How to clean the composite decking?

Composite decks offer excellent durability as well as low maintenance, so many homeowners believe that they don’t need to be maintained and cleaned. Composite decks are indeed the choice of more and more homeowners because of their durability, low maintenance needs, and varied appearance. But in order to keep your outdoor deck in tip-top shape, regular clean composite decking is also necessary. In the next article, we’ll go over how to clean the composite decking and provide some do’s and don’ts when cleaning.

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Why composite decking is easier to clean

Compared to traditional wood decks, composite decks have the advantage of being easy and low maintenance. It is made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic and is treated with a special process.

There is a wide range of composite decking available in the market today. The decking material varies from brand to brand and type to type. Generally, the content of wood fiber in composite material is between 40-70%. This particular manufacturing method allows your deck to be free from rot and difficult cleaning.

The combination of wood fibers and plastic makes composite decks much easier to clean than traditional wood and requires less tedious maintenance. All you need is warm soapy water and a rag to clean your deck on a regular basis.

How to clean the composite decking?

Because of the superior properties of composite materials, you don’t need to sand or stain to protect your deck. All you need to do is follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and use the right tools.

Preparation tools

You don’t need to use specialized cleaning tools. Common household tools are sufficient for deck cleaning.

• A broom or leaf blower
• Mild detergent
• Warm water and a garden hose
• Soft deck brush

Cleaning your deck

Before you’re ready to clean your deck, you’ll need to clear the deck of debris to make sure it doesn’t interfere with the cleaning.

Be sure to remove any debris from the composite decking surface, such as leaves, debris, and dirt. You can use a broom, soft brush, or leaf blower to remove the loose debris.

Doing so will prevent the buildup of dust and leaves, which can cause mold growth and affect the durability of the deck. Don’t forget whether there is any dirt that needs to be cleaned between the cracks of the deck after you have finished cleaning the surface.

Preparing the cleaner

When choosing a cleaner for your composite deck board, be sure to avoid cleaners that contain harsh chemicals. Such cleaners can cause irreversible damage to the surface of your deck. You should choose some mild and eco-friendly cleaners or buy some professional composite decking cleaners.

Many manufacturers offer specialized cleaners and COOWIN is no exception. Which can make your cleaning job much easier. These cleaners are specifically designed to remove solid stains, dirt, and grime from deck surfaces without causing any harm to the decking material.

Divide the cleaning area

If you have completed all the preparations, then it is time to start planning the cleaning area. We recommend that you divide the composite deck into several areas for cleaning. This will ensure that the cleaner does not dry out or evaporate during the cleaning process.

Cleaning the deck

After completing the above, the next step is to clean the deck. You can choose from the following cleaning methods depending on the tools you have and your personal preference.

Hose and Brush: This is a very common way of cleaning using a garden hose with spray and a deck brush. Wet the deck with water and cover the surface of the deck with the already configured cleaner. Use the soft brush to gently scrub the composite deck to remove surface stains, dirt, and stubborn grime. At the end use the hose to rinse thoroughly to ensure that all residual cleaner is removed.

Pressure Rinse: If you have a pressure washer, then it can be an effective tool for cleaning composite decks. Though it is very convenient, however wrong usage can cause permanent damage to the deck. Remember not to use too much pressure during the rinsing process, which can cause severe wear and tear on the surface material. Start by moistening the surface of the deck with water, then apply the cleaner evenly to the surface of the deck. Clean one by one according to the planned area, keeping at least 12 inches between the nozzle and the deck surface while using the cleaner.

Removing stains

After cleaning, there may be stubborn stains left on the surface of the deck. To remove these stains, you will need to clean them individually using a professional stain remover. Apply the cleaner directly to the stain, then scrub carefully with a soft brush, and finally rinse thoroughly with water.

Prevent mold and mildew

After the cleaning is done, you have to keep the deck area well-ventilated to avoid any accumulation of water and moisture gathering. Also, build outdoor space trees or shrubs to improve sunlight exposure and air circulation around the deck.

Avoid placing potted plants on the deck directly after cleaning, which can lead to moisture buildup and mold growth. Sweep debris from your deck regularly to prevent organic buildup. The buildup of organic matter and debris may cause mold growth.

Precautions

Composite decking is a perfect alternative to traditional wood decking due to its sturdiness and low maintenance needs. Despite this, there are still some precautions you need to follow to keep your deck in better shape.

You need to avoid using industrial cleaners during the cleaning process; harsh substances can cause serious damage to your deck.

While regular cleaning is the main need for routine maintenance of composite deck boards, there are some additional measures you can take to protect your deck. For example, avoid dragging heavy or sharp objects in the outdoor space, which can cause scratches to the deck. Use soft cushions under furniture in outdoor spaces to protect composite decking.

Summarize

Keeping your deck regularly clean plays an important role in maintaining its performance and appearance. By following the detailed cleaning steps and comprehensive cleaning instructions we’ve presented, you can easily clean your deck.

With regular cleaning coupled with the necessary maintenance, your deck can maintain a longer lifespan as well as superior performance.

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