How to Clean a Composite Deck in 8 Easy Steps

Using these easy steps, you will have your deck looking brand new in just 8 hours.

The “cleaning composite decking with vinegar” is a simple way to clean the composite deck. The process takes 8 easy steps and will also make your life easier.

Many folks complain about how dusty and grubby their composite deck is. If you’re seeking for a quick and simple solution to clean your composite deck, this article will show you how!

Composite decking demands a different cleaning technique than other outdoor constructions you may have dealt with due to its synthetic nature. Keep reading to discover more about the cleaning procedure for composite decks, and how you can remove stubborn stains.

Contents Table of Contents

• Obstructions Must Be Removed from the Deck
• Dirt and debris should be swept away.
• Clean Up the Deck
• Getting Rid of the Stains
• Get your cleaning solution ready.
• Using a Cleaner
• Mold, mildew, and scratches should all be addressed.
• Allow the Deck to Dry
• Conclusion

Obstructions Must Be Removed from the Deck

Before you begin cleaning, make sure that the following items are removed:

• Furniture
• Plants
• Any other impediments

These will not only obstruct your path, but they may also be destroyed by a cleaning solution or pressure washing.

Place everything in a secure location where it won’t be harmed by the cleaning procedure. Everything should be far enough away from the cleaning area to avoid being harmed by any runoff water. While the deck is drying, store them in a location where they will be safe to sit for up to 24 hours.

Dirt and debris should be swept away.

After you’ve taken down your furniture, clean up any natural dirt that has gathered on your deck over time. This may include things like:

• Leaves
• Dirt
• residue from food
• Any other trash

Forgetting to clean the gaps in your deck will not only impair the cleanliness of your finished product, but it will also have long-term negative consequences such as mold and mildew growing under the deck and moisture damaging your bottom joists.

Clean Up the Deck

Rinsing your deck will be the first step toward a pristine deck, regardless of how filthy it is or what sort of stains you’re eliminating. To begin, spray the whole area of your deck with clean water to eliminate any minor surface dirt. Before you go on to any thorough cleaning, be sure you’ve completed this step. Spray every board and nook with water, being careful not to miss any.

Although you may use a pressure washer, you should exercise caution when doing so—pressure washers are powerful cleaners, but using them too near to the synthetic material or with too much pressure will harm it. Routine cleaning may frequently be accomplished with only a garden hose and tap water.

If you must use a pressure washer, ensure sure it is set to no more than 1500 psi and that the spray is kept at least 8 inches away from the deck to minimize damage. However, if your deck manufacturer has particular suggestions for pressure washer settings, follow them.

Getting Rid of the Stains

Many items may produce stains on composite decking, however the majority of them can be removed using the following methods:

• Water
• Soap that is gentle
• A brush with bristles

 Spot treat the discolored area or try your soap on an inconspicuous section of the deck to see if it has any negative effects on the decking.

If the discoloration is caused by mold, a vinegar combination might be used to remove it. You may get rid of the stain by following these steps:

• To make a vinegar solution, mix two parts vinegar with one part water.
• This combination should be applied directly to the stain.
• Baking soda should be applied to the afflicted region.
• Allow 20 minutes for the baking soda and vinegar mixture to soak.
• Scrub the stain away with a bristle brush before rinsing with clean, untreated water.

If you have rust stains on your deck, you can generally remove them with regular liquid dish detergent. To do so, follow these steps:

• In a gallon of warm water, dissolve half a cup of soap. 
• Scrub the damaged area with your brush dipped in this solution until the stain vanishes.
• Using water, saturate the area.
• Rep this procedure until the discoloration is gone.

Stains should fade away entirely with the appropriate substances and a little elbow effort.

Get your cleaning solution ready.

After you’ve removed any visible stains, it’s time to give the deck a thorough washing.

Always keep in mind that applying chemical treatments to synthetic decking might cause irreversible harm. When it comes to cleaning your deck, it’s best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions or use a basic solution of dish soap and water.

Bleach or acetone-based solutions should never be used on synthetic decking since they might cause fading or long-term damage.

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If you’re going to use a composite deck cleaner, be sure it’s oxygenated. This will clean your deck’s pores, not just the surface. Also, be sure to closely follow the product manufacturer’s and your decking manufacturer’s instructions.

Using a Cleaner

The cleaner should be uniformly distributed on the deck’s planks. If you’re using a typical garden hose, clean each board with a soft bristle brush or a long-handled brush. Despite the fact that the gaps between the boards should have been cleansed of debris, be sure to focus on the spaces between the boards throughout this procedure to get rid of the tough dirt.

If you’re using a pressure washer to apply soap, spray along the grain to minimize scratching or markings made by crossed boards. Remember to maintain a safe distance and not exceed the recommended pressure setting of 1,500 psi or the pressure level specified by your deck manufacturer.

If you’re using a composite cleanser, it’s possible that you’ll need to let it soak for a while on the boards. Pay attention to the product’s specified time window—going under time may result in a lower degree of cleanliness, while going over time may result in fading or other damage.

It’s time to rinse your deck once you’ve applied your cleanser and scraped away the filth. Rinse all of the boards with plain water until all of the soap and any remaining grime is gone.

Mold, mildew, and scratches should all be addressed.

If you discovered a mold or mildew issue when cleaning your deck, you may take preventive actions after it has dried to ensure future cleanings go more smoothly. It may be as simple as ensuring that any outside plants have containers for standing water or cutting back surrounding shrubs.

You should also make sure your deck area has enough ventilation, which is usually at least 6 inches. Consider using a moisture barrier that has been recommended by your decking manufacturer if your mold issue was really bad.

You might opt to wait and see whether scratches on your decking vanish naturally if you notice them. If you want to deal with them right away, use a heat gun to soften the decking in the afflicted region, then use a wire brush to smooth out the scratches following the grain. If a scratch is very deep, the whole afflicted board may need to be replaced.

Allow the Deck to Dry

After your deck is clean and gleaming, the next step is to allow it to completely dry. If you try to place furniture or other items back on the deck before the surface has dried, mold and mildew may develop.

If you’re going to seal your deck or apply any additional treatments, you should wait until it’s no longer damp. Wait a full 24 hours before utilizing your deck or taking any additional measures, as a general rule.

Conclusion

The notion of cleaning composite decking might be scary for first-time deck owners. With the correct supplies, a little labor, and some patience, you’ll soon be able to enjoy your deck again. Cleaning the cushions on your outdoor furniture while you have your cleaning supplies out is a wonderful idea.

It’s also a good time to clean up after your doggies to make your yard more friendly for visitors if you’re holding a party, which is why you’re cleaning everything. We also show you how to clean fire glass for your fire pit so that your friends may enjoy it as well.

The “can i use simple green on trex deck” is a question that many people have. A composite deck can be cleaned with normal household chemicals, but if the chemical is strong enough, it may damage the surface of the deck.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to clean composite decking?

A: The best way to clean composite decking is with a cleaner. Remove any dirt from the surface and then use water onto it using your hand, like you would do for soap scum on windows or shower doors.

How do you clean a composite deck without a power washer?

A: You should pour a bucket of water over it to wet the surface, then use a garden hose/power washer with clean water.

Can you use Dawn to clean composite decking?

A: Yes, Dawn can be used to clean composite decking.

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