How to clean green algae / mould off Decking - Quickest and easiest way to clean Decking

[@TastySurrealBowl]

A budget alternative that works really great is to mix about 2 cups of white vinegar & 4-5 tablespoons of Dawn dish liquid with a gallon of hot water. An elderly man demonstrated that formula he’s used for decades for me and it works like a charm for very little cost (we had those things in our cupboard already). Spray it on, let it sit 10-15 mins and scrub with a deck brush (no bending over that way). Rinse, and viola! 👍🏼

[@charlieshooter]

I may give that a try next time! Thanks for leaving a comment!

[@marielvanhees9531]

Pet and family friendly!! I've been looking for someone to verify this idea. My deck is over the driveway behind the house that goes into a shared alley with neighbors and their back decks and driveways where other kids play and people walk their pets. ❤

[@angelakneller2880]

Will this method work well on patio as well. We need to tidy up our garden though I can’t do too much with a bad back xx

[@charlieshooter]

Yes....it's actually where I got the idea. My Auntie used to throw bleach water over her path and it always looked so clean!

[@pmaint1]

Oh my goodness. Get a pump up sprayer and a hose.

[@stephenpaskell5956]

Yes, ive done this for years and with a mix in a bucket brings patios and concrete paths looking brand new.

[@charlieshooter]

Yes, it works well on concrete paths too! 👍🏼

[@revs81]

This is really helpful, thanks Charlie. It's been unusually wet this year so this is especially applicable.

[@charlieshooter]

Yes, ours hasn't stayed very clean this year!

[@anthonydarmanin]

Thank you for this video, I was desparing on what to use to remove the algae of my mahogany deck, worked great!

[@charlieshooter]

Brilliant....glad it worked well. 👍🏼

[@hannimal2800]

I don't even have a decking but goodness your accent and voice are soothing

[@charlieshooter]

Thanks....not sure everyone would agree mind! 👍🏼

[@jackwright6806]

😂😂

[@jezzermeii]

Although I'm not a big DIY person, I stumbled upon your channel when looking into how mechanical timer switches work. I thought I'd let you know that I've just binged on a few of your videos and find them very entertaining. Great stuff mate! :) Keep up the good work, I hope to see more from you. All the best to you mate and take care. :)

[@charlieshooter]

Thanks buddy! That's good to know! Look out for more to come...and dont forget to subscribe! 😉

[@DeanKingston]

I used TSP and soaked a non scouring green kitchen scrubby I pushed along with a broomstick. Bought a green scrubby with a handle at the dollar store for the rails.

[@charlieshooter]

How did you get on with it? Easy enough?

[@paulmavs2646]

Nice one going to give it a go this weekend, I have a huge decking so it can get expensive using the so called recommended brand products.

[@charlieshooter]

Bit of bleach is all you need! 👍🏼

[@ComicBookMalc]

This was brilliant I've just done my 5m X 6m decking with a 2litre bottle and it came up great. A few spots to go over again but fantastic thanks very much. Now I need to find a way to stop the paint coming off when we walk on it

[@charlieshooter]

Glad you found it useful! It's surprising how well it comes up isn't it?

[@ComicBookMalc]

@@charlieshooter yeah plus brownie points from the wife. As it looks like I've done a lot more graft than I did 😂

[@charlieshooter]

Always a bonus! 👍🏼

[@suesheehy6116]

Is this method for wood decking

[@ComicBookMalc]

@@suesheehy6116 yes my decking is solid wood and it came up great

[@invalidude]

I would love to do this, but I need this done to a balcony. Any method that won't result in waste pouring down below to my neighbor?

[@charlieshooter]

Off the top of my head, I can't think of a way without some at least dripping through on to your neighbour's balcony!

[@BennyBumbacleet]

...5L of Ronseal decking cleaner and reviver is £6 and can be diluted or used neat. Just needs to be emptied into a watering can... Much easier than bleach spray bottle and will more likely do a better job than the bleach as it's specifically made for decking and patios?

[@charlieshooter]

I've never used it if I'm honest so couldn't comment if it's better or not. I think the bleach did a pretty good job in this case though. Thanks for commenting.

[@sarfarazkhan1543]

Hi. Thank you for your cleaning tips. Can you please advise what I can use to seal it?

