How to Remove Mold and Algae from a Wooden Gate

2025 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2025-01-24 13:28

Over time, wooden gates can become covered in mold and algae. Growth usually occurs in humid and shady areas. There are various ways to remove mold and algae from a gate, so that it returns to its natural splendor.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Use a Pressure Washer

Remove Mildew and Algae from a Wooden Fence Step 1

Step 1. Cut and tie the plants

Remove Mildew and Algae from a Wooden Fence Step 2

Step 2. Cover the delicate ones with a cloth or buckets

Remove other obstructions.

Remove Mildew and Algae from a Wooden Fence Step 3

Step 3. Put the pressure washer on the lowest pressure, for example 1500-2000 psi

Remove Mildew and Algae from a Wooden Fence Step 4

Step 4. Stand about 60cm from the gate and direct the jet

You can get close if you have stubborn stains but don't direct the pressure too long on the same spot. Move the spray in a large but slow motion.

Remove Mildew and Algae from a Wooden Fence Step 5

Step 5. If the mold and algae are gone, let it dry

If the stains remain, read on.

Remove Mildew and Algae from a Wooden Fence Step 6

Step 6. Scrub the stained areas if mold and algae are not dissolved after the hydrojet

Pour a 1: 2 solution of bleach and water into a bucket. Do not mix.
Use a brush to scrub any remaining stains with this solution. Be careful not to splash it on the plants.
Repeat the step with the pressure washer on the brushed area.

Remove Mildew and Algae from a Wooden Fence Step 7

Step 7. Check the gate and, if necessary, smooth the rough parts

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Step 8. Flatten any protruding nails or screws and repair damaged parts

Remove Mildew and Algae from a Wooden Fence Step 9

Step 9. Flatten or paint the gate to avoid new developments in the future

Method 2 of 2: Hand Brush

Remove Mildew and Algae from a Wooden Fence Step 10

Step 1. Cover the plants with a tarp or buckets

Remove Mildew and Algae from a Wooden Fence Step 11

Step 2. Mix a 1: 2 solution of water and bleach in a bucket

Remove Mildew and Algae from a Wooden Fence Step 12

Step 3. Add a teaspoon of mild soap suitable for mixing with bleach for every liter of water

Remove Mildew and Algae from a Wooden Fence Step 13

Step 4. Scrub the stained areas of the gate with a brush, avoiding splashing the solution on the plants

Remove Mildew and Algae from a Wooden Fence Step 14

Step 5. Rinse with clean water

You could also use a garden hose.

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Step 6. Let it dry

Remove Mildew and Algae from a Wooden Fence Step 16

Step 7. Repair damaged areas, flatten protruding nails and fix screws, sand if necessary

Remove Mildew and Algae from a Wooden Fence Step 17

Step 8. Consider painting the gate with an anti-mold or anti-algae dye

Advice

Pruning the plants close to the gate serves to expose it more to sunlight and could fix this naturally.
Test a small, hidden part of the gate to see if the pressure washer leaves scratches or damages it.
Sometimes a garden hose with a spray nozzle will be enough to remove stains.
Some people consider mold and algae to be part of the beauty of aged wood.
Remember to also think about the other side of the gate and protect it from damage before cleaning it.

Warnings

Do not put the pressure washer too high or you will damage the wood.
Very old gates can be washed with a pressure washer without getting damaged. You may have to change the sections made worse.
Keep children and pets away from the gate while you wash it.
Do not direct the jet against the plants, even the most robust trunks could be damaged.

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