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Cleaning a slimy wood deck

| Posted in Construction Techniques on November 4, 2004 04:01am

Actually it’s a set of 2×12 non-PT wood steps, but for purposes of the discussion it’s the same as  a deck.

Walked out the back door of the customers house, it had poured rain the day before and the steps were wet for the first time since I had been at the house.  Hit the first step and that was it.  Feet went out and I bounced down all the steps on my butt.  Customer heard the commotion, came out on the porch and said ‘be careful … I did that once last year … sorry … hope you’re ok’.

Dang boards were solid black with slimy goo … north side of the house.  So i went and got some Olympic deck cleaner, used it three times in three days.  The steps are much better, but not co0mpletely clean.  Other than sanding/scraping them, what works best?  TSP? Gasoline and a match?

 

Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell’em “Certainly, I can!”  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

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  1. User avater
    NickNukeEm | Nov 04, 2004 04:08am | #1

    TSP and bleach solution, use a bristle brush and chemical gloves.  You ok?

    I never met a tool I didn't like!
  2. FrankB89 | Nov 04, 2004 04:33am | #2

    A familiar problem here in the PNW....hard to beat a good cleaning with a power washer, then the deck-treatment with a mildew/ fungicide treatment.

    Problem is, the offending culprit can get pretty well rooted into the microscopic crevices of the wood/paint/stain surface, and on the shady, damp, humid side of the house, will usually require fairly serious treatment every 3 or 4 years, regardless of what kind of treatment is on the wood.

    Even composites, like Trex and Rhino Plank and the plastic deck planks can get mildewy and slick when the environment encourages it.

     

    1. FastEddie1 | Nov 04, 2004 06:07am | #3

      What is your favorite mildew/fungicide treatment?

      Yeah, I'm ok.  Bruises on both triceps where I hit the treads as I tried to break my fall, and skid marks on the seat of my pants where I scraped the tread nosing clean.

      That was Monday.  Tuesday I locked my keys in the truck for the first time, and the water pump died on th wet saw.  Then today I was on my hands and knees scraping old vinyl off the floor and my head got too close to the sink water supply stub outs.

      Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!"  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

      1. FrankB89 | Nov 04, 2004 06:20am | #5

        I can't recall the name of the stuff I use.  Be patient and I'll get my failing memory recharged at the paint store tomorrow.

        I know some people just use a household bleach solution, but around here anyway, it's only a temporary fix. 

  3. poorsh | Nov 04, 2004 06:18am | #4

    Hi

    We live in North Vancouver B.C. Home of the slippery decks. We mix up a brew of 2/3 rd cup of TSP, 1/3rd cup of tide and two cups of bleach to one gallon of hot water. Put the tide in last as it foams. Some people like to use a product with out the phosphate as they think it promotes regrowth. Anyhow, spray this mixture on the surface scrub it in with a good brush and let sit for twenty minutes. Re spray let sit for ten minutes and wash off with a good hose with decent water pressure.

    The bleach (I.E. Chlorine) kills the mildew, temporarily.

    It is like treating moss in your lawn. Guess who wins!!

    Cheers

    Mac

  4. cynwyd | Nov 04, 2004 07:00am | #6

    chlorine bleach is tough on the wood too, oxygen bleach is a better choice for the wood and environment

  5. florida | Nov 04, 2004 01:49pm | #7

    When they are slimmy like that I sprinkle with granulated pool shock. Let it sit for 15 minutes or so and rinse.

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