[@charlieshooter]

I've just used Cuprinol Decking Paint, so it's anti-slip too.

[@TrevsOutdoorsandWellbeing]

Can this not discolour your decking and damage it

[@charlieshooter]

No....I haven't had any trouble anyway! 👍🏼

[@UrbanSherman]

Excellent mate, I'm gonna give this a whirl on Sunday 👍

[@charlieshooter]

Hope it all goes ok! 👍🏼

[@imethan-youtubetips6111]

4:13 Awesome video. Glad that you are uploading regularly. Will definitely come back for the next. Thumbs Up 👍

[@charlieshooter]

Cheers dude! It's been a slow year this year! 😉

[@roryferris7271]

Would a power hose do a good job ?

[@charlieshooter]

I have used a power hose or jet wash before, but it tends to take a bit of the paint off too. It would probably need a bit of touching up if you used that.

[@emranraja97]

Great vlog very clear instructions and simple to put into practice. Thanks will be using this formula

[@charlieshooter]

That's great to here. Thanks for leaving a comment.

[@jackwatsonepic626]

I always use an old knife to get rid of the moss in between the grooves and then brush them to one side. Hoovering it all up at the end of the decking Then clean it and stain it with a emulsion brush for £150 from poundland.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@charlieshooter]

What ever suits you best!

[@ericreckless541]

A very expensive emulsion brush

[@charlieshooter]

😂

[@debmobile61]

Question about this - does it take off the paint? I have a grey painted deck like this snd I find some of the paint comes up with a jet wash , so will try this but is it paint safe . ?

[@charlieshooter]

Yes, that is why I used this method the first time, because my decking paint came off when I jet washed it. Don't scrub too hard though!

[@christopherrobinson4273]

If the paints coming up it's not doing its job and the paint is failing. If the paint is failing your would is susceptible to holding moisture in that are and start rotting it. Unless you have composite decking it sounds like it's time to reseal or repaint anyway. Good luck.

[@Smithb83]

Good job Charlie. We've just used no nonsense slate colour stain from screwfix on ours, it's gone from looking really tired to like brand new. Well worth the £16 for 2 x 2.5l tins (or £10 each). Another option for those looking to brighten up their decking

[@charlieshooter]

Thanks Barrie. It's amazing what a lick of paint can do to a tired old decking, and cheap enough too. Ours went green after one winter though because of all the trees nearby.

[@jamesperry8456]

A cheaper option is to use thin bleach. It cost about 50 pence for 4lts. I use a spray bottle and it covers a large area and does the same job. Leave for about 30 mins, brush through and then hose off.

[@charlieshooter]

Not a bad idea that! 👍🏼

[@Thefitmotochic]

Three things I would do differently. #1 wet the deck first #2 use a deck brush #3 use oxy clean & dish soap instead of household cleaner

[@charlieshooter]

You could wet the deck, I'm not sure what benefit you'd see. You could use a deck brush, and that would be easier, but I found you can go a bit too hard and remove the paint sometimes. And I would always use bleach over those because I think the results are a lot better. Thanks for watching!

[@glyndelahay3911]

Thanks for the tip .easy to do and the results were great.. Thanks

[@charlieshooter]

Pleased to hear it! Glad you found it useful!

[@sarahstables4936]

Use cold water - bleach only works with cold water, and hot water causes fumes to be more breathable. It'll say on the bottle to be used with cold water.

[@charlieshooter]

I've not heard of that before. It seems to work fine with warm water though, and being outside, I don't think the fumes are a worry.

[@sarahstables4936]

@@charlieshooter yeah not many people realise it should be cold water as it's instinctive to use hot water to clean stuff. Very quick Google provides this "Keep windows open when diluting or using bleach to ensure good ventilation. Put on protective gear when diluting or using bleach as it irritates mucous membranes, the skin and the airway. Cold water should be used for dilution as hot water decomposes the active ingredient of bleach and renders it ineffective." And even outdoors you can breath in the fumes so always best to be safe than sorry.

[@charlieshooter]

@@sarahstables4936 Live and learn.....although there is all sorts of advice on google about doing it either way.

[@bagmeister21]

@@charlieshooter The cold water thing is a myth, hot water works best...tried it yesterday, deck looking amazing, cheers for the upload. www.apartmenttherapy.com/bleach-and-hot-water-36653185

[@harwoods11]

Bleach and hottest water you can manage. Cleans paths, decking, walls. Just be careful and use old clothes, wear gloves and glasses.

