How do I clean ChoiceDek? Simply perform periodic cleaning with soap Soap is the term for a salt of a fatty acid or for a variety of cleansing and lubricating products produced from such a substance. Household uses for soaps include washing, bathing, and other types of housekeeping, where soaps act as surfactants, emulsifying oils to enable them to be carried away by water. In industry, they are used as thickeners, components of some lubricants, and precursors to catal…Soap
Full Answer
How do you clean the inside of a wood deck?
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. Use a soft bristled brush and the cleaning solution to scrub your deck clean. Make sure to get down in the crevices and corners thoroughly.
How do you clean a deck with a sprayer fan?
If you hold the nozzle too closely to the deck, you will gouge the wood. Leave a few feet in between the spray nozzle and the deck. Use a sprayer fan for the best effect. Prepare a solution of sudsy water using the laundry detergent or read the instructions on the commercial cleaner. Apply whatever you are using for a cleaner to the deck.
How do you get rid of black spots on a deck?
Mix a homemade solution of “outdoor” bleach, water, and dishwashing liquid. Use a garden sprayer to apply it. Leave it on for 30 minutes — then rinse it off with a garden hose. (There is no brushing required at all.) After each cleaning, you should apply a solution called Olympic Deck Brightener.
How do you clean a concrete deck with a garden hose?
Use a garden hose with a spray attachment to wash the surface of the deck and rinse it clean. Use the highest or most powerful setting on the sprayer and aim it directly at muddied or heavily soiled spots to remove as much of the dirt as possible.
How do you clean ChoiceDek composite decking?
Simply perform periodic cleaning with soap, hot water and a soft bristle brush. The best time to clean is after installation and semi-annually (spring and fall) to remove any debris.
Can ChoiceDek be stained?
The manufacturer does not recommend painting or staining ChoiceDek decking and railing. As with any outdoor surface, periodic cleaning is required.
What can I clean my composite decking with?
When it comes to cleaning decking, we recommend a basic cleaning with a composite deck cleaner or combination of soap, hot water and a soft bristle brush. Ideal times for cleaning decking are just after installation and then on a semi-annual basis (typically spring or autumn is most conducive with the weather).
Can you wash composite decking with dish soap?
Before you begin cleaning your Trex or TimberTech composite deck, make sure you have the following available: A standard bottle of dish soap (Dawn is recommended) A nylon broom or brush of medium stiffness. A bucket of warm water.
Can I use spray and forget on Trex?
“We used Wet and Forget on Trex composite decking, which had very heavy mildew stains. Nothing would touch it. Applied Wet & Forget twice a year, the staining is all but totally gone. It's a miracle.
Who makes ChoiceDek?
Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies (AERT)One composite product, ChoiceDek, reportedly has faced such mold- and mildew-growth problems that a class-action claim targeted Advanced Environmental Recycling Technologies (AERT) and Weyerhaeuser, respectively the manufacturer and distributor of ChoiceDek, which is sold only at Lowe's.
Should you power wash composite deck?
Pressure washing is not usually recommended for composite decking. If done incorrectly, it can be a big mistake. 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.
How do you make composite decking look new?
You can perform a semiannual cleaning on your composite deck to preserve its longevity.Step 1: Pre-spray your deck. ... Step 2: Spray with soapy water & scrub. ... Step 3: Rinse thoroughly. ... Step 1: Pre-rinse. ... Step 2: Mix up your vinegar solution. ... Step 3: Sprinkle baking soda. ... Step 4: Rinse thoroughly.More items...
Can you use vinegar to clean composite deck?
For a composite deck: Combine a . 12 ml of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to . 06 ml of baking soda with 3.8 litres of water. Swab this mixture on the entire deck and rinse well with clean water.
How do you get green algae off a composite deck?
A professional pressure washer will often use a pressure washing machine to remove the moss, mold, algae and lichen and this will yield great results so long as they are using reduced pressure to clean.
Can you use Simple Green to clean a composite deck?
Simple Green Deck and Fence Cleaner is ideal for both manual and pressure washing your entire deck, lifting dirt, grease and sap from wood and composite surfaces.
Will bleach harm composite decking?
Most manufacturers will warn you that Bleach will fade colored composites especially when used in direct sunlight. Regular use of Chlorine Bleach can eventually lead to premature chipping, splintering, and cracking that can affect the structural integrity of your composite deck.
How do you get green algae off a composite deck?
A professional pressure washer will often use a pressure washing machine to remove the moss, mold, algae and lichen and this will yield great results so long as they are using reduced pressure to clean.
What is the best cleaner for Trex decking?
Trex recommends Olympic Premium Deck Cleaner or Expert Chemical Composite Deck Cleaner & Enhancer. Using a deck wash with bleach can lighten the color of your deck.
How do you clean a dirty deck without removing stains?
Like white vinegar, baking soda is an all-natural cleaner and deodorizer that can be used on a variety of surfaces. Baking soda will remove dirt, grime and odor from your deck without harming the stain. Furthermore, since baking soda is natural it will not harm children, pets, wildlife or plants.
Can you use bleach to clean composite decking?
Never use bleach on composite decking as it can eat away at the material, causing discolorations and stains. A solution of vinegar and water, when used with baking soda, is a great way to remove mold growth on composite decking.
How often should I clean my Choicedek?
