If you prefer to spend time outside your home but are bothered by dirt, you might be here researching how to remove mildew from deck railing.
Mold and mildew are two of the most common enemies of a deck railing. Your deck may get infested with mildew due to the constant moisture in the air.
Moreover, decks with more shady areas tend to develop mold more quickly as it thrives in areas with less sunlight, which creates excellent conditions for the growth of the fungus.
A low-maintenance railing solution is not something you should be guilty of doing because it will save you time and money in the long run. Deck railings are an excellent option for homeowners who don’t want to work too hard to set up one.
No matter if you choose mahogany, oak, or pressure-treated decking wood on your railing, or mildew will continue to grow.
How Do You Remove Mildew From Decks?
Step #1. Rinse the decks
You don’t need to spend a lot of money on a high-end pressure washer to clean a deck railing. A high-pressure washer could damage the wood, especially if they are old.
A lawn hose and also a little effort are all that is required. Using a hose with modest pressure, wash away any collected dirt or debris.
Step #2. Gently scrub the surfaces
It’s important to remember that little is more when cleaning deck railings. Cleansing your railing too hard could leave you with a damaged deck.
Begin with a basic soap solution of soapy water to remove any mold, mildew, or debris. An alternative is to mix vinegar and water in a mixture.
Clean a small area of your railing first to ensure that the cleaner you’ve chosen is safe for the remainder of it. After that, use a soft brush to scrub the railings with the cleanser and then rinse them with water.
Step #3. Soak the solution
Soak the soap solution in the area for 30 minutes before cleaning to remove more stubborn stains. A vinyl or wood cleaner, depending on your material, is accessible at most supply stores to help keep your deck railing looking its best.
Prevent steel wool and other harsh cleansers while cleaning your railing. These can cause damage to the shine and discoloration of your railing.
Step #4. Target the mildew
The best way to get rid of mildew if you’ve spotted it hiding in the crevices of your railings is to use a power washer and use it on the lowest setting. Start by cleaning the stain off with a brush if it’s still there.
Alternatively, you can apply an anti-mildew solution to a tiny area of vinyl before applying it to the entire surface. When you’ve finished using the product, wipe it off with a damp cloth.
If you’re using a deck cleaner containing oxygen bleach, it may be preferable to follow up with a deck color corrector suitable for the cleaner. The acid in brighteners helps balance the elevated pH of oxygen bleach cleansers, allowing the wood to be more durable for finishing.
Step #5. Rinse it all off
Keep in mind that cleaning products leave behind a trace. Clean deck railings are ready to be rinsed with a hose after you are satisfied with the way they look.
Here’s another additional guide on how to remove mold from the deck, or you may visit this article on how to remove green mold from the wood deck easily.
How To Prevent Mildew On Deck Railings?
Control dampness
The essential factor in preventing the growth of most mold and mildew is to keep the environment dry. The most severe infestations generally occur in wet spaces.
The most efficient defenses include preventing water leaks, ensuring proper air movement in attics, preserving attics, and drying/redirecting moisture away from your home’s foundation.
Check a few times a year
If not properly maintained and protected, the material on a railing can deteriorate. Ensure you treat the first traces of rust on hardware and bolts as soon as they appear.
Replace the entire hardware that has become severely eroded because a faulty railing might pose a risk to your family.
Wash regularly
If you use vinyl, you’ll need to keep up with regular cleanings to avoid blemishes caused by stains. If you’re not careful, these marks might become persistent.
As a general rule, you should try to clean the railings at least once per week, preferably with another task, such as watering your plants. When cleaning your railing, remember that dust and other dirt can negatively impact your deck railing.
Consider using composite deck boards
One major benefit of having deck boards is waterproof shells that prevent water from penetrating the panels. Microbes and mold deck developments are less likely to form on composite boards than wood ones, requiring less cleaning and care.
Conclusion
You only need to follow the steps on how to remove mildew from deck railing, and your deck will be good as new.