How to Get Rid of Unpleasant Odors from Under Your Deck

If you find strong odors coming from beneath your deck, don’t go and tear it down. Such odors are not uncommon and with a few tools and household cleaning products, you can eliminate the odors and continue enjoying your deck. The decking and roofing contractors at Sentry Exteriors share tips on how to eliminate odors coming from underneath your deck.

 

 

Common Causes

You will need to inspect the underside of your deck to find the cause of the odor. The following are some of the most common causes of odors under the deck:

Animals — Small animals can cause odors under the deck in different ways. Wild or stray animals like rats and raccoons may leave droppings behind. Dead animals will produce an odor that gets stronger as it decays. Pets may urinate on the posts or under the deck. Decking and gutter companies can design decks that prevent access to small animals.

Mold or Mildew — Mold and mildew thrive in warm and shaded areas, like the underside of a deck. Sight unseen, it can spread to the point where it produces odors that can be noticeable from above the deck.

Cigarette Ashes or Butts — Accumulated cigarette ashes or butts can produce a noticeable ashy smell.

Food Particles — Leftover pieces of food from your last backyard barbecue can create a very unpleasant odor as it spoils and decays.

How to Get Rid of Unpleasant Odors

If the smell happens to be particularly strong, use a nose plug or apply mentholated ointment to mask the smell as you work. You may also want to use N95 masks to avoid inhaling particulates such as pollen or mold. Wear gloves when handling chemicals or animal droppings and remains.

For stains caused by animal droppings and urine, treat the affected area by applying baking soda or spraying the surface with diluted vinegar and water. Wait about half an hour before washing. Avoid using pressure washers, especially on wood decks, as it could damage the deck itself. Mold and mildew can be removed with a diluted bleach solution, or with a commercially-available cleaner. Before you use these products, ask your deck contractor whether they’re safe to use. If you’re unsure, hire a professional deck cleaner.

Sentry Exteriors is your leading provider of deck installation services, as well as gutter guards. Give us a call at (434) 239-6722. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Roanoke, VA, and nearby areas.