How To Clean And Restore A Composite Deck

Step 2: Spray With Soapy Water & Scrub

For a deeper clean, always use a soft bristle scrub brush, never use a wire brush. Again, if you are using the right cleaner, only a small amount of scrubbing will be required. For snow or ice removal, always choose a plastic shovel instead of metal. Pressure washing is typically not recommended for composite decking. If done incorrectly, it can be a big mistake and cause damage.

Premixed Vs Concentrated Deck Cleaners

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. Just like remembering your gaps and proper cleaners, the same advice applies here.

Can I Seal Composite Decking?

Pour yourself a tall cup of coffee, put on some tunes and get started. Luckily for us all— advancements in deck building have made affording, installing and maintaining a deck easier than ever before! Preserving your composite deck is easy as long as you make an effort to clean it semi-annually and use the proper cleaning tools to do so. Proper cleaning tools are crucial in maintaining a gorgeous deck; your deck is an investment that deserves to be protected.

• Address stains as soon as possible, and make sure your deck continues to maintain adequate drainage to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
• If this is the first time you have cleaned your deck it’s possible that there are deep set mold stains that the solution didn’t reach.
• They may rise to the surface at some point and need cleaning again.
• Scrub it by hand or with a pressure washer at least twice a year.

Dry sweep occasionally with a bristled broom to keep debris off the deck surface and to keep the gaps between the deck boards clear. Wash with warm water and a non-bleach dish soap using a sponge as needed. For any stains it is always best to remove immediately. Looking for a more natural way to restore and clean your composite deck? To keep up the beauty and functionality that you want from your deck, a little care and cleaning can go a long way. Now that your deck is clean as new, take a look around you.

Using a hose and warm, soapy water with a soft bristle brush is recommended to remove the food source and mold. It really depends on the results your Composite Deck Cleaner can deliver. You don’t have to pressure wash a Trex Deck with Spray and Clean Deck Cleaner. This product was made to clean decks with a simple garden pump sprayer which can save you the cost of renting a pressure washer. The first step in your composite decking care and maintenance routine, is to stay away from certain household chemicals that a natural wood deck requires to stay looking new. Some of these harsher chemicals can damage the composite material, and no one wants to do more harm than good to their deck.

For plastic, a mixture of baking soda and warm water works. Just place the baking soda and water mixture in a spray bottle and apply on target surface.

As for me--after getting a complete runaround from Trex --my plan this fall is to rip the damn stuff up and start over. Chlorine Bleach or Sodium Hypochlorite based deck cleaners that the uneducated recommend may appear to quickly remove mildew and mold fungus from Trex and other Composite Decking. We purchased a $20,000 "maintenance free" deck and within the first year, black mold spots began to appear.

How To Avoid Mold And Mildew Growth

Dip the scrub brush into the deck-cleaning solution and apply directly to the stain. Leave the solution on the stain for up to five minutes. Sprinkle baking soda on the area, making sure to cover the surface entirely and allow the baking soda to sit for at least 20 minutes. Use a scrub brush to wash away any mold or mildew and rinse thoroughly. Cleaning your deck not only keeps it looking nice, but it also protects and extends the life of your deck.

If the stains penetrate too deeply, they may be difficult to remove. Allowing metal items such as furniture or planters to remain wet for long periods of time on your deck will cause rust stains to occur. If the stains penetrate the decking too deeply, they may prove nearly impossible to remove. Wash your railing with a solution of warm water and mild non-abrasive detergent and rinse to remove all residues. The railing should be cleaned using a soft cloth or sponge. For more difficult stains, Simple Green, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, mineral spirits, trichloroethylene, CLR or vinegar work well. Wash with warm water and a non-bleach dish soap using a sponge as needed… alcohol wipes for spot cleaning.