How To Clean A Composite Or Wood Deck

How To Clean Composite Decking

For composite decking, don’t use a wood deck cleaner—rather, choose one specialized for composite lumber. 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. When completed, rinse the deck off with water, a pressure washer and/or a scrub brush will assist in the cleaning process. As outdoor spaces, decks are exposed to extreme elements of heat, cold, and moisture. With wood decks, this means annual and semiannual maintenance.

Decking & Railing Duos

He or she should use a relatively low pressure-setting and a wide fan, with the power washer held at least two feet off the ground. This can be a good way to deep clean your deck and get embedded dirt out, but you don’t want to have a professional power wash your deck too frequently . For the most part, you can clean your deck on a regular basis without using a power washer.

• Simply scrub the solution into the decking one section at a time and rinse.
• The best part of composites is that, with the exception of food stains, you only have to clean your deck for aesthetic reasons.
• I really like what I read about your products.
• Thurston said the green and brown stains you describe are probably mold and mildew, which come in a variety of colors besides basic black.
• Should I seal the new deck boards with clear Defy Sealer before installed and avoid the past issues of black mildew/algae build up or is it necessary with newer Trex composites?
• For wood decks, not cleaning often enough can lead to more costly maintenance.

The Composite Deck Cleaning Process

The best route to take is to hand wash it annually or semi-annually. If you opt to power or pressure wash the decking, you should start using a low psi, at 12 inches or more, with a wide fan-tip in an inconspicuous area. CertainTeed – A pressure washer can be used at 1,500 psi or less with a wide fan-tip at 12 inches or above. Do not pressure wash when mold or mildew are on the surface.

Composites should be cleaned the same way as a wooden deck to remove over 90% of the black stains. Bleach will take care of the mold and mildew and the oxalic acid brightener will neutralize the tannins stains. This is the main reason they lost their first lawsuit, because they were not completely honest with the public about the black stains. It was also recommended to them that even if they used 1% wood in their formula they should recommend sealing. They used about 50% red oak and did not recommend sealing. The issue was further compounded when folks started pressure washing the surfaces and removing the cream coating which further exposed the wood content leading to more black stains. This is when they came out with “pressure washing may void the warranty” as Rob alluded too.

Design & Price

It's best to use an oxygenated cleaner that will sink deep into the material to clean the lower layers as well as on the surface. All you need to make your natural composite deck cleaner is some soap, water, vinegar, and baking soda and a soft bristle brush to remove dirt, debris, and other grime.

When it comes to semiannual cleaning and maintenance, the most important task is washing the deck to ensure the removal of mold and dirt that can build up and cause rotting. Although today’s composite decks are maintenance free in comparison to wood decks, owners should clean them with soap and water once or twice a year.

Power Washing Wood Decks

If using a pressure washer, avoid using a maximum pressure setting, as too much force can damage the surface. If you prefer to pressure wash your Trex decking, that’s fine.