The Ultimate Guide In Cleaning Composite Decking

How To Clean Composite Decking

For composite decking, don’t use a wood deck cleaner—rather, choose one specialized for composite lumber. It really depends on the results your Composite Deck Cleaner can deliver. You don’t have to pressure wash a Trex Deck with Spray and Clean Deck Cleaner. This product was made to clean decks with a simple garden pump sprayer which can save you the cost of renting a pressure washer. When completed, rinse the deck off with water, a pressure washer and/or a scrub brush will assist in the cleaning process. As outdoor spaces, decks are exposed to extreme elements of heat, cold, and moisture. With wood decks, this means annual and semiannual maintenance.

Decking & Railing Duos

I can see cracks in the surface, and I can see what I assume is black mold, We also have green moss popping up all over. I am going to power wash it, to remove all of the unwanted elements. There is one place where the deck was damaged and a little chunk is missing, now there is mold growing in that little area. Use the cleaner first, then rinse with a power washer. Follow that with the brightener before you stain to get the best results.

• Simply scrub the solution into the decking one section at a time and rinse.
• The best part of composites is that, with the exception of food stains, you only have to clean your deck for aesthetic reasons.
• I really like what I read about your products.
• Should I seal the new deck boards with clear Defy Sealer before installed and avoid the past issues of black mildew/algae build up or is it necessary with newer Trex composites?
• For wood decks, not cleaning often enough can lead to more costly maintenance.

The Composite Deck Cleaning Process

Wood decks are especially vulnerable to power washing, because the pressure exerted by the power washer can lead to splintering. If there is any area on the deck where the wood is already beginning to split apart, power washing it will exacerbate the problem and cause the split area to expand. While you may be tempted to wait until your next routine cleaning to remove the food, it should be done immediately or else staining might result. Make sure you're extra careful when pressure washing.This material is softer than natural wood and therefore can be etched more easily. Once it has been damaged, other issues such as chipping, sun damage and mold staining of the interior plastic can arise.

How To Extend The Life Of Your Deck

Composite decks are made of materials that will not rot, rust, fade or mildew. Despite the fact that very little can go wrong with their structural soundness, it is still a good idea to periodically make a visual inspection. Because you most likely have the original-style composite decking, be wary about substituting other deck cleaners. TimberTech Composite Deck Cleaner, for example, has a warning on the label that it’s not for wood or non-capped composite wood. Unknown Composite Decking – If you are not sure what type of composite decking you have, proceed with caution.

Design & Price

It's best to use an oxygenated cleaner that will sink deep into the material to clean the lower layers as well as on the surface. All you need to make your natural composite deck cleaner is some soap, water, vinegar, and baking soda and a soft bristle brush to remove dirt, debris, and other grime.

When it comes to semiannual cleaning and maintenance, the most important task is washing the deck to ensure the removal of mold and dirt that can build up and cause rotting. Although today’s composite decks are maintenance free in comparison to wood decks, owners should clean them with soap and water once or twice a year.

Power Washing Wood Decks

To remove mold from older Trex products, the company recommends using a deck wash that includes detergent and sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as bleach. It specifically recommends Olympic Premium Deck Cleaner ($9.98 per gallon at Home Depot) and Expert Chemical’s Composite Deck Cleaner & Enhancer ($19.98 a gallon at expertchemicalinc.com). The cleaning process will go best if you select the right cleaner to begin with. I hate bleach because it kills plants and vegetation and it’s terrible to work with. It will kill the mildew spores, but doesn’t necessarily remove them from the surface of the wood.