Mold is a fungus that can grow on any organic material. It thrives in damp environments, so it’s no surprise that it often pops up on outdoor furniture. Mold can cause a lot of damage, not just aesthetically but also permanent to the furniture itself. So it’s essential to get rid of it as soon as you notice it. There are many ways to do this; some are more effective than others. So read on for tips on how to get rid of mold on your outdoor furniture.
Bleach
Bleach is one of the most effective ways to get rid of mold on outdoor furniture. It’s fast, highly effective, and is very easy to use. Mix equal parts bleach and water, apply with a brush or spray bottle, wait 10-15 minutes (no longer), give the surface a scrub using a brush with a handle, then rinse thoroughly with water. Repeat if necessary.
Bleach can irritate the skin and eyes, so you’ll want to be careful when applying it. Wear gloves and eye protection, as well as long sleeves and pants, if necessary. You can use bleach on all types of outdoor furniture, but remember that bleach is not the best option for stone or metal surfaces because it may discolor them.
Vinegar
Vinegar is another effective way to get rid of mold on outdoor furniture but often takes more time than bleach. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then apply. You can also dip cloths or sponges into the mixture and use it that way to scrub the surface.
The only downside to vinegar is that it may smell pretty bad, but if you rinse it well with water after using it, the smell should dissipate. You can use vinegar on all types of outdoor furniture without worrying about damaging stone or metal. However, there is a chance that the vinegar may not remove mold entirely after the first use, so it is best to use this method multiple times.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another excellent cleaning method that you can use to remove mold on outdoor furniture. Mix 3% hydrogen peroxide and warm water in a spray bottle, then apply it to the affected area with a cloth or sponge. Gently scrub in the mixture, then let it soak for up to twenty minutes. Hydrogen peroxide works by breaking down the cells of fungi to kill most types of mold. However, it may take a little longer than other methods to work. Like vinegar, you can use hydrogen peroxide on all kinds of outdoor furniture without damaging the surfaces.
Ammonia
Ammonia is often listed as a primary ingredient in commercial outdoor furniture cleaning products because it’s very effective at killing and preventing bacteria, including mold growth. Mix two parts ammonia to one part water in a spray bottle, then spray onto the affected area and wipe clean with a cloth or sponge. Ammonia can irritate the skin and eyes, so you’ll want to wear gloves and eye protection when applying it. For best results, move your furniture into direct sunlight after rinsing off the ammonia, so the sun can help kill off some of the molds. You can use ammonia on all types of outdoor furniture, but it may discolor stone or metal surfaces.
Borax
Borax is a natural mineral that kills mold and bacteria. Mix borax with hot water until it forms a paste, then spread it over the affected area and allow it to dry. Once completely dry, rinse with warm water and scrub away with a brush or sponge. If leftover mold is present, wipe the area with a mixture of half vinegar and half water, and scrub once more.
Power Washer
A pressure washer often proves to be an effective way of removing mold from surfaces made of plastic, stone, or metal. However, using a power washer on wood may damage the surface by causing it to peel away. If you want to use a power washer on your furniture’s exterior for this purpose, test it out on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it will not damage it.
When using a power washer, start by setting your power washer to the lowest pressure setting so that you do not damage the surface of your furniture. Use a solution of warm water with a small amount of dish soap added to it in a bucket or garden sprayer. Turn on your power washer and start spraying down the surface, being careful not to hold the nozzle too close for the risk of damage. Allow all remaining water to drain off before moving your furniture into the sunlight or storing your furniture.
Dish Soap
You can use mild dish soap to remove mold from outdoor furniture without the worry of causing damage. Add a few drops of dish soap and warm water to a spray bottle or bucket, then use it like you would any other cleaning product. However, you should avoid using too much soap, as it could leave behind an unpleasant residue that attracts dirt and dust. If you’re worried about the smell of vinegar or ammonia on your furniture, dish soap can be a great alternative to mask the smell. Dish soap is safe for most outdoor furniture types.
Conclusion
The environment in which we live is full of different contaminants. Things can get out of hand when you don’t know what to do about them, but fear not! An excellent way to make sure your outdoor furniture stays clean and free from mold is to make sure to catch it at the first sign of its growth. Hopefully, with these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your outdoor furniture worry-free!
