Unpleasant odors coming from under the outdoor deck can ruin a day of enjoying the outdoors. Fortunately, most causes of these odors can be removed without making major alterations to your deck.
Common Causes
Odors coming from under an outdoor deck may be caused by one or more of the following:
Small animals – Small animals can take shelter under enclosed outdoor spaces, and the underside of decks happen to fit that description. Animals can urinate and leave droppings under the deck or may even get trapped and die underneath. In either case, they can produce odors that would only become stronger over time.
Mold – Mold thrives in warm, humid and shady places like the underside of an outdoor deck. Sight unseen, mold can spread to other areas, which makes its telltale odor more noticeable.
Cigarettes – Improperly discarded cigarette butts and ashes can produce a noticeable odor.
Food particles – Food particles that end up under the deck will produce a spoiled-food odor as they rot. The smell can be particularly strong during the summer season.
How to Get Rid of Unpleasant Odors
You can get rid of these odors without the aid of your decking contractor. First, find the source of the odor – this means you’ll have to access the underside of the deck. Make sure you’re wearing protective equipment, such as gloves and a respirator. You will especially need the latter if the source of the odor is mold.
When you find the source, the first thing you need to do is clean the area and properly dispose of the detritus that’s causing the odor. Avoid using a pressure washer as it could damage protective coatings on your deck.
For persistent odors, spray the affected surfaces with a solution made of equal parts white vinegar and water, and then rinse after one hour. Mold can be removed using diluted bleach or an off-the-shelf mold remover – make sure you don’t get it on the decking. When in doubt, ask your decking contractor if a cleaning product is safe to use.
Up and Above Contractors, LLC is your leading provider of decking and quality replacement windows and doors. Give us a call at (973) 397-5976. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve communities in Northern New Jersey, including Sparta and Andover.