How do I clean mold and lichens on wooden Adirondack furniture?

Terie Gallo
by Terie Gallo

I have a bunch of almost 30-year old unpainted wooden Adirondack furniture on my deck that has been exposed to harsh weather over the years. I've noticed lately that green mold and lichens are growing on the wood, especially on the north side of the deck that gets very little sun. How do I clean this furniture and how can I insure that it won't grow back? I prefer not to paint or stain it.

  5 answers
  • Tinyshoes Tinyshoes on Dec 23, 2018

    Terie...I would clean with Krud Kutter (we purchase from Lowe's) and use a pressure washer. Works really well for us on many outdoor items.

  • I would use vinegar and a scrub brush, Terie, and it may need to be cleaned periodically to keep it from coming back.

  • Ebbjdl Ebbjdl on Dec 23, 2018

    Terie,. Start first with blasting it with hose, they wipe off what's left with a rag. Next, spra with vinegar let it dry completely. Cover it with Wilbers lemon oil, yellow cap, and its in the grocery isle, with other cleaning products. Aloha!

  • Vinegar! Vinegar will kill mold spores, bleach does not. Will need to be repeated on occasion. I would at least condition them with some sort of oil to keep them from drying out.

  • Hi Terie - We found these vintage Adirondack chairs that were from the 1930's, and restored them into gorgeous pieces of outdoor furniture. You can see the transformation here (and they have even been featured by Hometalk!). Hope this helps with some inspiration. Hugs, Holly

    https://pinkfortitude.com/adirondack-chair/