What Are The Black Dots On My Patio Furniture? (Explained)

So you’ve noticed fuzzy black dots on your patio furniture and are seeking for answers as to why they appear and how to remove them.

Well, mold, mildew, and moss are some of the most common discolorations homeowners observe on their patio furniture.

They’re not only disgusting and repulsive as a cosmetic issue but, if left unattended, can eventually ruin your entire furniture.

Mold and mildew can also cause respiratory problems, irritation, and other health issues. So, you need to spot and get rid of them as quickly as possible.

Learn: “Do Patio Slabs Change Color? (What You Need To Know)“

What are the black dots on my patio furniture?

Being constantly exposed to the weather outside, your patio furniture has to endure and survive the elements. With such, no matter how sturdy and well-built it is, the moisture and humidity will eventually impact.

Such moist conditions create an environment where various fungi, like mildew or mold thrive. Once the protective waterproof coating is penetrated, the wood or other organic materials start absorbing and retaining moisture, leading to mold development.

The mold typically doesn’t damage the material and can be cleaned off. However, killing mold on wood is a daunting task, to say the least. If you can kill the source, you can stop the spread and remove the existing mold.

How to remove the back dots from outdoor furniture?

While using any of the solutions below, don’t forget to put on your surgical mask with safety gloves. Don’t sniff the mold, as it contains spores that can be inhaled.

Soap and water solution

If the mold has just set in, you can easily remove it from the furniture using a lighter cleaning mixture that is not as strong as other cleaners like bleach. It’s a homemade mold solution that you can easily prepare at home. Take a gallon of warm water in a bucket and mix three

squeezes of liquid dish soap. It is mild yet strong enough to cut through mold, residue, and buildup. Now scrub the solution over the furniture using a brush or a cloth. You can concentrate more on the spotted areas or tough spots.

Using vinegar

Vinegar is a natural disinfectant that works well in killing and removing mildew. It can also remove any order that is caused by mildew. Take a spray bottle and fill it with 2 cups of water.

Now mix by adding 1 cup of distilled white vinegar. You can spray this vinegar mix onto the black spots and scrub with a brush or cloth. Try to repeat the process for as many spots that need to be removed. Don’t forget to rinse at the end to remove any remaining residue.

Using ammonia

If none of the above methods work, it means you need a bit of, aggressive cleaning agent. You can use ammonia and mix it with baking soda, vinegar, and dilute that with water. This mold-fighting solution will surely get even the toughest of mold spots.

Using hydrogen peroxide

If you’re having trouble removing the smell of mold or mildew, you can use hydrogen peroxide.

It can effectively kill the mold and remove the foul musty odors. You can use a 3%

concentration of hydrogen peroxide to kill mold. Just take it in a spray bottle and thoroughly saturate the furniture area affected by mold. Now leave the surface to sit for 10 minutes. Scrub the area to remove the entire mold and mold black stains.

For metal furniture

If you’re annoyed by mold or rust on metal furniture, you can use fine-grit sandpaper in addition to the above methods. Sanding problem areas will quickly get rid of the mold or spots.

Don’t forget to apply matching paint in thin coats and let each coat dry properly before going for the next.

Ways to protect your furniture from getting these stains in the future?

Patio furniture is an investment – that’s what we’re reminded of at the start of every summer. So, we need to protect those pieces from going up against pounding rain, howling wind, or beating sun.

After you’ve got rid of the mold black dots, it’s crucial to apply a protective coating to waterproof and seal the furniture. But before applying the coat, make sure to allow the furniture to dry completely. Just set it in direct sunlight. Once it’s dry, apply one or two coats of waterproofing agent using a simple brush. Let the agent dry before putting the furniture to use. This protective coating will help prevent moisture for up to 2 years.

There’re also paints available for furniture that prevent mold growth. You can use such paints when refinishing a piece. Also, try to dust, clean, and disinfect furniture regularly – especially after a storm. In addition to moisture, mold spores require something to feed on, and dirt and dust on your furniture can provide that food source.

Tips for caring for your patio furniture, so it lasts longer and is more enjoyable?

No matter the type of patio furniture, it may start showing its age after a few seasons of exposure to the elements. However, regular maintenance can go a long way towards extending the lifespan and making them tough against the wear and tear of elements.

But before starting the cleanup, make sure you know the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the recommended cleaning solutions. You can damage your furnishings by applying the wrong product or improper cleaning methods.

You can use waterproof furniture covers to protect patio furniture when not in use orespecially during inclement weather. The upholstery of your furniture can also have spots. Youcan use a mild detergent to get rid of stains. You can dilute the detergent in cold water and apply it with a sponge or a brush. Don’t thoroughly soak the cushions, and make sure to allow them to air dry completely before putting them back. Many homeowners mistakenly cover the cushions using plastic bags when not in use. That’s a wrong approach as you’re providing moisture to grow mildew. So, instead of plastic bags, try to wrap cushions in old bedsheets.

Conclusion

Outdoor and patio furniture are built to weather the elements for years. But that doesn’t mean they’re immune to issues like mold and mildew. Regularly inspecting your patio furniture will help you address mold quickly and keep them looking great longer. You can check each item for the signs of decay and take precautions to discourage mildew.

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