How to Remove Black Stains from a Wood Deck? Follow This Detailed Guide!

My dream has always been to have a beautiful wood deck! When I moved into a new house a little over a year ago, my dream finally came true! I decorated my new deck with a colorful carpet, beautiful garden furniture and of course my beloved plants and I spent every free moment there to relax. Life was good! Unfortunately, after the winter, I made a very bad discovery: black spots had appeared on the wood! But what is it and what to do? I had never been interested in the question how to remove black stains from a wood deck! Is it possible to make them disappear and have a like-new deck?

What Are the Black Stains on a Wood Deck?

Black stains on a wood deck are not unusual. They are usually caused by mold, which appears as a result of humidity. Mold usually settles on materials that contain a lot of cellulose, such as wood or gypsum board.

Why Do Black Stains Appear on My Deck?

Before looking at the question of how to remove black stains from a wood deck, it is important to know why they appear in the first place. Mold usually grows very well on wood that is often damp and not treated or cleaned very well. Lack of direct sunlight can make the problem worse because the wood takes even longer to dry.

To my surprise, it appears that wood deck stain can also cause mold growth. Specialists advise not to apply a very thick coat of stain as this could increase the drying time and thus cause the development of mold. What’s more, although not as long-lasting as oil-based stains, water-based stains are recommended for use on decks. Unlike oil-based stains, they don’t contain additives that encourage mildew growth and can actually ruin the wood, as well as being hazardous to your health.

How to Remove Black Stains from a Wood Deck? Step by Step Guide

To successfully remove black stains from a wood deck like a pro, it is very important to know how to go about it. Follow our step-by-step guide to get your deck looking like new in no time:

• Start by cleaning your deck thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner. This will help remove dirt and mold spores from the wood. Once the deck has been thoroughly vacuumed, don’t forget to empty the vacuum into a plastic bag outside.
• The second step is to wash the wood deck using an appropriate product or simply soapy water. Scrub with a soft brush, paying particular attention to the area of black stains.
• White vinegar can also be very useful to remove black stains from a wood deck. Put some vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the stain area well. Let stand for about an hour. Then, use a clean, but damp cloth to thoroughly wipe off the vinegar. Make sure everything has dried well before continuing with the cleaning.
• Do the stains persist? In this case, all you have to do is sand the wood before staining or sealing it in order to clean the dirty area thoroughly.

Also read: How to remove black mold in the bathroom?

How to Clean a Wood Deck with Baking Soda?

When possible, it is always best to try to clean your wood deck avoiding chemicals. Baking soda is a great alternative that can be used in many different ways around the house, including cleaning dirty spots. How to use it on a natural wood or pallet wood deck?

Prepare a paste by mixing two parts baking soda and one part white vinegar. Spread the paste over the stained surface and scrub well with a brush. When the stains are gone, use a hose to wash the surface and remove the baking soda residue.

Here it is, after all this careful cleaning, my deck is like new and ready for the new season!