Cleaning Your Deck: Algae and Fungus Removal

If your home has a deck algae or fungus it's important to clean it properly. Over time, algae and fungus can develop on wooden decks and will need to be cleaned and removed using the right products. However, removing algae and fungus is not difficult at all, and it's something you can do yourself in a couple of hours. So, here is a handy how-to guide will show you how to clean and remove algae from your wooden deck.

Step 1 - Clear the Deck

Before you begin, remove the furniture's and fixtures from your deck. This is especially important if you have wooden deck furniture as the acid or bleach based deck cleaner could damage the finish on your furniture.

Step 2 - Sweep the Deck

Take a regular straw broom and sweep the deck thoroughly to remove as much dirt and dust as possible.

Step 3 - Prepare Bleach Solution

Take an empty bucket and fill it about 3/4 of the way full with warm water. Then, add about 2 cups of a quality oxygen-based bleach.

Step 4 - Scrub and Rinse the Deck

Using the scrub brush and bleach solution that you prepared, scrub the surface of the deck thoroughly. Then, allow the bleach solution to set in for about 15 to 30 minutes. This will begin to kill the algae and fungus that has developed on your deck. After the solution has been allowed to set for a while, use a garden hose to thoroughly rinse the deck.

Step 5 - Use the Deck Cleaner

Refer to the instructions on the acid or bleach based deck cleaner you will be using to clean your deck. In most cases, you will simply need to mix the cleaner with water and apply it to the surface of your deck. Then, you will need the allow the cleaning agent to set for the prescribed period of time in order to kill the algae and fungus. Once the cleaner has had time to set and seep into the pores of the wood on your deck, use the scrub brush to further clean your wooden deck.

Step 6 - Rinse the Deck

Take the garden hose and again thoroughly rinse your deck. Make sure to remove any remnants of the acid or bleach-based cleaner and also don't forget to rinse handrails or stair rails that may have been doused with the solution.

Step 7 - Sweep the Deck Again

Take the broom against sweep the deck. This will help to remove any water build up or puddles that may have developed when rinsing the deck. Allow the deck to dry.

Step 8 - Put it All Back

Once the deck is dry, you can again put the furniture and fixtures back in their proper locations. In order to prevent future buildup of algae and fungus, you should clean your deck at least once a month with a mild bleach and water solution.