How To Clean Garden Decking Effectively

Deck Maintenance & Care

In some cases, your natural wood deck may also splinter, requiring sanding or replacing loose boards from time to time. Designing and building a deck suited to your wants and needs can be fun and exciting. But when it comes time for care and maintenance, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into beforehand. Examine the pros and cons of composite or wood decking -- specifically when it comes to how to clean your decking. And in addition to routine cleaning, you should also be aware of other maintenance work you may need to do from time to time on your deck. Make sure that all pigment is mixed evenly into the stain. Apply one coat of Composite Deck Finish following label directions.

Decking & Railing Duos

Spray in the direction of the grain pattern, never across the grain or width of the board, to avoid damaging the product. Use caution not to damage the material and always take proper safety precautions when operating a power washer. Using the incorrect brush can make cleaning more difficult or even damage the deck board. We recommend using the Quickie® Bulldozer Deck Scrub Brush or a medium stiffness nylon bristle deck brush. These can be found at most large retail home centers or online. Do not use a stiff, natural fiber deck brush on TimberTech Decking as they can dull the surface.

Never sand or use a wire brush in an attempt to remove stains from Trex. This will cause permanent damage and can make your warranty invalid. A thorough rinse will also remove any food sources for mold like dirt and grime.

ReliaBoard and DockSider are composite products, and cleaning is NOT the same as for capped composite products such as TimberTech PRO and EDGE Collections. In preparation for cleaning you will need water for rinsing , the recommended deck brush with an extension handle, and TimberTech DeckCleaner. It is the best solution for seasonal cleanup, everyday spills, or stubborn spots. On average, one gallon diluted with one part cleaner to three parts water will clean approximately 1,000 square feet of surface area. Always read and follow the product manufacturers’ specific instructions before using any cleaning product on your deck or porch.

Cleaning Black Mold From Your Deck

When cleaning your deck, make sure you only use oxygen bleach and not chlorine bleach, which can compromise the structural integrity of your wood deck. Additionally, there are a number of safe, homemade cleaning solutions you can use on your deck, regardless of whether you have a natural wood or composite deck. These ingredients can be purchased from your local hardware or general store.

How To Remove Snow & Ice From Composite Decking

Can I reverse it by drying it out with a blower after power washing it or something? I definitely can not afford to replace the deck so any advice will be greatly appreciated. Cassandra, if there are areas that are still peeling, you may be stuck with recoating it with another solid stain. In this case, you wouldn’t need to use the Composite Deck Sealer. That can be applied over top of other types of solid stains, as long as they are in tact, and not peeling. Candace, if the deck is absorbing water, you can apply DEFY Extreme Composite Deck Sealer. That will give it a little darker look, closer to the original finish.

Leave the furniture in the yard and the dog in the house so the sealer has a chance to cure out. On a day-to-day basis, especially during the summer when outdoor entertaining is frequent, make sure you remove and clean any food spills as soon as possible.

A power washer can be used for rinsing only, with a water pressure not exceeding 1,500 psi. For more information, see the our Care & Cleaning Guide. Using the Wrong CleanerComposite decking can be quite porous, so it’s important to use the correct cleaner on your deck. Avoiding using any deck cleaner that has bleach in it as it can be extremely corrosive. Instead, use an oxygenated cleaner that can reach deep into the material and clean the inside of the deck as well as the outside. Rinse with Clean WaterOnce the deck has been scrubbed, rinse thoroughly with clean water, ensuring all the soapy water has been rinsed clear from the deck.

• Use a deck brightener than contains oxalic acid on tannin stains.
• Over time, you will likely start to notice some on your deck.
• Water spots, also known as tannin stains, are normal occurrences on wood.
• Remove stubborn dirt with mild soap and a soft bristled brush.
• Make sure the surface is completely dry and then apply a deck brightener product that contains oxalic acid on the surface of your deck.
• Hose your deck off thoroughly with a water hose fitted with a good variable fan spray nozzle to loosen and remove surface debris.

You can also get a soft-bristle broom, which will make cleaning the entire deck much easier on your back. Dip the brush in your soapy mixture and start scrubbing the ridges and patterns on your deck. Focus on these areas because dust and debris can hide in these spaces. If you use a power washer instead of a garden hose, the model should be less than 3,100 psi to avoid damaging the deck. Set the hose nozzle to the “spray” setting so there’s some power behind the spray.

They look unsightly on your deck, but it won’t harm or ruin the composite structure. Sweep the floor with the broom to remove any loose debris. Before you apply water, make sure all loose dirt and leaves are removed.

Some manufacturers allow higher than 1,500 PSI, but always check their guidelines before using higher pressure. The small grooves and spaces between the decking sometimes trap dirt and grime over time. If this begins to build up, start with the soap-and-water method mentioned in chapter 1. Leaves, small twigs, and other items often accumulate on a deck, especially if trees are nearby.