Composite decks are low maintenance compared to decks made from other materials. Natural wood decks require full service and maintenance, while composite products require basic attention. These decks are made from a combination of vinyl, plastic and wood with a vinyl treatment. The amount of wood used varies depending on the type of deck. With this combination of materials, decks have a longer lifespan. To stay aesthetically pleasing and clean, composite products do require maintenance. The good news is that you can clean them using tools and products you’re likely to have around the house.
Why Your Composite Deck Needs Constant Cleaning
Although the combination of synthetic materials is more resistant to various contaminants and the warping and rotting process, it is not immune to natural dirt, dust, weather, and grilling. Before you reach for the broom and brush, let’s talk about the most common problems and factors that affect your deck:
- The effects of the weather. Rain, wind, and the aggressive sun leave traces and dirt;
- Nature’s residue. Leaves, spilled drinks, barbecue and food stains don’t just leave stains, they attract uninvited guests – birds, insects and animals;
- Fungus. Dark areas on the deck can become a favorite spot for guests that thrive in a moist environment.
Composite decks offer homeowners a more relaxed and comfortable way of living outdoors. These decks probably won’t warp or splinter too quickly, but with proper care and cleaning, you can extend their lifespan.
How to clean composite decking: expert recommendations
The first step is preparation
You don’t need any special tools or products to clean your deck. You probably already have everything you need to clean your deck:
- Prepare the broom;
- Fill the bucket with warm water;
- Prepare a separate bucket of soapy water;
- Prepare a brush for cleaning the terrace. It should have soft bristles;
- Prepare a hose with water.
Begin cleaning the deck by sweeping the soiled areas with a broom to remove all accumulated debris. When the entire area is free of surface debris, remove all furniture and items to clean the deck in the hardest to reach areas.
The second step is hose cleaning
Before applying the cleaning solution, be sure to wipe down the area with a garden hose. This will remove surface dirt from your deck and make the subsequent wash more effective. Do not experiment with pressure washing. It is better to leave such cleaning to professional cleaners. Otherwise, you will damage the boards of your deck.
The third step is to apply the special cleaning agent
Take the soap solution that you have prepared beforehand. Thoroughly clean all surfaces of your deck.
The fourth step is to make use of the brush
For the deck, choose a brush with soft bristles. Move in the direction of the fibers for a quality result. Work the railings, corners and any hard-to-reach areas and gaps between boards.
Step Five – Rinse with a hose
After you have cleaned the entire area of your deck, you need to rinse off the soap with water. An ordinary garden hose will do the trick. Rinse the deck thoroughly, making sure all the soap is completely washed off.
What problems can arise when cleaning your deck?
Composite decks are easy to maintain, but improper maintenance can leave stains on your deck. We’ll give you tips on how to solve this and a number of other problems that can arise from improper maintenance:
- Hard to remove stains. If you have sauces, greasy foods, wine, coffee, or other stubborn stains on your deck, treat them first. A solution of dish soap and warm water will help.
- Fungus. This nuisance can occur in hard-to-reach areas of your deck. It’s also important to get rid of fungus and mildew before a full-scale cleaning. Make a solution of one part vinegar to four parts water. Then rub all affected areas and rinse thoroughly.
- Juice, wine, coffee, and other staining beverages. These sticky stains can be removed with a soapy solution and a brush. Do not use harsh chemicals.
- Winter problems. If you live in an area where it snows a lot in the winter, make sure you remove snow in a timely manner. Remove ice and snow with a special shovel. This will help prevent damage to your delicate composite surface.
When trying to get rid of stains, do not use harsh chemicals. Various bleaches, ammonia, and more will damage the surface of your deck and leave areas of discoloration.
Ongoing preventive maintenance and keeping your deck clean
To keep your composite deck looking great while maintaining its functionality, follow these simple preventive maintenance tips:
- Avoid abrasions to the deck surface. For example, if you need to pull furniture across the deck, do so carefully to avoid scratching the surface. Lift and carry furniture with your hands;
- Minimize the accumulation of dirt. Place mats in the entry area. This will help reduce the buildup of dirt;
- Constant cleaning. Keep deck surfaces clean with constant sweeping to prevent accumulation of dirt and debris;
- Perform rinsing. Gentle rinsing with a low-pressure hose will keep your deck clean and fresh. The spray nozzle will help blow dust and dirt off the surface.
How not to clean composite decking
Depending on the severity of the stain and the nature of the problem, it may seem like a good idea to use a chemically aggressive cleaner on your composite deck. We strongly recommend that you do not. You should know that using the most common soap solution will get rid of 90% of the dirt. However, if soap and water does not work on a particular stain, never resort to using harsh chemicals. Such products corrode the delicate structure of the composite material, leaving permanent damage.
How to keep composite decking clean
To keep your composite decking looking its best and serving you for years to come, follow these recommendations:
- Avoid aggressive cleaning products. Such products damage the surface and contribute to the loss of the original appearance of the products;
- Use special products to remove stains and dirt. To remove scratches and scuffs, we recommend using products specially designed for this material;
- Constantly clean the surface of the railing with a soft cloth or sponge with a soap solution. This will help you maintain the cleanliness and aesthetics of your railing.
These simple recommendations will prevent possible damage or prolong the life of your railing.
Leave composite deck cleaning to the professionals
To save time and get your composite decking cleaned properly, leave the job to the professionals. Here are a few reasons why you should hire a professional cleaning company:
- Professional cleaners have all the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to achieve the best cleaning results. They understand the nuances of different types of composites and know which cleaning methods and products are safe and effective;
- The experienced cleaning team has access to specialized cleaning equipment, such as pressure washers with nozzles specifically designed to clean composite decking without causing damage. Keep in mind that using the wrong equipment or applying too much pressure can cause scratches or discoloration, and professionals know how to avoid this;
- Composite decking can have intricate patterns and hard-to-reach areas where dirt, mold and mildew can accumulate. Professional cleaners know how to reach and thoroughly clean these areas, ensuring that your deck is spotless and free of contaminants that can degrade the material over time;
- Cleaning a composite deck can be time-consuming, especially if you want to do it right. Hiring a professional will save you time and energy, allowing you to focus on other important tasks while your deck is being expertly cleaned;
- Improper cleaning methods, such as using harsh chemicals or excessive force, can damage composite decking. Professionals are trained to avoid these mistakes, preserving the integrity and appearance of your deck.
To Summarize
Although a composite deck requires significantly less maintenance than a wood deck, it is important for the owner to know exactly how to keep it clean and aesthetically pleasing. By following all of our recommendations, you will be able to perform simple but effective deck cleaning with a simple soap and water wash. By entrusting your composite decking to the professionals, you ensure that it stays in excellent condition, looks its best and lasts for years to come.
