3 Ways To Clean A Composite Deck

Tannins may also be cleaned by utilizing the cleaners referenced for Basic Cleaning Recommendations for ReliaBoard and DockSider. The capping is a polymer and not a wood/plastic composite. Composite decking is one of the most popular decking materials, and with good reason—it's durable, attractive and inexpensive. But even the most ardent fan of this type of deck won't be a fan of cleaning composite decks.

As with any walking surface, TimberTech Deck or Porch products may become slippery in freezing weather. For ice removal, most products containing calcium chloride can be used without damage to the deck or porch surface. These products may leave a white residue which can be cleaned using the cleaning guidelines in the previous pages. Like any other wood-based product, TimberTech’s wood-polymer composite products may experience a naturally occurring process called Extractive Bleeding/Tannins. This process may cause temporary discoloration that will weather away with exposure to flushing rainfall and UV. In most cases, the weathering process takes 8-10 weeks but could vary depending on location and specific product application such as a covered porch.

Cleaning Composite Decking Of Common Stains & Problems

If your composite deck needs mold or mildew stains removed, you can mix a solution of two parts vinegar and one part water to apply directly to the problem area. Once you have swept the deck, use a pump sprayer to spray it with the best wood deck cleaner. For larger surfaces, work in small sections to ensure the area stays wet the entire time. Even if you don’t have a power washer, you can still use power washer soap for cleaning. Instead of loading the cleaner into the sprayer, you can apply it with a sponge or mop. You can then use your garden hose or a pressure washer to rinse the surface of the deck. Try to time your deck cleaning project for nice weather.

Timbertech Azek, Timbertech Pro, Timbertech Edge Cleaning Tips

Over time, your composite decking or porch will probably need to be cleaned from common problems such as mold, dirt, food and beverage stains, etc. Mold and mildew aren’t just an eyesore, they can be hazards to your health and can even shorten the life span of many composite deck boards. Mold and mildew can sometimes make composite deck boards slippery, so use caution and wear good shoes while cleaning. Use these tips to remove mold and mildew stains from your deck boards. Use a deck brightener than contains oxalic acid on tannin stains. Water spots, also known as tannin stains, are normal occurrences on wood.

How To Clean Mold And Mildew From Composite Decking

This is not a defect of Trex products but an issue with the water itself. Generally these deposits can be cleaned with white vinegar on decking surfaces or use of Magic Eraser® on railing surfaces. Rinsing is required so care should be taken to not use hard water for this purpose, and if it must be used, dry with a cloth or use a blower to dry surfaces. Concrete spatter, especially if it has been allowed to set up in the pores of Trex, can be difficult to remove. Generally, it comes out over time, if not right away, with a proven composite deck cleaning product.

Refinish Your Deck In A Weekend

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Mildew stains may occur where moisture, pollens, and/or dirt are present. Mildew needs a food source to grow, which can be grass, pollens, dirt, debris, wood, and wood resins. To remove tannin stains from debris, such as leaves, apply a commercial deck brightener once the Trex decking is dry.

Our composite deck sealer is ideally suited for composite decks that are 15 or 20 years old, that have issues with mold or are absorbing water. This year we has moss and mildew and noticed some black growing. In the past 2 weeks we Have worked to get the deck back to a fresh clean look. The water does not quickly absorb when we spray the deck. We want to preserve the work we have just completed. We just want to put the proper sealer or top coat on. The deck gets a lot of use especially around the pool area.

Since there are many different types of composite decking materials, we recommend reading the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations before following ours. In some cases, they may have certain requirements. If your deck isn’t too dirty, soap and water will do.

The capping material on these products is not composed of a wood plastic composite. If you prefer to pressure wash your Trex decking, that’s fine. 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. Leave the Owatrol Cleaner mixture or hot soapy water on the surface for several minutes before rinsing the boards.

Now, it’s time to clean the surface of the deck with a soft broom because you need to only remove the dust and leaves from it. After removing all the debris, check the joint and corners of the deck and find any damage or any broken thing. If you find it, then cover it because it is possible that the chemical or watermark inside and damage it from inside as well. The power washer is suggesting cleaning the surface, but it also depends on the type of material used on the deck. So, if you don’t know what to do, the better option is to check the cleaning instruction of the deck according to the material. You can Google it or call the installer company for assistance.

• Instead, I recommend using DEFY Composite Deck Cleaner.
• This cleaner is specifically formulated for cleaning composite decking, including Trex.
• Because your deck is exposed to the elements every day, routine cleaning is needed to keep it looking great.
• It will kill the mildew spores, but doesn’t necessarily remove them from the surface of the wood.
• Composite decking has become an extremely popular material for outdoor decks.

It’s easy to overlook this debris since it can’t be seen by glancing over the surface. Make sure you inspect the gaps and keep the spaces between the deck boards clean and free of debris. The combination of moisture and dirt/pollen will cause mold to start growing on your deck.