How to Keep Your Composite Deck Clean
- Periodically sweep leaves, dirt, debris, dust, and pollen off your deck surface.
- Spot-clean paw prints, mud, or other tracked material soon after they appear.
- Wipe up any small spills that might occur with outdoor entertaining.
- Clean up oil, grease, and food spills as soon as possible to prevent staining.
- Remove any mold and mildew as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading.
Full Answer
How do you clean a composite deck?
Even though the composite deck surface looks solid, it’s pretty porous. Therefore, you’ll require an oxygenated cleaner that can get deep into the deck and clean both the inside and the surface. While looking for a cleaner to purchase, always check its label and avoid using chlorine bleach.
How do you clean varnished wood decking?
Spray deck with soap, then follow by gently scrubbing each deck board with a soft bristle brush. Spray/rinse each individual deck board using a fan tip no closer than 8-in (203 mm) from the decking surface. RINSE THOROUGHLY. If dirty water from cleaning is left to dry, a film will remain on the decking surface.
How long does it take to remove stain from composite decking?
I recommend that you remove any stain from your deck within seven days. To clean grease and oil from a composite deck, use soap and water. The earlier and quicker you do it, the more efficiently you’ll remove everything without leaving a stain.
Can you use bleach on composite decking?
Chlorine bleach is corrosive and can eat away your deck material slowly by slowly and eventually damage the surface. Always go for non-toxic cleaners that contain Sodium Percarbonate. When it comes to cleaning composite decks, pressure washing isn’t recommended. It could translate into a considerable problem if done incorrectly.
What to use to clean a deck?
What is composite decking?
How to get rid of mold in a drywall?
Is composite decking a good alternative to wood?
Can you use a broom to clean a deck?
Can you clean mildew off composite decking?
See 3 more
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What do you use to clean a Fiberon decking?
At least twice per year, clean your Fiberon deck to remove pollen, everyday dirt, and organic debris. For general cleaning, use soap and water or a mild household cleaner, along with a non-metal scrub brush. To remove leaves or similar scattered organic material, we recommend a broom or blower.
Can Fiberon decking be power washed?
Use extreme caution with pressure washers and use at pressures less than 3,000 psi at 10" above deck surface. Wash in the direction of the grain pattern to avoid possible damage to the boards. Keep debris out of gaps between the decking boards so rain showers can remove pollen and organic debris between cleanings.
How do you clean a Fiberon PVC deck?
Clean your deck as often as needed, at least twice each year to remove pollen, organic debris, dirt or stains. Generally, a broom or a blower will work better than a hose for removing scattered organic materials like leaves. For general cleaning, use soap and water or mild household cleaners.
What is the best cleaner to use on composite decking?
Liquid dish soap (ammonia-free) is safe for use on cleaning your deck when mixed with a little warm water. Simply mix 1 gallon of water, 2 tablespoons of ammonia-free dish soap (such as Murphy's), 1 pint of rubbing alcohol, and 1 quart of oxygen bleach. Be very careful so that you use only ammonia free dish soap.
Can you use Dawn to clean composite decking?
When cleaning traditional composite decks, you can often use a mild soap– like Wash Safe Spray and Clean Composite Deck Cleaner or Dawn dish soap – and water. Depending on the type of spill or stain on your deck, you may also use other mild cleaning agents to tackle specific issues like mold, mildew, and rust.
What should you not use on a composite deck?
You should generally avoid industrial chemical cleaner because harsh substances can eat away at the composite material. Bleach is also not advisable because it can discolor the deck and ruin its appearance.
Does bleach damage composite decking?
Harsh chemicals, such as bleach, are NOT recommended on any composite surface! These chemicals can eat away at the composite structure and leave permanent discolorations and damage.
How do you remove water stains from composite decking?
Generally, these deposits can be cleaned with white vinegar on decking surfaces. Rinsing is required, so care should be taken to not use hard water for this purpose. If hard water must be used, dry with a cloth or use a blower to dry surfaces.
How do you keep composite decking from staining?
Apply Cleaner Apply composite decking cleaner as per manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively, use a mixture of dish soap and water. Scrub soiled areas with a cloth or soft-bristled brush. A stiff brush may scratch or dull the finish of your decking and should not be used.
How do you clean a composite deck without a power washer?
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.
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.
Can you use Simple Green to clean a Trex deck?
Using a mild soap like Simple Green for cleaning a composite deck is usually all you need.
How do you clean synthetic decking?
Spray deck with soap, then follow by gently scrubbing each deck board with a soft bristle brush. Spray/rinse each individual deck board using a fan tip no closer than 8-in (203 mm) from the decking surface. RINSE THOROUGHLY. If dirty water from cleaning is left to dry, a film will remain on the decking surface.
Can you stain Fiberon?
A high-quality, low-maintenance composite deck from Fiberon® is designed to provide years of easy ownership and enjoyment. It never needs sanding, staining, or refinishing, and it won't splinter, crack, or decay like wood decking, either.
