How To Clean A Composite Deck

How To Clean Composite Decking (in 6 Easy Steps)

We don’t know the exact year it was installed or the manufacturer. Learn how to clean composite decking and keep your deck's aesthetics beautiful year-round with our Care & Cleaning Guide. After scrubbing your deck, rinse it off with your hose, and then simply let it dry before moving furniture and other items back.

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.

Also, I’ve been told not to power wash a Trex deck; what nozzle do you recommend for power washing – broad or narrow stream? Power washing would probably work great to get out the things that lodge between the boards. Michele, until the deck starts absorbing water, you may just have to clean it every so often. Composite decks made in the last 5-10 years may not need sealing for a long time. Our composite deck sealer is ideally suited for composite decks that are 15 or 20 years old, that have issues with mold or are absorbing water.

Is It A Good Idea To Power Wash Your Deck ?

To do this correctly you also need to follow up with oxalic acid which will neutralize the tannin stains. This is one of the items that led to the lawsuit. A house wash mix with low pressure works for newer trex, but I’ve used up to a roof mix on some trex decks that were really nasty . TimberTech Azek, TiberTech Pro, TimberTech Edge, Reliaboard, Docksider – The company states that power washing should be used for rinsing only with a maximum pressure of 1,500 psi. A fan-tip should be used – working with the grain while spraying the decking. Cali Bamboo – They recommend having a professional power wash Cali Bamboo decking at a low pressure with a wide fan-tip. Power washing damage can lead to a loss in the 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.