How To Clean And Seal Composite Decking

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.

Note that these cleaners should not be rinsed off. 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.

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

Calcium-chloride ice melts are usually safe for composite decking and our recommended solution. This compound is highly effective at melting ice without damaging the composite surface. It also does not hurt pets if accidentally ingested. To remove snow and ice from your composite deck, you do want to make sure you use tools and products that won’t damage the deck surface. To clean oil and grease off composite decking, use the soap-and-water method. If done quickly, this removes the oil and grease without leaving a stain. Capped composite decking is made of a precise blend of vinyl and wood and then surrounded with a vinyl coating or cap.

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.

Wet-and-Forget Moss, Mold, and Mildew Cleaner comes in a liquid concentrate for mixing with water, and it can be applied with a pump sprayer, a deck brush, or a hose-end dispenser. Simply saturate the wood decking evenly and let it dry on its own—no scrubbing or even mopping required. Mildewcide in the solution works to kill and remove any existing mold, while also helping to prevent future mold, moss, and mildew growth. If you live in an area where rain is frequent, mold and/or mildew can grow on your wood deck. Left untreated, these fungi will thrive and eventually destroy the wood’s cellular structure, leading to rot and decay. At the first sign of mold or mildew (grayish-white powdery-looking splotches) look for a cleaner containing mildewcide .

A Soapy Deck Scrub