[@charlieshooter]

It's surprising how it brings up paths. Better than a jet wash sometimes!

[@harwoods11]

@@charlieshooter Last for ages too (weather dependent)

[@charlieshooter]

@@harwoods11 Yes! 👍🏼

[@denisoconnor6343]

No need to scrub it off, leave the bleach on overnight and then hose it down

[@charlieshooter]

That may work, depending how bad it is. 👍🏼

[@kernow9324]

You're quite easy on the eye and I enjoy your videos. What's not to like? 😉

[@charlieshooter]

Who knows, too many haters! 😂 Thanks though, appreciate your kind words!! 😊

[@eamonnkelly7465]

Chloros, with a knapsack, works out much cheaper and easier

[@charlieshooter]

....but not for your average Jo who hasn't already got the knapsack sprayer!

[@zdenekchrapkievic5454]

Not sure what your garden soil says about that?

[@charlieshooter]

I don't think it minds....everything is still growing as it should!

[@BarriosGroupie]

Great idea, but how about using more dilute bleach and leaving it on a day or so?

[@charlieshooter]

Maybe....leaving bleach overnight can produce some fab results.

[@mtwillis6915]

Used a decking brush

[@brandi5730]

What about a power washer

[@charlieshooter]

I have used one before, but it can take the paint off if you get too close!

[@katiehawkins8606]

I have tried that and it doesn't work.. Mine is beyond anything

[@charlieshooter]

Maybe time for a repaint then! 👍🏼

[@J_PIK]

How to also kill your lawn after it all washes away from your deck. 😂

[@charlieshooter]

It's that diluted, it really doesn't cause any problems.

[@_MOORE_1986]

If you're worried about killing your lawn with it, just spray a good amount of water over the lawn /plants that may be exposed to the solution before you begin.

[@saborguerito]

Use a pressure washer much easier. If you have to use the method you're proposing here you could also just use a broom instead of bending down on your knees to scrub the surface

[@charlieshooter]

I have tried both those methods, but they tend to be a bit rigorous for the painted surface and it ends up flaking off. Thanks for the comment though! 👍🏼

[@saborguerito]

@@charlieshooter that is true but a pressure washer on the lower setting might be not so abrasive. If the paint is flaking off probably needs to be painted anyway

[@CarolineHorton-un6gs]

If you're going to get on your knees and scrub the decking why not just use cheaper washing up liquid??

[@charlieshooter]

Washing up liquid wouldn't work as well on the algae I don't think....but in fairness, I've never tried it.

[@donnawillson1516]

The bleach looks like it’s discolouring the decking😢

[@JM-nh8yp]

Doesn't work. (Not easily anyway) I trled this. It took me at least 5 minutes per square foot, with over 500 square feet, thats over 41 HOURS!! I had to scrub extremely hard, even with more concentrated bleach.

[@charlieshooter]

Wow....how dirty was your decking? As you can see in the video, it does work. I think the trick with more stubborn mildew is to leave the bleach on there for a bit to let it work its magic. Thanks for watching though.

[@JM-nh8yp]

@@charlieshooterYou asked how dirty my deck was. It wasn't very dirty. My issue isn't dirt. Its algae growth. My deck has grooves in it. The algae are attached down into the grooves. Bleach doesn't do much. Hard, repeated scrubbing with a brush is what does the job. With an easy job, bleach would probably work.

[@charlieshooter]

Good luck with it all...

[@stephenmcaleese2257]

@@JM-nh8yp use oxy pro

[@JM-nh8yp]

@@stephenmcaleese2257 Thanks.

[@JMSsssssss]

OMG this would take forever

[@charlieshooter]

It's not too bad once you get going....depends on the size of your deck though!

[@kobiroar4221]

I’m colour blind but I can see your decking is still pretty patchy, no doubt that will grow again

[@charlieshooter]

It will always grow back unfortunately.....the trees at the side of the garden make sure of that! 👍🏼

[@2729spock]

Easier of you use a bucket with a broom...less back pain.

[@charlieshooter]

True! I sometimes find you can scrub a bit too hard with a big brush though and bring off the paint. That's why I didn't use one anyway.

