How To Clean And Seal Composite Decking

How To Clean Composite Decking (in 6 Easy Steps)

First, you want a water-based sealer as opposed to a solvent. In addition to simply being easier to work with, there are two main advantages in selecting a water-based product. Solvent-based products, or alkyds, will typically amber the color of the surface, whereas many of the water-based products are crystal clear and will not alter the color of the wood. Additionally, the alkyd resins in solvent-based products will serve as a food source for mold, mildew, and algae (what you’re trying to eliminate). Some water-based products utilize synthetic resins; these offer no food value for future mildew growth.

Leaf Stain Removal - Popular Mechanics

How to Clean Wood Deck

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. The first product we bought will not work because our deck does not absorb water when sprayed.

This cleaning routine will keep your deck looking great and will prevent you from needing to frequently reach for the power washer. If the deck is made from a composite material, use a composite deck cleaner. The posts and other vertical boards will not be made from composite material, but they don't need to be cleaned as often because they don't hold standing water. Remove stubborn dirt with mild soap and a soft bristled brush. Hose your deck off thoroughly with a water hose fitted with a good variable fan spray nozzle to loosen and remove surface debris. Mix warm water and mild dish soap in a bucket.

Is It A Good Idea To Power Wash Your Deck ?

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. If the ingredients include Sodium Hypochlorite, it contains Bleach. Make sure you choose a non-toxic, sodium percarbonate based cleaner. Use a broom to remove snow from your composite decking. Don’t rely on semi-annual cleanings to remove grease stains from your Trex decking. If you ever spill grease, oil or food on your deck, clean it up immediately. If you don’t wipe up these spills within seven days, any resulting permanent stains will not be covered under the Trex stain warranty.

Power Washing Wood Decks

Use a soft bristled brush and the cleaning solution to scrub your deck clean. Make sure to get down in the crevices and corners thoroughly. 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. If you’re not sure about how to clean a particular stain, test the cleaner out on a part of the deck that is not visible. Use a plastic shovel.When shoveling snow on your composite decking, make sure that your shovel has a plastic blade, which will minimize the chance of scratching the surface of your deck. Never use a Chlorine Bleach based deck cleaner.

Regular cleaning of dirt and debris can easily be done with a household broom or a garden hose. 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. Even if your deck looks clean it could be starting a good collection of debris so just give it a wash down with clean water every so often. This could be the only cure necessary to stop the mildew.

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Once power washing is done, you'll want to apply a degreaser/stain remover, or a professional grade deck cleaning solution. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing. One other factor to consider is that it's often recommended that you apply the cleaner in the early morning or evening hours so that the cleaner doesn't evaporate in the sun. 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. It is best if you can allow your deck to dry for hours before staining and sealing. Oxygen bleach or powdered oxygen laundry cleaner is safe for use on wood decks and useful in removing mold or spores.

Wet-and-Forget Moss, Mold, and Mildew Cleaner comes in a liquid concentrate for mixing with water, and it can be applied with a pump sprayer, a deck brush, or a hose-end dispenser. Simply saturate the wood decking evenly and let it dry on its own—no scrubbing or even mopping required. Mildewcide in the solution works to kill and remove any existing mold, while also helping to prevent future mold, moss, and mildew growth. If you live in an area where rain is frequent, mold and/or mildew can grow on your wood deck. Left untreated, these fungi will thrive and eventually destroy the wood’s cellular structure, leading to rot and decay. At the first sign of mold or mildew (grayish-white powdery-looking splotches) look for a cleaner containing mildewcide .

A Soapy Deck Scrub