How to Remove Mold From a Pool Deck or Shingled Roof

Mold can grow on outdoor surfaces, such as pool decks and roof shingles, due to a combination of moisture accumulation and dirt. Whether you have mold growing alongside your pool or on your roof, you will need to come equipped with something stronger than household cleaner. Mold requires disinfection, and therefore you will need a cleaning solution that has the ability to destroy mold spores without harming your outdoor surfaces.

Instructions

1

Put on rubber gloves and mix water with bleach to create a powerful home disinfectant. For roof shingles, This Old House recommends an equal mixture of water and bleach. For pool decks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends nine parts water per one part bleach.

2

Spray or pour your bleach solution over the affected surface. To minimize the surface's exposure to bleach, use a spray bottle to apply wherever mold appears. This is especially important for roofs because pouring bleach onto the surface may cause it to seep in between the shingles. For pool decks, you can pour the bleach carefully onto the deck itself. Wait 20 minutes before proceeding.

3

Scrub the pool deck or roof shingles with a firm scrubbing brush to loosen the mold spores.

4

Wipe up the bleach with paper towels or other absorbent cloths. Dispose of the towels or cloths immediately in an outdoor receptacle or in thick, black trash bags. Rinse the shingles or pool deck with water. For pool decks, you can use a pressure washer with a 40-degree spray tip.

5

Inspect your pool deck and roof regularly for signs of mold. The sooner you take care of the problem, the easier your job will be. Roof mold can especially become troublesome, as it may seep into the home through the ceiling.