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How to Clean Composite Decking?
Composite decking boards are easier to clean than many other types of wood boards. Solid wood decking requires a lot of care and maintenance, but composite decking only requires a small amount of attention.
Even though these composite decking don’t require as much maintenance, that doesn’t mean you can just ignore them. Let’s talk more about how to clean composite wood decking.
Why Is It Easier to Clean Composite Decking?
Composite wood decking was created so that homeowners could choose a deck that is easier to maintain than traditional wood decks. The materials used to make them are recycled plastic and wood fibers.
Different types of composite decking contain different amounts of wood. Many products contain between 40 and 70 percent wood. To treat and prevent wood decay, chemicals and additives that kill fungus are used.
Composite wood decking lasts longer and is easier to clean than pure wood decking because they are made of wood and plastic. They still require some maintenance in order to keep the deck looking good. But luckily, you can clean them with what you already have at home.
Cleaning Tools
Fortunately, you don’t need any special tools to clean composite decking boards. You most likely already have everything you need to clean them.
- Take these things out of your home:
- A broom
- Warm water in a bucket
- Soapy water in a bucket (you can buy composite decking-specific cleaners or use detergent)
- A deck brush
- A hose
Steps for Cleaning Composite Decking
To clean composite wood decking, you can follow these six steps.
- Remove any furniture or other things that might get in the way of the deck cleaning process.
- Sweep the entire area with a broom to remove leaves, trash, and excess dirt.
- you can prepare the deck for the use of soap by sprinkling a layer of warm water on it. Sprinkle the water as evenly as possible to wet all deck surfaces.
- Mix the soap and warm water together just as you would for washing dishes.
- Place the deck brush in the bucket of soapy water and begin scrubbing the deck. Don’t be afraid to use too much pressure to remove as much dirt as possible. composite decking material is tough and can take a beating.
- After scrubbing the deck, use the hose to rinse off all the soapy water. Then wait for the deck to dry completely.
What Not To Do?
A lot of people like composite decking material because it is very easy to maintain and can withstand a lot of stress. Still, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure that your deck is always looking its best.
If you don’t want to damage composite decking boards, don’t use industrial chemical cleaners. Bleach is also not a good idea because it can change the color of the deck and make it look bad.
If you are not sure if a certain cleaner will work for your composite wood decking, you should see what the manufacturer says. Many times you can find care instructions on the manufacturer’s website or in the materials that came with your purchase.
Last but not least, do not clean your composite decking when it is snowing or raining. wait until it is sunny outside.
How Do I Remove Common Stains?
Composite decking gets dirty very quickly from regular use in the wind and sun. Let’s talk about some ways to remove the most common sources of soiling.
Mold and Mildew
Mold doesn’t usually happen to people who own composite wood decking. But when your composite decking has some leaves or other organic debris built up on the surface, mold can grow there.
The soapy water cleaning method mentioned above can help stop mold growth. Also, keep an eye out for cracked or broken boards on your deck throughout the year. Water can seep through these boards and cause problems. Please repair them immediately.
Food and Drink Stains
A simple dry paper towel can prevent food and drink stains from appearing. Because the composite decking material is made of plastic, liquids will not soak in right away. If this does not work, you can clean it with soap and water.
If you have cleaned your composite decking boards several times and still find stains. Check the manufacturer’s warranty to see how you can get a new one. Many warranties cover stains caused by drinks and food.
Oil Stains
You should wipe off any oil or grease stains as soon as possible. If left alone, these marks are likely to remain for a long time.
Use water and soap to clean up any grease that remains after soaking. Also, detergents that remove grease work well.
Plant Pollen
Most of the time, pollen itself is more difficult to remove. Soap and water by themselves are not always effective.
Power washing may be the only way to remove all pollen. You may also want to move pollen-producing flowers off the deck and trim any branches that may be dropping pollen on the boards.
Dirt and Trash
Installing composite decking for your home is a great idea, but you should clean it frequently. If you have composite decking boards cleaned regularly, it will take less time and less work to clean it in the future. It is not difficult to do this, but you will have to put in some effort.
Use a broom to sweep away all the loose dirt and debris. Then wash the deck with detergent and warm water. To remove dirt and other things, make sure you use a soft-bristled brush.
Wear gloves if you are going to clean with something that contains a lot of chemicals. Some chemical cleaners and homemade cleaners can irritate the skin. Make sure that children do not come into contact with cleaning products.
Problems with Cement or Stucco Dust
It is important to ensure that the deck is protected from cement, concrete, plaster, and stucco dust. The use of warm water and detergent is recommended. Use firm pressure when scrubbing the deck to better remove the dust.
Cover the deck before you start building or renovating composite decking. This will help prevent the buildup of dust and other particles.
