One of the best advantages to choosing composite decking for your outdoor project is its low maintenance requirements and ease of cleaning. Although composite materials have these advantages, some cleaning and maintenance procedures are necessary to keep your deck in good shape.
You should clean your composite deck at least two times a year. Learning about the appropriate ways to clean a composite deck will help you keep your deck looking beautiful.
The following techniques make it simple to clean up common outdoor spills while preventing long-term damage to your composite deck.
How to clean dirt and debris off a composite deck
You will want to start with clearing off any debris by brooming or leaf blowing your deck and be sure to get in between any deck boards where dirt and debris might be trapped.
All you will need is Soap (dish soap or composite deck cleaner), a hose, and a soft bristle brush.
Start off by prerinsing your deck. Use a soft-bristled brush and soapy water to gently scrub the deck in the direction of the boards, and then be sure to rinse off entirely. Pro Tip: This final step is important, if all soap and dirt isn’t removed completely, a residue might appear once dries.
Caution! Not using approved cleaners can damage your decking or void the warranty.
Spills & Stains
There will undoubtedly be a few accidents involving food, beverages, or BBQ grease. However, you can quickly clean up these spills by hosing off your deck and then using warm, soapy water and a brush to scrub the surface.
Try to immediately wipe up any spills. Most composite manufacturers have a time limit of allowance to clean up spills before warranty is void.
Hard Water Stains
Due to the high mineral content of hard water, deposits of these minerals form when it is allowed to dry out sitting on the surface. They unfortunately appear as unpleasant stains on your deck.
Usually, white vinegar will effectively remove these residues, and you can cleanse the surface afterwards with dish soap or composite deck cleaner. To avoid starting over, try to stay away from using hard water for rinsing. To be safe, you can also use a cloth or leaf blower to dry the boards.
Can a Pressure Washer be used?
While the majority of spills and stains on composite deck boards may be removed with the use of a garden hose, soft bristle brush, and soap, a pressure washer may be used if precautions are taken.
Be advised: Never operate a pressure washer at a pressure higher than 3100 PSI. It can void your warranty and damage your deck’s boards.
Conclusion
Cleaning and caring for your Composite deck is exceptionally easy because of its durability and low maintenance requirements. Most of the time, all you need is a hose, soap and a scrub brush.
When it comes to keeping your deck looking its best for years to come, a little maintenance goes a long way.
