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Sue asked: We live in a condo, and the outside wood floor has mold. If I clean it with a bleach-based cleaner, will that hurt the shrubs below? Is there a cleaner that will not damage the shrubs? It would not go directly onto the shrubs, but the run-off water will. Thanks
Although there are several products that will kill and clean mold on outdoor wood surfaces, many of them pose a threat to the environment. Fortunately, there is a solution that is non-toxic, eco-friendly, and biodegradable. Best of all, it works without scrubbing!
You Will Need:
- MoldOff
- Damp cloth
Steps to Remove the Mold:
- Choose a nice day without rain in the forecast. Make sure the wood surface is otherwise dry before you attack your mold problem.
- Following label directions, spray MoldOff directly onto the moldy surface.
- Allow it to sit at least 12 hours. This allows time for the product to attack and destroy the mold spores.
- Fill a bucket with clean water. Use a soft cloth moistened with the water to wipe away the mold.
- If any mold remains, repeat the above steps. The process may need to be repeated several times for areas with lots of mold.
- For extra protection, spray a final coat of MoldOff over the surface and leave it as a treatment against future mold growth.
Additional Tips and Advice
- For stubborn or heavy mold contamination, leave the MoldOff on for longer than 12 hours.
- Because mold breaks down the host surface, treat it as soon as possible to prevent lasting damage to the wood.
- MoldOff does not contain bleach or chlorine. It is safe for surrounding plants, shrubs, and grasses. It’s also safe to use around children and pets.
I have a screened porch and the top of the porch has gotten mildew on it. What is the best way to remove it without a lot of water, as the porch has indoor/outdoor carpet?
Marilyn,
You could protect the carpet by laying down a plastic painter’s cloth (available at Walmart) or cut open garbage bags and taping the plastic sheet along the floorboards. Another idea is to use a wet/dry vac to catch any excess water as you wipe it. Good luck!