Stains Caused by Hard Water
Hard water is water that contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Wash the entire composite wood decking in warm water, then scrub with a soft bristle brush. If necessary, do this repeatedly until the hard water spots are gone.
If these unsightly hard water spots keep appearing, let’s figure out how to fix the problem. Before cleaning the composite decking again, try a water purifier that removes hard water.
Chalk Marks
Colored chalk line staining usually lasts a long time. Although chlorine bleach and other harsh chemicals can remove chalk marks, this is not a good idea.
Soap, warm water, and a soft bristle brush can be used to try to clean chalk lines. If chalk lines stay on composite decking boards, there is a chance that they will leave marks.
Some chalk line colors (e.g. red) are difficult to remove. Consult the company that makes composite decking for the best way to clean chalk lines.
Tannins from Other Things
Tannins are produced from plant matter or waste and can be removed. First, clean the deck, using a hose if needed. Wait for the deck to dry and then use a brightener to coat the surface.
Brighteners contain oxalic acid, which is known to remove tannic acid. Check with the company that makes composite decking to find out which brand and method is best for brightening your deck.
If you find that these substances are only present at certain times of the year. Make a plan to clean and maintain your composite decking at those times so that the tannins don’t stain the deck. Getting a leaf blower may be a good idea.
Maintaining the Railing
An important part of maintaining composite decking is making sure the railings are clean and in good condition. Whether the weather is good or bad, check the deck railings to make sure the deck is safe to use.
In just a few steps, you can make your composite decking look better by cleaning the railings:
- A yard hose
- A bucket of water filled with soap
- Clean from the bottom of the railing upwards
It’s best to use mild soapy water. If you find rust, hard stains or grease on the railing, clean it again. If spots are still found, check the manufacturer’s guide for the best way to remove them.
Cleaning every so often will also prevent hard water stains and rust from appearing. Be prepared with a leaf blower for fall and a plastic shovel for winter. Checking composite decking boards for damage once a month will also help keep them in good condition.
Rubber Mats
Before laying the welcome mat, you should check to see if there are any chemicals that will change the color of the deck or lighten it. Many rubber-backed mats have things on them that shouldn’t be touching the deck.
Mats with a vinyl or latex backing can also leave marks on the deck. If these mats or rugs are laid over composite wood decking, they may rust or stain the deck.
For more information on how to use rubber mats on composite decking, be sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions or call the manufacturer.
Here are some ways you can make your deck less slippery:
- Install non-slip tape
- Use an anti-slip layer
- Choose a deck with a wood-grain finish
- Apply a waterproof topcoat
Storage at the Job Site
If you are building composite wood decking, make sure you or your company properly stores the decking materials on-site until they are in place. The proper way to stack deck boards is on a flat, level surface.
Do not store decking materials directly on the ground. For 1″ x 12″ and 1″ x 8″ decks, store up to 12 bundles.
Up to 14 bundles of bedding can be stacked together. Arrange the bedding neatly so that it is 8 inches apart and straight at the top and bottom. There should be approximately 2 feet of space between each piece.
How to Handle Snow and Ice?
You can use a shovel on composite decking to remove snow and ice, just as you would remove snow from a sidewalk. However, be careful when doing so.
You should use a plastic shovel, not a metal shovel with a blade. This is because metal shovels can easily scratch composite decking. If you want to be extra careful, you can use a broom or leaf blower fan to remove thin layers of snow after a light snowfall.
You may need to melt hard-to-break ice with rock salt or calcium chloride before attempting to shovel it. Rock salt can be used on composite decking without harm. However, you should clean off the rock salt as soon as you finish removing the deck.
How Often Should I Clean My Composite Decking?
There is no hard and fast rule on how often Composite decking should be cleaned. To prevent spotting, it can be cleaned when needed.
To prevent dust and other things from building up, you should clean your composite decking twice a year. Many people do composite decking cleaning when the weather is warm enough to go outside and after the season is over.
Can I Pressure Wash My Composite Decking?
Yes, in most cases. Even so, be careful not to harm your composite decking when pressure washing or using pressure.
For those who choose to pressure wash, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Always use a fan nozzle on your power washer. This ensures that the water is dispersed enough to not harm the decking surface.
- Do not exceed 1,500 PSI; too much pressure can damage the deck.
- Do not place the tip of the pressure washer too close to the deck surface. This is to prevent damage to the composite decking surface, try to leave at least six inches of space between them.
- When cleaning composite decking boards, make sure you follow the grain. If they are not cleaned with the grain, they are more likely to cause dents or other damage.
Actually, EVODEK is a famous wpc supplier, if you have some cleaning questions when using it, email us. And you can tell us to get a free example when you want to decorate your garden decking or indoor wpc.
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