Homemade Deck Cleaner

Step 2: Spray With Soapy Water & Scrub

For a deeper clean, always use a soft bristle scrub brush, never use a wire brush. Again, if you are using the right cleaner, only a small amount of scrubbing will be required. For snow or ice removal, always choose a plastic shovel instead of metal. Pressure washing is typically not recommended for composite decking. If done incorrectly, it can be a big mistake and cause damage.

Premixed Vs Concentrated Deck Cleaners

This should be done prior to applying a cleaner or brightener. Make sure you're extra careful when pressure washing.This material is softer than natural wood and therefore can be etched more easily. Once it has been damaged, other issues such as chipping, sun damage and mold staining of the interior plastic can arise. If using a pressure washer, avoid using a maximum pressure setting, as too much force can damage the surface.

Can I Seal Composite Decking?

Do not cut any product and always remove job site dust, clay, dirt, mud, and other construction products from an TimberTech Deck, Rail, and Porch quickly. Do not allow construction dirt and debris to sit on the TimberTech Deck, Rail, or Porch surface. Do not cut metal objects such as railing on the deck surface, the hot debris from the cut may become embedded in the deck surface resulting in staining and damage. A power washer can be used for RINSING ONLY with TimberTech products. Spray in the direction of the grain pattern, never across the grain or width of the board, to avoid damaging the product. Use caution not to damage the material and always take proper safety precautions when operating a power washer. Using the incorrect brush can make cleaning more difficult or even damage the deck board.

• Decks created from earlier-generation Trex products should not be pressure washed, because doing so may damage the decking materials.
• Often, the only maintenance composite decking requires is an occasional power washing.
• 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.
• 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.

If this happens, check with the deck manufacturer to see their approved list of stronger cleaners. When you are finished carefully scrubbing the composite decking, rinse away the remainder of the soap and any leftover dirt. Capped composite decking is usually referred to as simply “composite decking,” and we will be referring to the shortened version throughout this post. Capped composite decking is one of the most popular and most efficient decking available on the market. Once a year, when your deck looks like it requires a good cleaning, whip up a batch of this homemade deck cleaner. Never use this cleaner for routine cleaning as it is on the harsh side, so much it can handle rust stains on concrete. It is vital to remove all oxygen bleach residue from your wood deck, so you may need to rinse several times.

Ways To Damage Your Composite Deck

Clean stains.The debris and furniture may have left stains behind, which you will want to remove. Clean these stains using whichever cleaner is most appropriate for your decking.

Use a deck brightener than contains oxalic acid on tannin stains. Water spots, also known as tannin stains, are normal occurrences on wood. Over time, you will likely start to notice some on your deck. Make sure the surface is completely dry and then apply a deck brightener product that contains oxalic acid on the surface of your deck.

Thoroughly rinse with fresh water to remove all soap residue. Lightly mist the entire deck with a garden hose to keep the wood wet. Clean grease stains with a mild detergent or a TSP cleaner. Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the wood planks and then rinse thoroughly, making sure always to spray the same direction as the wood’s grain to prevent damaging your deck. Neglecting your wooden deck leads to mold and mildew problems, along with cracked or splintered wood and permanent stains. By learning how to how to clean your deck for staining and other purposes, you will be able to spot problems as they occur, allowing you to take action sooner rather than later.

How To Avoid Mold And Mildew Growth

You may need to wait a few days for the deck to completely dry depending on weather conditions. Cover plants, grass, concrete, trim, and any other areas you don’t want stained. Chlorine Bleach is extremely corrosive and will eat away at your deck eventually causing discoloration of your decking, damage the surface, and intensify any mold issues that can occur.

How To Clean A Roof Safely, Effectively And Without Bleach

For the best practices on power washing your deck, see chapter 3 below. While mildew and mold can infiltrate and ruin a wooden deck, it can’t damage a composite deck. They look unsightly on your deck, but it won’t harm or ruin the composite structure. In this article, we cover everything you need to know and do to clean your composite deck and porch safely. Feel free to read through the article, or simply click the chapter relating to your cleaning question. Gently brush the whole deck, applying more pressure where you notice stubborn stains or grime build-up.