Bleach-based cleaning solutions may slightly lighten your porch.
Mildew is a type of fungus that tends to grow where there is excess moisture, water runoff or pooling. Because of this, and the fact that mildew likes to grow on organic matter, mildew can grow on your wooden outdoor porch. You can prevent this by installing a canopy or covering your porch, or you can simply commit to removing the mildew at least once every year or as it builds up. Depending on the type of fungus, mildew growth can appear green or white and is generally located around crevices and areas that water might pool. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Mix your solution by combining 3 qt. water with 1 qt. bleach. Add 1/3 cup powdered laundry detergent and mix to combine.
2. Dip a sponge into the mixture and apply it to the outdoor porch until all of the wood is completely soaked. Pay special attention to soaking mildew stains, but use the solution to clean the entire porch. If you only spot clean, you run the risk of removing dirt and slightly bleaching the wood a different color than the rest of the porch.
3. Let the solution sit on the wood for at least 15 minutes. Re-wet the wood as necessary. This will give the bleach time to soak into the wood and break up the mildew growth.
4. Scrub the entire deck with a plastic-bristled brush. Scrub with the grain of the wood to prevent splitting. Never use a wire brush to scrub wood.
5. Rinse the entire deck with the hose and let it dry completely before replacing porch furniture.
Tags: deck with, entire deck, entire deck with, mildew growth, type fungus, your porch
