Mold is a type of fungus that grows and thrive in damp humid areas. They come in various colors such as black, green, purple white or orange. In homes found in moist areas, you will find mold on walls, in bathroom, basements, floors, and in HVAC systems.
just like green algae, mold likes growing on outdoor surfaces like concrete patio floors, decks and pavers. In this guide, learn how to remove the dreaded black mold on your concrete or brick pavers.
Why should you get rid of mold?
Mold produce spores which are harmless in small amount, but very dangerous in large quantities.
Spores are airborne and can cause health problems to humans and animals when inhaled. Mold can also spread and cause serious stains on your surfaces, furniture and other fixtures. Mold affected surfaces are usually slippery and dangerous to walk on.
Is mold on concrete patio dangerous?
Mold are usually dangerous when they grow anywhere in your home. Other than harming your family members, your pets are also not spared. A patio infested by fungus will make the bricks, pavers or concrete to appear stained. Mold is one of the reasons for black spots on your concrete patio or driveway.
Removing mold on patio before it matures or spread is very important. Cleaning a large section of mold requires the help of a professional. This can be an expense, and doing it yourself is a way of endangering your health.
How to Remove Mold from your Patio
Irrespective of the method you use to get rid of mold you will need a protective gear. It is important to put on rubber gloves, dust mask, protective shoes and clothing to avoid inhaling or direct contact with mold. The following are effective ways to clean mold on your outdoor surfaces:
1. Hose Cleaning
Collect large dirt debris such as leaves and vacuum out all dust from the pavers joints. Mix warm water with a mild liquid soap and pour on the surface. Allow it few minutes and proceed to give your patio a vigorous scrubbing with your hard bristle brush.
Rinse the concrete with a garden horse to remove dirt debris and your cleaning solution. Let the area dry and check if there are some stains. This methods only for small traces of mold.
2. Bleach solution
Bleach solution is effective in removing surface stains, mold and algae on patio pavers, or concrete. Before using bleach, ensure there are no neighboring plants and grass that can be affected. The formula also irritates skin and can cause dizziness when inhaled. Wear your protective gear.
Mix a cup of bleach with a gallon of warm water and place the solution in a clean spray bottle. Spray the diluted bleach directly on mold and leave it to stay for 15 minutes. Use your deck brush or tough-bristle broom to scrub off mold in a forth and backwards motion. If there are stains, you may use a wire brush.
Finalize your cleaning by using a garden hose to rinse the solution and remove dirt debris. Use a clean dry towel to dry out any standing water. Moisture being one of the leading causes of mold and algae, it should be removed completely.
3. Pressure washer
Hot water pressure washer is an ideal method of dealing with stubborn mold. After removing dirt and other debris, blast the mold with hot water using a power washer. Hot water will help in killing fungi cells and other microorganisms. This method should be used carefully especially when other plants are neighboring the patio.
After splashing hot water, sticky mold becomes soft and now you can begin scrubbing with a deck brush. A steam cleaner may also be used to kill mold on hard surfaces. Finish by replenishing patio joint sand that was displaced by the powerful jet of water.
4. Vinegar
Will vinegar kill mold on concrete? Vinegar can be used to contain mold in your home. White vinegar is a powerful cleaner that softens tough stains. When applied on mold, it kills the cells thus recommendable for cleaning your patio.
For mild cleaning, you can mix white vinegar with water in equal parts and use on your pavers. For killing mold, do not dilute, just place the full-strength solution in a spray bottle and apply on the mold. Let it stay for 15 minutes and proceed with scrubbing. Rinse the solution and debris with a hose.
How do you prevent mold on a concrete patio?
Concrete paving blocks or bricks are particularly vulnerable to mold. They trap moisture and thus create a conducive environment for mold, moss and algae. An effective way of preventing mold on concrete is to keep it dry and clean all time.
How do you do that?
- Clean your patio regularly and dry it completely. This removes dirt and other materials that supply food to mold.
- Expose your patio to sunlight as much as possible. UV radiations of the sun helps in killing mold and driving out moisture from tiny cracks.
- In dark areas, use a fun heater or drier to remove any element of water or moisture.
- Prune overhanging tree branches and move furniture to allow maximum sunlight on your pavers.
- Drain any nearby standing water to avoid it being absorbed by the bricks or paving stones.
- Use mold prevention products such as copper solution or crystals.
According to Washingtonpost.com, keeping your patio clean and dry is proven to keep mold, moss and algae at bay. Exceptional cases can be taken care of by patio drying products and technology.
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