Unpleasant odors under the deck are a common issue. There are various causes of these unwanted smells, ranging from pet urine to molds. That said, the first step to treating this problem is to identify the source of the odor. Once you’ve done that, you can follow these tips to eliminate certain kinds of odors under your deck.
Mold or Mildew
Molds and mildew are typically the result of damp conditions. You may notice signs of mold or mildew growth above the deck, especially in a cool, damp area on your deck. However, it’s also possible to find fungal buildup below the deck, particularly on the framing members.
To get rid of mold and mildew odors, make sure to clean the deck with water and bleach solution first. Afterwards, sand it, and apply an oil-based wood sealer if the surface is made of wood. Make sure to do this every five years or so. Your deck also needs proper care and regular maintenance.
Dog Urine
For dog urine, you can use baking soda, vinegar mixed with water or a commercial odor neutralizer or eliminator. When using baking soda, you can sprinkle it over the affected areas and sweep with a broom. Make sure it gets into the grooves of wood and in between deck boards. If you’re using vinegar and water, you simply spray it on your deck or dip a rag in a bucket of the solution. Scrub the deck afterwards. You can repeat the process until the smell is gone.
Cat Urine
There are a bunch of options for getting rid of the smell of cat urine. These include coffee grounds, vinegar solution, cayenne pepper, baking soda, power washing and over-the-counter pet odor neutralizers.
Twin Cities Siding and Roofing is committed to providing excellent workmanship. Whether the job is to install siding, decks, windows or roofs, our team can guarantee top-notch results and value for your money. Call us at 651-571-9557, or fill out our contact form to request a free quote. We serve customers in Minneapolis, St. Paul and the surrounding areas.