Simply perform periodic cleaning with soap, hot water and a soft bristle brush. The best time to clean is after installation and semi-annually (spring and fall) to remove any debris. Additional cleaning tips can be found at www.choicedek.com/care-cleaning/
Where is ChoiceDek installed?
Some commercial examples include the initial commercial boardwalk that was installed in 1992 at the South Padre Convention Center at South Padre Island, TX. Other notable installations include the Cape Cod National Seashore, MA; Fire Island National Park, NY; the Morrison Knudsen Nature Center in Boise, ID; and Knots Berry Farm in CA.
Can you use electroplated deck screws on ChoiceDek?
Regular steel fasteners or electroplated deck screws or fasteners are not recommended , as they can leave ugly rust stains on any deck.
Does ChoiceDek stain?
ChoiceDek® is stain resistant. Most stains commonly encountered such as mustard and ketchup will wash away easily. More stubborn stains can be washed off with the proper cleaner. Please call Customer Service at 800-951-5117 regarding stain cleaning.
Does ChoiceDek have water sealant?
No. ChoiceDek® is virtually impervious to moisture and does not require pressure treatment, preservative treatments, water sealing or staining.
Can you stain decking with oil based stain?
If weathering the product is not an option, use a shellac-based primer and an acrylic latex paint. Decking can be painted or stained only if allowed to weather. Use method "a" above.
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Credits
Copyright 2011 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Who sells ChoiceDek?
First, to clarify… ChoiceDek is sold exclusively by Lowe’s.
What to use to brighten composite deck?
After each cleaning, you should apply a solution called Olympic Deck Brightener. It has oxalic acid in it — which helps to maintain the color of your composite deck and prolong its life overall. (UPDATE: I spoke with another rep for the company who said you really only need to apply this product once — when you first install your deck for the reason mentioned below.)
How “Low Maintenance” Is Composite Decking?
The very first question I asked the guy at the manufacturing plant was: “I’ve heard composite decks are low-maintenance, blah, blah, blah. But there must be some maintenance required. Right?”
Do composite decks fade?
He said, yes slightly. But the fact of the matter is most composites will fade anyway over time. You will see the most noticeable change in color during the first 6 months after you first install your deck — bleach or no bleach.
Do decking companies have samples?
Since they sell the product for a living, they tend to have actual samples and are more willing to provide them to potential customers. That way, hubby and I would be able to touch & feel (and compare side-by-side) various decking materials.
Do you have to sand a composite deck?
The answer is, yes. You won’t ever have to treat, seal, sand, or sta in a composite deck. And you won’t get splinters. But you do need to clean it!
Is Olympic Deck Brightener good?
The Olympic Deck Brightener is good because those places where metal touches the deck (including at the fasteners/screws), “tannin stains” will inevitably result unless you use the Brightener product — which prevents that type of staining by neutralizing the area (or technically… the wood fibers inside the composite).
What is the best way to clean dirt from a deck?
If you have one, a shop vacuum works well for getting dirt and debris from between the decking boards using the crevice tool and the brush attachments.
How to clean a deck with a pressure washer?
Use a pressure washer with no greater than 3100 psi and make sure it has a fan attachment and soap dispenser. Spray down your deck with the mild soap. Use a soft bristled brush to scrub the boards.
How to get rid of rust spots on deck?
Sweep the deck and apply the product directly to the stain. Saturate the area and allow it to sit on the stain for about 15 minutes. Rinse the spot thoroughly with a water hose.
How to get rid of tannin stains on deck?
Over time, you will likely start to notice some on your deck. Sweep the deck free of all dirt and debris. Make sure the surface is completely dry and then apply a deck brightener product that contains oxalic acid on the surface of your deck.
What to do if dish soap isn't removing oil stains?
If the oil based stain has set and mild dish soap isn’t removing it, try an oil stain remover product like OSR or Pour-N-Restore. You can buy these products at home improvement stores.
Do you need to clean a composite deck?
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.
Can a pressure washer damage a deck?
Pressure washers can damage the boards of your deck if they're not used carefully. Never point or spray the full pressure at yourself, another person, or pets. Small pieces of flying debris can also cause harm or damage.
How to protect fragile plants from a deck?
Lightly cover any delicate or fragile plants in the ground near the deck to protect them from potential disturbance.
How long does bleach sit on a sandpaper?
If the growth appears to have been there for a while, allow the bleach solution to sit for about 15 minutes. Use a long-handled brush with stiff bristles or a push broom to scrub the area.
How long does it take for a deck to dry before sealing?
This may take as long as two or three full days.
Can you scrub a deck after cleaning?
If a stain or growth remains on the deck after the first cleaning, you will need to repeat the process. It is best to allow the area to dry completely before treating it again and to scrub the area for the entire time the solution is applied to the area .
Can you pressure wash a deck?
DISCLAIMER: If you choose to use a pressure washer, it is important that you understand how to do so properly, as the incorrect technique can actually damage your wood. If you hold the nozzle too closely to the deck, you will gouge the wood. Leave a few feet in between the spray nozzle and the deck. Use a sprayer fan for the best effect.
Is it better to clean a deck or a wood deck?
Anyone who owns a deck knows that it is much more inviting when it is sparkling clean. Cleaning your deck will not only provide it with a fresh look but also help maintain the integrity of the wood, making your deck last longer.