How To Clean And Seal Composite Decking

How To Clean Composite Decking (in 6 Easy Steps)

The use of a pressure washer on deck surface could damage the decking surface and will void the warranty with respect to any condition caused by the pressure washing. The best way to get rid of pollen completely from composite decking is to power wash your deck. For the best practices on power washing your deck, see chapter 3 below. The best way to clean mildew and mold from composite decking is by using the soap-and-water method mentioned in the previous chapter. Over time, your composite decking or porch will probably need to be cleaned from common problems such as mold, dirt, food and beverage stains, etc. Compared to wooden decking, which requires extensive care and maintenance to stay clean and to look sharp, capped composite decking requires little maintenance or cleaning.

Note that these cleaners should not be rinsed off. 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.

This cleaning routine will keep your deck looking great and will prevent you from needing to frequently reach for the power washer. 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. Remove stubborn dirt with mild soap and a soft bristled brush. 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.

Is It A Good Idea To Power Wash Your Deck ?

If necessary, you may consider replacing individual boards. Using a solid stain will hide the fact that they are new boards. I have a medium gray Trex deck that was installed in 2007. It appears not to be the “sealed” type of board. In these areas the deck is very clean and stays that way! I have thought of applying Ice Melt to the entire deck because it stays so clean.

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

Composite decking is one of the most popular decking materials, and with good reason—it's durable, attractive and inexpensive. But even the most ardent fan of this type of deck won't be a fan of cleaning composite decks. Once the cleaner has been on the boards for the period the manufacturer recommends, spray the deck clean with the power washer. You should then allow at least 24 hours before applying any further treatments or stains to the deck, in order to ensure that it's completely dry.

Contact Newtechwood To Learn More About Our Composite Deck Materials

Lastly, selecting a product with zinc nano-particles is especially beneficial. Zinc is a natural combatant to mold growth and will have a profound effect on delaying the re-growth of mildew. Consider using DEFY Composite Deck Sealer – Crystal Clear; it has all of the above characteristics. The reason why mildew grows on composite decking is really pretty simple. Composite lumber is made up of a combination of both plastics and wood fiber/flour. The wood flour is a food source for the mildew to grow on and without some type of mildewcide to prevent its growth, it will flourish during times of higher temperatures and moisture.

Keep debris out of gaps between the decking boards so rain showers can remove pollen and organic debris between cleanings. 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. Just like remembering your gaps and proper cleaners, the same advice applies here. Composite decking requires a little extra attention when cleaning.

A Soapy Deck Scrub