Keeping the green down on teak decks with borax

[JackConnick]

We recently had our deck decks sanded and recaulked, fasteners fixes, etc. We like the lighter color and used some Ditec Triton sealer which works well. The boat is uncovered and here in the PNW a few dry, warmer days have been hard to come by to reapply.
Deck edges and shady areas have had some green growing. I washed it all with some boat soap and white teflon pad gently the other day and got off most of it.
But I did some reading on washing it down with borax to prevent algae growth. Wondered if others have tried it? Will it discolor the wood? Keep the green down?

 

[Bongi]

Hallberg Rassy Yachts recommends only one product on teak…called Boracol, a Swedish product that in recent years has become available in the USA from decking companies.

Here is one supplier… Drake Marine

Don’t forget the most dangerous thing for a teak deck is the Owner

 

[JackConnick]

It has glycol in it. I m on a lake and wouldn’t want to use it..

 

[JackConnick]

I tried borax today, 1/2 cup to a gallon of warm water and it worked very well. I soprt of moped it on and let it sit for 1/2 hour or so and then rinsed well. Green and dirt lifted right off.

 

[Bongi]

Good to know Jack. As I recall,, the Boracol process was that it went on clear you leave it on ….and after about two weeks, everything just comes back nicely. I suspect that by then it’s killed the algae / mildew / black streaks etc.

 

[armando]

We have used Boracol several times and it works perfect. Same as Bongi says, 2-3 weeks.
(Thoroughly clean the deck and then apply BORACOL. BORACOL is absorbed into the wood and over a period of about 2 to 3 weeks in which fungi, algae and mould are killed.)

 

[GeoStr]

Ships of bygone days days swabbed the decks to remove morning dew for a reason.
Being in fresh water is a bit of a disadvantage with teak decks as salt water is the best natural remedy for discouraging growth on deck. Our 1981 decks are in original, good shape and we continue the bi-monthly swabbing (against the grain of course).

 

[marianwhit]

Good to know Jack. As I recall,, the Boracol process was that it went on clear you leave it on ….and after about two weeks, everything just comes back nicely. I suspect that by then it’s killed the algae / mildew / black streaks etc.

Sounds like by the name there is borax as an ingredient?

 

[squimmy27]

I'm in about the same stage with my decks, is this SASCO product? 1-gal for USD $177? And Drake Marine, a gallon is $79 with, $500 Shipping

I think I'll start with Jack's solution, Borax from Walmart fof $6..what on earth!