[@trakside1]

It is a complete no no to use bleach on composites.

[@charlieshooter]

Apparently so. The video was done on wood and was done with wooden decking in mind.

[@trakside1]

@@charlieshooter apologies, I thought this was in composite.

[@ericacosta987]

Oh wow, I never knew that you could use spray bleach... thank u for that

[@charlieshooter]

No problem, you're welcome.

[@brianwilliams8620]

Just get a pressure washer less hassle

[@charlieshooter]

I've used one before and it is a bit easier, but it tends to pull off the paint....and not everyone has got a jet wash to be fair!

[@hippopotamus86]

Not on painted decking you don't want to.

[@canola540]

Must not have pump sprayers where you're from..

[@charlieshooter]

That would be another good way you could get the bleach solution on to the decking. 👍🏼

[@RiffRaffMama.]

Brilliant!

[@thelazycat_]

50 bottles later

[@charlieshooter]

That's a lot of decking!! 😉

[@kenthebean6619]

Just pressure jet it. That looks far too intense.

[@charlieshooter]

Pressure washer can obviously be used, but sometimes it can pull off the paint a bit too easy.

[@ShedOfDreams]

Every composite decking company I have research says avoid bleach. Just saying!

[@charlieshooter]

Glad I used it on wood then! 😉

[@iplmachining]

why spray chemicals they go beck to to ground water that you drink later ; just use pressure washer set on low ; easy and fest

[@charlieshooter]

I dont think the chemicals would make it to the drinking water quite that quickly.

[@Will-nb8qk]

There has got to be an easier solution lol

[@charlieshooter]

Maybe? I expect there might be, but this is A solution! 😉

[@RiffRaffMama.]

There is. Bucket of water and bleach, stiff bristled outdoor broom and a hose.

[@shellh.5193]

That deck isn't designed very smart. All those grooves are a breading ground for algae.

[@charlieshooter]

Tell me about it! Not my doing, so I can moan about it! 😂

[@sonwasup]

Lol looks like it didn’t work.

[@charlieshooter]

It definitely did, believe me!

[@presmaker]

Ridiculous way of cleaning algae even for a DIYer...

[@charlieshooter]

😂 It works though doesn't it? Thanks for watching!

[@falseprophet1972]

Sod that.....more satisfying to get the pressure washer out...............

[@charlieshooter]

It can be....but that can also strip off the paint/protection if you really go at it.

[@ghostyoongaming]

That didn’t look easy at all lol

[@charlieshooter]

It's not so bad once you get going!

[@m16pot36]

How to clean without expensive decking cleaner but then spend a load of money on bleach🤔

[@charlieshooter]

😂 See your point but it's pennies really!

[@Goodvvine]

> how to waste your time

[@charlieshooter]

If you haven't got any decking I appreciate this video would be a waste of time! 😂

[@pjos11]

Probably the hardest and most stupid way of dealing with algae!

[@charlieshooter]

I'm not so sure about that....have you tried using a toothbrush?? 😂

[@pjos11]

@@charlieshooter The amount of spray would be far to costly and the bleach you used is mostly wasted between the gaps. Bleach should not be used on composite decking!! Harsh chemicals, such as bleach, are NOT recommended on any composite surface! These chemicals can eat away at the composite structure and leave permanent discolorations and damage. facts !!

[@charlieshooter]

@@pjos11 No, you're right....bleach should definitely not be used on composite. That wasn't as widely used when I did the video on our wooden decking. It's certainly gaining popularity now though!

[@pjos11]

@@charlieshooter I learned the hard way. I thought composite was bomb proof.

[@MrAzflyboy]

If you want to do this the hardest way possible then follow this video instructions, or just buy patio magic from anywhere then spray & leave, within a week all is gone. Waste of time watching this

[@charlieshooter]

I reckon there are harder ways than in the video, but thanks for watching and taking the time to comment! 👍🏼

[@isyt1]

Haha that was ridiculous. Why are you teaching a terrible method. Talk about the blind leading the blind

[@charlieshooter]

It worked didn't it? The decking was transformed.... 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@isyt1]

CharlieShooters KnowHow - A toothbrush would also work, given enough time

[@charlieshooter]

Each to their own...but I definitely wouldn't try it with a toothbrush! 😂