Deck Maintenance
Contents
How To Clean Composite Decking
Power washing your deck can be a big mistake and is not usually recommended for cleaning composite decks. Decks created from earlier-generation Trex products should not be pressure washed, because doing so may damage the decking materials. Instead, clean with warm, soapy water as noted above. 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.
Decking & Railing Duos
To power wash a composite deck, spray deck with soap, then follow by gently scrubbing each deck board with a soft bristle brush. Application details differ slightly, though, so consult the label for specifics. Labels say the Olympic product cleans 300 square feet per gallon, and Expert Chemical’s treats 100 square feet per gallon. Trex warns that whatever cleaner you use, you might need to treat the deck several times to completely remove mold. They used to recommend Corte Clean and I am not sure when they started recommending Olympic but either way you are paying for overpriced bleach. Olympic is sodium hypochlorite which you are better off getting 12.5% and that way you can make it stronger if necessary, you can’t with the Olympic brand.
- Once the material has been opened up, many issues can arise including chipping, sun damage, and mold staining the plastics inside the opening.
- Pressure washing too close or using too much pressure can ruin your deck.
- If you have to pressure wash your composite deck, remember to keep it at the lowest pressure possible and no closer than eight inches from the deck surface.
- Composite decking material is softer than natural wood, meaning it can be “etched†more easily.
- Once mold has stained has occurred, it can be extremely hard to remove.
The Composite Deck Cleaning Process
Note that while Star Brite is manufactured as a deck cleaning product for boats, it’s gentle formulation makes it a great choice for residential decks as well. The premixed liquid can be applied to a wet deck either with a pump sprayer or a soft deck brush. Even after you rinse it away, the cleaner leaves a microscopic layer of polymer protection to help repel stains and spills in the future. One gallon cleans and treats a deck up to 1,000 square feet. Composite decking is manufactured from wood byproducts and plastic, and it comes with an impermeable surface, designed to resist rotting and decay. Wood deck cleaners may be too harsh for composite decks, especially if they contain brightening ingredients, which can strip the sheen off decking, leaving a dull, unattractive look.
Buyers Guide: The Best Deck Cleaners
Surfaces Safe to Clean With Pressure Washer - ConsumerReports.org
Surfaces Safe to Clean With Pressure Washer.
Posted: Wed, 18 Apr 2018 07:00:00 GMT [source]
In my opinion, you get a better result much easier by not listening to them on the solution. They are towing the company line with their recommendation although I agree with not using the pressure washer on the older Trex. No matter the composite you should always check the warranty of the product so that anything you do will not void the warranty and expose you to any action down the road.
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.
Why is my deck turning black?
The biggest reason for a deck stain turning black is mildew. Mildew can begin to grow underneath the deck stain, which causes discoloring. This can also lead to rot and decay because if there is mildew there is also moisture present. Another reason your deck stain turned black can be from using an inferior stain.
But, the pressure washer cannot be greater than 3100 psi or it could damage the decking, which would void the Trex warranty. To clean with a pressure washer, first spray your deck with commercial pressure washer soap. (Buy some now on Amazon.) Next, scrub each board with a soft-bristle brush. Finally, rinse each board thoroughly, using a pressure washer fan tip that’s no closer than eight inches from the surface.
What is the longest lasting deck material?
The last type of deck is actually the one that lasts the longest: polymer decks. At Eagle Building Solutions, we're a big believer in polymer decks, which is why we're proud to offer polymer decking from Azek. Polymer decking contains no wood or other organic materials. It's completely made from plastic.
Once mold has stained has occurred, it can be extremely hard to remove. In most cases, a garden hose is sufficient for regular cleaning. If you have to pressure wash your composite deck, remember to keep it at the lowest pressure possible and no closer than eight inches from the deck surface. Capping composite decking provides a tougher surface.