Sitting outside in your patio is a great way to relax during the evening. But this experience can be ruined if your patio has been inundated by mold. To help ensure you have a clean, nice looking patio year-round, you must take some preventative measures against mold.
How can mold grow on a patio? Since most patios are exposed to the elements, they come into contact with rain, humidity, and other forms of precipitation. And as long as the patio’s surface is warm, dark, and wet, mold is able to grow. Therefore, patios, even those made from concrete, are at risk of mold growth.
RestoPros has detailed 4 patio mold prevention tips you can practice for your Dallas/Ft. Worth home!
1. Regularly Examine Patio for Damages
When water hits a surface, it will try and seep into any opening it can find. And if your patio is full of cracks or segmented pieces, moisture is more likely to build-up, making it easier for mold growth to occur.
It’s important to give your patio a quick inspection every month, checking every surface for any noticeable cracks or openings. Be aware that if you do notice some patio damage, it will only get worse as time goes on. You’ll want to fix any problem you find as soon as possible.
2. Mop Up Water and Liquids Immediately
Never let a spill stay on your patio. The longer a spill lingers, the more it can soak in the concrete, wood, or other material. When moisture manages to find a warm, dark area underneath the surface of your patio, mold spores are able to latch on and reproduce. As soon as you notice a wet spot or a spill on your patio, wipe it up using a mop or cloth.
3. Keep Patio Free of Leaves and Trash
Although the occasional leaf or piece of trash on your patio doesn’t necessarily mean mold will grow, it should still be removed immediately. Leaves and trash can carry water and various liquids, which can eventually soak into your patio’s surface if left there long enough. Just to be safe, always sweep and clear your patio any time you notice any leaves or trash. Be sure to clean any stain or water left over as well.
4. Clean Your Patio with a Mold-Killing Substance
One of the best ways to prevent mold on your patio is by adding a mold-killing product to your arsenal when cleaning. Not only will using a mold-killing product add a protective coating to your patio to help prevent mold – it may eliminate some already-existing spores as well.
Not sure what type of mold-killing cleaner to use? While there are plenty of commercial options available, most of them contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which can be damaging to the environment. Instead, we recommend opting for a natural mold cleaner such as vinegar or lemon juice. These natural cleaners can kill mold as well as protect it from further growth.
Follow these tips to help give your patio some added protection against mold. If your patio has already succumbed to the clutches of mold, and there’s an infestation, you’ll need to contact a mold-removal expert. Fortunately, you have RestoPros as your number-one resource for mold remediation services! Give us a call at 855-587-3786 to speak with Dallas/Ft. Worth’s leading professionals today.