any recommendations? Also, is it unusual to have apply the stripper more than once?
23/10/2014 9:13 pm
Stripping effectiveness will depend on the brand, type of stain, and how many coats applied. Many times we have to apply stripper a few times to get off stubborn stains. As for mold and algae, that should come off with a stripper if on the surface but will not if deep in the wood grain.
Please post a couple of pictures here so we can see what you are up against.
Topic starter
05/11/2014 5:58 pm
Took a break from this massive project, but here are some pictures. I very liberally applied another round of Restore-A-Deck stain stripper and it took away the rest of the mold, but as you can see in the attached pictures, there are still areas with old stain residue. I started sanding these areas, but this deck is so big and there are so many little areas dispersed throughout the deck and other very difficult areas to reach (half moon spindles)I'm not sure this is the answer either.I spoke with my local rental place and they said an orbital floor sander could work for the deck surface, but if any deck screws hit the sandpaper on the machine, it will rip it off and will have to change out each time this happens. Not sure this sounds like a promising option either. Also, if deck boards are not completely level and flat (no warping),it won't do much to remove this residue without significantly sanding the surface of my deck. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.
05/12/2014 8:07 pm
I had a new deck put by my pool this July. In September I applied Soy Guard sealer. Now parts of deck are turning black with mold. Should I clean with bleach and water or wait until spring and pressure wash and stain? Every time it rains the black mold gets worse and spreads to more of deck surface.
Thanks.
10/12/2014 6:45 pm
Quote from administrator on December 8, 11:48
The sealer is feeding the growth it seems. You probably need to strip and brighten to remove then stain. I would do this in Spring.
I read on here you could use a 4 part water one part bleach to remove black mold if it was on surface. I tried a small part of my deck and it was gone in minutes. So I used a sprayer and did the whole deck waited a few minutes and rinsed and it is all gone. Appears to be still beading water so I am guessing my sealer held up. My question is some have said not to use bleach at all others say dilute it scrub and rinse. I did not even have to scrub and i rinsed it thoroughly. And water still appears to bead off. I did this because every time it rained mold was getting worse. was it ok for me to do this? Did it harm my new deck in any way? I have seen posts on both side of this so hope I did not mess it up? I was planning on going with a darker stain in the spring anyhow to match our house... just sealed it to try and keep water out this winter.
Thanks
