How To Clean A Composite Or Wood Deck

Step 2: Spray With Soapy Water & Scrub

This ensures the spray is not concentrated enough to damage the deck’s surface. If the stain or material is unusual, this cleaning method might not remove the stain.

Premixed Vs Concentrated Deck Cleaners

Keep this guide in mind as you begin prepping to clean your composite deck. A power washer can be used for RINSING ONLY with TimberTech Deck or Porch. Spray in the direction of the grain pattern, never across the grain, to avoid damaging the product. Baking soda as a soft scrub is also very good for cleaning your barbecue grill. Again, simply use it as a scrubbing powder with the coarse bristled brush or steel wool to remove tough, cooked on grit and grime. In this article, we’ll look at 7 smart ways you can use the safe, simple, all-purpose cleaner – baking soda to get your deck or patio area fresh and clean and keep it that way. Letting damp organic debris build up on your deck can also leave stains and create the perfect environment for mold to grow.

Can I Seal Composite Decking?

You can leave them as is, but if you want, you should probably be able to remove them using coarse sandpaper. You can also try using a wire brush, but be aware that certain types of composite timber have a bad reaction to metal, which could worsen the situation. Try it out on an inconspicuous section of your deck first.

• If your deck is still dirty, hose it down, scrub with a brush and soap, then, rinse with a hose.
• If you spill food, grease or oil on your deck, immediately clean the area with hot water.
• Any remaining stains should be cleaned with Pour-N-Restore, a commercial cleaner.
• To clean a composite deck, sweep it with a broom or leaf blower at least once a week to get rid of dirt and debris.

After you’ve put a little elbow grease into scrubbing and cleaning with your brush, rinse the deck thoroughly. Begin by spraying the deck off with a hose and water to remove any surface debris. For dull or weathered wood decks, choose a “brightening” or restorative cleaner. For dirty wood decks, choose an all-purpose wood deck cleaner. For superior cleaning results, be sure to choose a solution suited to your deck material. Keep reading to learn how to select the best deck cleaner for your needs, and to find out why we’ve chosen the below as top picks. To treat a stubborn stain, mix just enough warm water with a small amount of powdered oxygen bleach to make a paste.

Ways To Damage Your Composite Deck

front deck in Canberra is cedar and I am so sick of scrubbing, brightening lightning, cleaning, oiling and sanding! I put composite in the back and I've been a little better." Use oxalic acid on rust stains and other stubborn spots. Deck brightener products will also work on these tougher stains. Sweep the deck and apply the product directly to the stain. Saturate the area and allow it to sit on the stain for about 15 minutes.

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.

To remove, spray off with a hose and use warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush to remove spills from embossing pattern. 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.

If you’re not sure about how to clean a particular stain, test the cleaner out on a part of the deck that is not visible. Use a plastic shovel.When shoveling snow on your composite decking, make sure that your shovel has a plastic blade, which will minimize the chance of scratching the surface of your deck. However, even some shovels made of plastic, especially ones with a hard metal blade on the edge, can cause damage to the protective shell found on certain composites and will void your warranty. Remember - composite materials clean easier and better than the traditional wood deck, and using the soap-and-water method in chapter 1 removes most of the dirt and stains. The best way to get rid of pollen completely from composite decking is to power wash 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.