What is the warranty on Fiberon decking?
Fiberon offers a five-year limited labor warranty on select products sold in the United States and Canada. With this coverage, if an eligible product fails to perform in accordance with its original warranty, Fiberon will pay reasonable labor costs associated with replacement.
What is Fiberon decking made of?
Fiberon decking is made from locally-sourced recycled materials, including both pre-consumer and post-consumer content. It is made primarily from lumber mill wood scraps and recycled plastic, and the manufacture of Fiberon decking prevents over 60,000 tons a year of wood and plastics from going into the waste stream.
8 Tips and Products for Cleaning Composite Decking
Prep the Deck for Cleaning. First, cover any plants, grass, yard ornaments or other items that are near or under your deck to protect them from cleaning products.Keep in mind that plants or grass kept under cover for too long may die. Next, clear the deck of furniture, debris and general dirt.Remove tables, chairs, grills, rugs, potted plants and anything else.
How much spray and clean for a composite deck?
The way our composite deck cleaning formula works is for every 250 square feet of composite deck, you will need one gallon of Spray and Clean Composite Deck Cleaner. We also provide a breakdown below whereas amount may vary depending on how dirty your deck is.
Why is it important to keep a composite deck clean?
Having a clean, like-new composite deck can also help improve property values and aid in the sale of a home. A deck on a home is a major plus but if its dirty, it can deter a potential buyer. Keeping your composite deck clean all year can be easy, you just need the right formula and tools. DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE PDF.
WHY CLEAN YOUR DECK?
This is especially important if someone in your home suffers from allergies. Having a clean, like-new composite deck can also help improve property values and aid in the sale of a home. A deck on a home is a major plus but if its dirty, it can deter a potential buyer. Keeping your composite deck clean all year can be easy, you just need the right formula and tools.
What happens if you clean a deck first time?
If stains come back: If this is your first time cleaning the deck, sometimes dirt, grime and mold can resurface considering the solution is pulling it out from under the surface. If this purge situation happens, which it does, you will need to repeat the process.
What is the most visible surface on a deck?
Extremely Visible: the surface is completely covered and you see more mold, moss and algae than you see composite decking. Use undiluted. Very Visible: Large, dark, hard-to-remove patches of moss, mold and algae. 1 PART WATER : 1 PART SOLUTION.
What is the most common pest on a composite deck?
Blue-green algae and green algae are some of the most common pests that grow on composite decks. Both look like a thin film or shading, as shown in photo, and it often is found concentrated in corners and in the nooks and crannies of composite deck balusters and rails.
What is the best way to clean moss?
Another option would be to hire a professional pressure washing company. 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.
How to scrub a wood floor?
Using the recommended brush and extension handle, scrub using downward pressure; first, in the direction of the grain, and then against the grain. DO NOT allow the treated area to dry before rinsing fully.
What is the best way to clean mold?
A garden hose. A power washer can be used for rinsing only, with a water pressure not exceeding 1,500 psi. For more information, see the our Care & Cleaning Guide. A garden hose will work for spot cleaning, but regular power-washing will be necessary to cut through accumulated mold, mildew, and staining.
Can you power wash a Timbertech deck?
Cleaning your TimberTech capped composite or capped polymer deck is straight-forward and doesn’t require the power washing, re-staining, or resealing of traditional wood decks. That said, because all exterior products will encounter exposure to everyday spills, dust, pollen, and foot traffic, it’s a good idea to clean periodically.
What to use to clean a deck?
If it’s been a while, you may want to use a commercial cleaning product; always read the manufacturer’s instructions before using any commercial deck cleaner. Broom. Bucket. Mild dish soap. Soft-bristled brush. Water hose.
What is composite decking?
It is a durable, man-made building material that is an equal mix of recycled wood fibers and recycled plastic. Not only does it have a longer life span than traditional wood decking, it’s a low maintenance option to make your backyard shine all summer long.
How to get rid of mold in a drywall?
Mix 2 parts vinegar and one part water together in either a spray bottle or a bucket. Spray or pour the solution directly onto the mildew or mold. Add Baking Soda. Sprinkle baking soda on the mildew or mold with the vinegar solution and let sit for 20 minutes.
Is composite decking a good alternative to wood?
Making sure you know how to care for your deck is important for making sure it has a long life. Composite decking is a great alternative to traditional wood decking. It is a durable, man-made building material that is an equal mix ...
Can you use a broom to clean a deck?
Don’t Use the Wrong Tools. For regular cleaning, a broom and garden hose should be sufficient for cleaning the deck. But when it comes time for a deeper clean, make sure to use a soft-bristled brush for scrubbing the deck boards.
Can you clean mildew off composite decking?
How to Clean Mold and Mildew from Composite Decking. Mold and mildew aren’t just an eyesore, they can be hazards to your health and can even shorten the life span of many composite deck boards. Mold and mildew can sometimes make composite deck boards slippery, so use caution and wear good shoes while cleaning.
