Tips For How To Clean Composite Decking

How To Clean Composite Decking

When dry the current light tan color becomes much closer to the original saddle when wet with water, so would my Defy sealed deck once dried be colored more like it is now when dry or wet? Another option I’d like to pursue is changing colors from the tan/cedar tones to a weathered gray. Does Defy offer a product to allow me to stain my composite deck, such as Defy Extreme or another product, and therefore change colors? Last question, I am replacing an older portion of wooden deck with Trex. 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? I really like what I read about your products. Simply scrub the solution into the decking one section at a time and rinse.

Decking & Railing Duos

Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck and Fence Cleaner is ideal for both manual and pressure washing to lift and remove dirt and debris from the deck surface. The fast-acting foaming formula eliminates stains from mold and mildew, tree sap, pollen, oxidation, weathering and other grime. It utilizes the power of peroxide to provide high-performance cleaning without toxic or abrasive chemicals.

• Address stains as soon as possible, and make sure your deck continues to maintain adequate drainage to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
• Composite decking has become an extremely popular material for outdoor decks.
• Capping composite decking provides a tougher surface.
• Because your deck is exposed to the elements every day, routine cleaning is needed to keep it looking great.
• Keep the surface as dry as possible and free of debris by sweeping frequently.

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.

Buyers Guide: The Best Deck Cleaners

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.

Liquid dish soap (ammonia-free) is safe for use on cleaning your natural wood deck when mixed with a little warm water. Simply mix 1 gallon of water, 2 tablespoons of ammonia-free dish soap (such as Murphy’s), 1 pint of rubbing alcohol, and 1 quart of oxygen bleach.

For composite decking, most manufacturers don’t recommend anything more powerful than dish soap and water. If you’re cleaning a wooden deck, you might need something a little more powerful.

Power Washing Wood Decks

Be very careful so that you use only ammonia free dish soap. Otherwise, if ammonia is mixed with bleach, it can create toxic fumes. Once you’ve blended your mixture, swab it on your deck and rinse it clean with water. Keep a safe distance between the power washer and the deck surface. We recommend staying a minimum of 6” away from the surface. This should be enough to remove any dirt without damaging the composite decking.