3 Ways To Clean A Composite Deck

How To Clean Composite Decking (in 6 Easy Steps)

The use of a pressure washer on deck surface could damage the decking surface and will void the warranty with respect to any condition caused by the pressure washing. 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. The best way to clean mildew and mold from composite decking is by using the soap-and-water method mentioned in the previous chapter. 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. Compared to wooden decking, which requires extensive care and maintenance to stay clean and to look sharp, capped composite decking requires little maintenance or cleaning.

Generally these deposits can be cleaned with white vinegar on decking surfaces or use of Magic Eraser® on railing surfaces. Rinsing is required so care should be taken to not use hard water for this purpose, and if it must be used, dry with a cloth or use a blower to dry surfaces.

This cleaning routine will keep your deck looking great and will prevent you from needing to frequently reach for the power washer. If the deck is made from a composite material, use a composite deck cleaner. The posts and other vertical boards will not be made from composite material, but they don't need to be cleaned as often because they don't hold standing water. Remove stubborn dirt with mild soap and a soft bristled brush. Hose your deck off thoroughly with a water hose fitted with a good variable fan spray nozzle to loosen and remove surface debris. Mix warm water and mild dish soap in a bucket.

Is It A Good Idea To Power Wash Your Deck ?

Chlorine Bleach is extremely corrosive and will eat away at your deck eventually causing discoloration of your decking, damage the surface, and intensify any mold issues that can occur. If the ingredients include Sodium Hypochlorite, it contains Bleach. Make sure you choose a non-toxic, sodium percarbonate based cleaner. Use a broom to remove snow from your composite decking. Don’t rely on semi-annual cleanings to remove grease stains from your Trex decking. If you ever spill grease, oil or food on your deck, clean it up immediately. If you don’t wipe up these spills within seven days, any resulting permanent stains will not be covered under the Trex stain warranty.

Power Washing Wood Decks

Use the pressure washer to rinse off the whole deck. At Wash Safe, everything happens under on roof. Not only are we manufacturers, we're contractors too. Our rule of thumb is avoid the “heat of the day” and direct overhead sunlight when working on your deck with any cleaning chemicals or coatings. Do your cleaning when the deck is cooler in the morning for best results! This makes Spring and early Fall one of the best times to clean your composite deck so check the weather forecast and wait for a cool, non-humid morning to start this project.

Step 2: Spray With Soapy Water & Scrub

Although your composite deck was made to withstand water, it's important to keep a dry surface at all times as much as possible. Mildew and algae both need moisture to grow, so keeping your deck dry is going to be your best bet in preventing them from growing. To clean a composite deck, stores offer homeowners and building owners cleaning solutions. However, many of these cleaning solutions contain harsh chemicals, which aren't healthy for yourself, small children, nearby plants, and even the deck itself. Over time, if you continue to use harsh cleaning chemicals on your deck, the chemicals will begin to break down your deck as well as the grim on top of it.

Woodrich Cleaner & Brightener For Wood Decks

Once power washing is done, you'll want to apply a degreaser/stain remover, or a professional grade deck cleaning solution. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing. One other factor to consider is that it's often recommended that you apply the cleaner in the early morning or evening hours so that the cleaner doesn't evaporate in the sun. You can then use your garden hose or a pressure washer to rinse the surface of the deck. Try to time your deck cleaning project for nice weather. It is best if you can allow your deck to dry for hours before staining and sealing. Oxygen bleach or powdered oxygen laundry cleaner is safe for use on wood decks and useful in removing mold or spores.

While mildew and mold can infiltrate and ruin a wooden deck, it can’t damage a composite deck. They look unsightly on your deck, but it won’t harm or ruin the composite structure. 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.

A Soapy Deck Scrub