How To Clean And Maintain Composite Decking

Pressure washing is not usually recommended for composite decking. Pressure washing too close or using too much pressure can be ruinous for your deck. Composite decking material is softer than natural wood and therefore can be “etched” more easily.

Make sure to get down in the crevices and corners thoroughly. Remember - composite materials clean easier and better than the traditional wood deck, and using the soap-and-water method in chapter 1 removes most of the dirt and stains. The best way to get rid of pollen completely from composite decking is to power wash your deck. For the best practices on power washing your deck, see chapter 3 below. In this article, we cover everything you need to know and do to clean your composite deck and porch safely. Feel free to read through the article, or simply click the chapter relating to your cleaning question. Add borax to your deck cleaning mixture to remove mildew.

Step 2: Spray With Soapy Water & Scrub

I cannot emphasize enough how important this is for composite decking! Any decking material exposed to the outdoors is susceptible to mold/mildew growth especially in climates with higher humidity levels.

How Long Do Composite Decks Last?

• Composite decking material is softer than natural wood and therefore can be “etched” more easily.
• Pressure washing too close or using too much pressure can be ruinous for your deck.
• Pressure washing is not usually recommended for composite decking.
• In most cases, a garden hose should be sufficient for regular duty cleaning.
• Once the material has been “opened up”, this can lead to a host of other issues including chipping, sun damage, and mold staining of the plastics inside the opening.

Delamination is a material failure which affects both the look and the structural integrity of composite decking. Decking that suffers from delamination can't be 'fixed', and in most cases will need to be replaced. If you do get mould on your deck, consult your supplier about the kinds of treatments you can use to deal with it. Most will recommend some type of composite deck cleaner or composite deck wash. In most cases these work best when applied to a dry deck, so that the agent that kills the mould attacks it right down to the root. Technologies do improve though, and there are ways to clean mould from decking as and when it appears. I’ve visited a manufacturing plant where composite decking is made and have seen how the wood fibers and plastic are kept separate until just before they enter the extruding machine.

How To Clean Composite Decking With Bleach

Oxygen bleach or powdered oxygen laundry cleaner is safe for use on wood decks and useful in removing mold or spores. To clean a composite deck, sweep it with a broom or leaf blower at least once a week to get rid of dirt and debris. If your deck is still dirty, hose it down, scrub with a brush and soap, then, rinse with a hose. For a faster cleaning option, try using a pressure washer. Just let the machine scrub the deck while it sprays out water and soap. Then, use its water function to wash away the soap and fan function to dry the deck. Over time, your composite decking or porch will probably need to be cleaned from common problems such as mold, dirt, food and beverage stains, etc.

Leaving the solution on the wood allows ample time to kill the fungi and then seep into the deck’s surface to reduce the chance of mold or mildew growing again in the future. Oxygen Bleach and Your Deck 9 Mar 2012 Oxygen bleach does a fantastic job of cleaning a deck. bleach, is the absolute WORST thing you can use on your deck, and you'll see why just below. wood; composite materials including wood and plastic; vinyl; metal. In some cases, excessive or repetitive stress, exposure to extreme heat or UV radiation, or production issues can lead composite decking to flake and disintegrate.

Decking Cleaning Tips & Tricks

Hose your deck off thoroughly with a water hose fitted with a good variable fan spray nozzle to loosen and remove surface debris. Use a soft bristled brush and the cleaning solution to scrub your deck clean. This is an unavoidable process that happens due to UV rays, weathering, and high foot traffic. Severe scratches and deep gouges are common issues with composite deck products. A good washing with TSP makes your deck look great. Trisodium phosphate, or TSP, is a common deck cleaner.

Deep Cleaning

Composite decking is not only a beautiful addition to the home, but can offer many advantages over traditional wood decking. It is crucial to know how to properly care for a composite deck and taking the right steps will make all the difference. The most effective non-toxic solution to protect your deck is UltraBan. I can’t tell you how many customers who call and tell us they wished they knew about this product years ago. UltraBan was engineered specifically for the purpose of inhibiting mold growth on porous materials, without damaging the surface or the environment. When applied, it actually fuses with the decking creating an invisible shield protecting against mold and mildew. This technology has never been duplicated and if applied annually, you can rest assured that your deck will be protected year after year.