How To Clean A Composite Or Wood Deck

How To Clean Composite Decking

For composite decking, don’t use a wood deck cleaner—rather, choose one specialized for composite lumber. It really depends on the results your Composite Deck Cleaner can deliver. You don’t have to pressure wash a Trex Deck with Spray and Clean Deck Cleaner. This product was made to clean decks with a simple garden pump sprayer which can save you the cost of renting a pressure washer. When completed, rinse the deck off with water, a pressure washer and/or a scrub brush will assist in the cleaning process. As outdoor spaces, decks are exposed to extreme elements of heat, cold, and moisture. With wood decks, this means annual and semiannual maintenance.

Decking & Railing Duos

Will the Defy deck cleaner likely get the black stains out of the composite deck pores that still remain? If the stains can be removed and I then apply the clear Defy sealer, what likely will be my deck color?

• If the stains can be removed and I then apply the clear Defy sealer, what likely will be my deck color?
• Will the Defy deck cleaner likely get the black stains out of the composite deck pores that still remain?
• Last question, I am replacing an older portion of wooden deck with Trex.
• When dry the current light tan color becomes much closer to the original saddle when wet with water, so would my Defy sealed deck once dried be colored more like it is now when dry or wet?
• Another option I’d like to pursue is changing colors from the tan/cedar tones to a weathered gray.

The Composite Deck Cleaning Process

Often, the only maintenance composite decking requires is an occasional power washing. To maintain the beauty of your Trex® deck, a little care and cleaning goes a long way. All exterior building materials require cleaning and a Trex deck is no different. For early-generation composite products (Trex Accents®, Trex Origins®, Trex Contours®, Trex Profiles® or Trex Brasilia®), we recommend a semi-annual cleaning with a composite deck cleaner.

Buyers Guide: The Best Deck Cleaners

Composite decks are made of materials that will not rot, rust, fade or mildew. Despite the fact that very little can go wrong with their structural soundness, it is still a good idea to periodically make a visual inspection. Because you most likely have the original-style composite decking, be wary about substituting other deck cleaners. TimberTech Composite Deck Cleaner, for example, has a warning on the label that it’s not for wood or non-capped composite wood. Unknown Composite Decking – If you are not sure what type of composite decking you have, proceed with caution.

Liquid dish soap (ammonia-free) is safe for use on cleaning your natural wood deck when mixed with a little warm water. Simply mix 1 gallon of water, 2 tablespoons of ammonia-free dish soap (such as Murphy’s), 1 pint of rubbing alcohol, and 1 quart of oxygen bleach.

When it comes to semiannual cleaning and maintenance, the most important task is washing the deck to ensure the removal of mold and dirt that can build up and cause rotting. Although today’s composite decks are maintenance free in comparison to wood decks, owners should clean them with soap and water once or twice a year.

Once mold has stained has occurred, it can be extremely hard to remove. In most cases, a garden hose is sufficient for regular cleaning. If you have to pressure wash your composite deck, remember to keep it at the lowest pressure possible and no closer than eight inches from the deck surface. Capping composite decking provides a tougher surface.