How To Clean Composite Deck

In some cases, additional scrubbing with a deck brush may be required to remove stubborn stains. The reason for this is that Chlorine Bleach does not remove or kill the roots of the fungus, but actually waters them. It will make the problem worse and harder to remove the next time the composite surface becomes unsightly. Composite decking has become an extremely popular material for outdoor decks.

This may happen once or twice after the initial cleaning. Once that phase is over, keep your composite decking looking good with a necessary routine cleaning. This can be done by diluting 4 parts water with 1-part Spray & Clean and spraying your deck every 60 days or so during the season. You can also spray an hour or two before an oncoming rain storm which is a perfect way to rinse your deck naturally. We try not to play favorites with our products but there’s no denying that Spray & Clean is one of our stars. We’re going to start with this product which you can buy at WashSafe.com. In order to best maintain the surface of your composite deck railing, avoid any products that have acetone and other kinds of solvents, as they will alter the color of the railing.

Remember, if you are going to use a pressure washer it should be no closer than eight inches from the surface and less than 3100 psi. You can perform a semiannual cleaning on your composite deck to preserve its longevity.

Cleaning Composite And Wood Decking

Removing Mold, Tree Sap And Mildew Stains On Composite Deck Railings

Mildew needs a food source to grow, which can be grass, pollens, dirt, debris, wood, and wood resins. Once we have built you the deck of your dreams, you want to know how to keep it that way! And although composite decking can be lower maintenance than other types of decking, this certainly doesn’t mean “maintenance free”. In fact, there are some mistakes that could actually increase the regular care required to maintain your composite deck. Here are a few tips to restore your deck and get it clean and ready to enjoy every day. 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.

Pressure Washing Your Composite Decking

Although the surface looks solid, composite decking is actually quite porous. Therefore, it needs an oxygenated cleaner that can reach deep into the material and clean insidethe deck as well as the surface. When purchasing a cleaner, always check the label and NEVER use a Chlorine Bleach based “deck cleaner”. If the active ingredients read – Sodium Hypochlorite, it contains Bleach. Chlorine Bleach is extremely corrosive and will “eat” any material it’s applied to.

• Pressure washing too close or using too much pressure can ruin your deck.
• In most cases, a garden hose should be sufficient for regular duty cleaning.
• Once mold has stained these plastics, it can be extremely hard to remove.
• Composite decking material is softer than natural wood, meaning it can be “etched” more easily.
• If you must pressure wash, just remember to keep it at the lowest pressure possible and no closer than 8″ from the surface.

Just let the machine scrub the deck while it sprays out water and soap. Then, use its water function to wash away the soap and fan function to dry the deck.

I let it dry and sometimes have to repeat; then I rinse thoroughly. All I can say is that I have not found any commercial solution that will remove mildew from Trex in my Southern highlands/high humidity climate. I have used Corte Clean Environmentally Friendly Composite Deck Cleaner on my Trex wood plastic deck. It removed most common house hold staining issues including ground in dirt, mold, mildew, grease, barbecue stains, etc.

Are Pressure Washers Safe For Composite Deck Railings?

At the first sign of mold or mildew (grayish-white powdery-looking splotches) look for a cleaner containing mildewcide . 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. Mold spreads easily and may return in some environments despite proper cleaning and preventative measures. Mold does not damage Trex and will cause no structured harm if allowed to propagate. In some cases it will require several treatments with the deck wash to completely remove all mold colonies. Even if the spots are no longer visible,there may still be mold spores on the surface that could regrow.

How To Clean Cedar Homes And Remove Stains From Moss, Algae & Mold

Because your deck is exposed to the elements every day, routine cleaning is needed to keep it looking great. Keep the surface as dry as possible and free of debris by sweeping frequently. Scrub it by hand or with a pressure washer at least twice a year.