Carpentry and Woodworking - Best way to clean algae from wood???

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bradley104
01-08-09, 12:26 PM
I have wooden steps going up to the front door of my house. They are turning green with either algae or mold...not sure which. What is the best way to clean this? I'll try to attach a picture. Thanks! -Brad
http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/1968/dscn0526nn7.jpg

twelvepole
01-08-09, 01:13 PM
There are deck cleaners and sealers available at home centers. Clean and seal the wood.
Michael Thomas
01-08-09, 03:11 PM
You can slow that process by sealing the ends of cross-cuts of deck boards with a paraffin wax based product. Also, that style of baluster attachment holds water against the ledger - as a result the baluster and the ledger at the point of contact often rot out more quickly than the rest of the deck. Not a lot you can do about it at this point, but something to keep in mind when you rebuild.

marksr
01-08-09, 03:27 PM
You can mix bleach and water [no stronger than 50%] and use that solution to clean the wood. When your ready to restain, have some extra mildewcide added to your stain.
twelvepole
01-08-09, 04:39 PM
Over the years, posters here tend to not to recommend paraffin-based sealers. Rather, they favor penetrating sealers, particularly Cabot's and Sikkens.
Michael Thomas
01-09-09, 06:20 AM
I my experience such sealers do not adequately protect the crosscut ends of deck boards, and it's only in that location that I'm suggesting the use of paraffin based alternatives.