Rhino Hide® 5 Mistakes To Avoid When Cleaning Your Composite Deck

Pressure washing is not usually recommended for composite decking. Pressure washing too close or using too much pressure can be ruinous for your deck. Composite decking material is softer than natural wood and therefore can be “etched” more easily.

When purchasing a cleaner, always check the label and NEVER use a Chlorine Bleach based “deck cleaner”. If the active ingredients read – Sodium Hypochlorite, it contains Bleach. Chlorine Bleach is extremely corrosive and will “eat” any material it’s applied to. Eventually, it will discolor your deck, damage the surface and exacerbate any mold/mildew issues that can occur. Avoid this costly mistake and choose a non-toxic, sodium percarbonate based cleaner. A visit to the Trex website reveals they have a comprehensive cleaning guide that may help you. They are quick to point out that a powerful pressure washer, one that delivers a pressure stream greater that 1,500 pounds per square inch , is to be avoided.

Step 2: Spray With Soapy Water & Scrub

This can be done by diluting 4 parts water with 1-part Spray & Clean and spraying your deck every 60 days or so during the season. You can also spray an hour or two before an oncoming rain storm which is a perfect way to rinse your deck naturally.

How Long Do Composite Decks Last?

• They may rise to the surface at some point and need cleaning again.
• The sun’s UV rays cause the wood fibers in the decking to turn gray.
• This can be done by diluting 4 parts water with 1-part Spray & Clean and spraying your deck every 60 days or so during the season.
• This may happen once or twice after the initial cleaning.
• If this is the first time you have cleaned your deck it’s possible that there are deep set mold stains that the solution didn’t reach.

Delamination is a material failure which affects both the look and the structural integrity of composite decking. Decking that suffers from delamination can't be 'fixed', and in most cases will need to be replaced. If you do get mould on your deck, consult your supplier about the kinds of treatments you can use to deal with it. Most will recommend some type of composite deck cleaner or composite deck wash. In most cases these work best when applied to a dry deck, so that the agent that kills the mould attacks it right down to the root. Technologies do improve though, and there are ways to clean mould from decking as and when it appears. I’ve visited a manufacturing plant where composite decking is made and have seen how the wood fibers and plastic are kept separate until just before they enter the extruding machine.

How To Clean Composite Decking With Bleach

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 .

For composite decking, don’t use a wood deck cleaner—rather, choose one specialized for composite lumber. If this doesn't work, you may need to try a commercial composite deck cleaning agent. Some manufacturers may require you to use a particular product in a particular way to protect both the look of the deck, and your warranty.

You'll get common surface dirt no matter what sort of decking you choose to install. Others may recommend doing the same, albeit with a purpose-designed composite deck cleaning agent. Like other wood deck varieties, composite decking is quite porous. Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck and Fence Cleaner is ideal for both manual and pressure washing to lift and remove dirt and debris from the deck surface. For how to clean composite decking DIY, start by spraying the deck off with a hose and water to remove any surface debris. Composite decks on the other hand, offer a lower level of all-around maintenance – they won’t splinter and you don’t need to worry about periodic staining, painting or sealing projects. Often, the only maintenance composite decking requires is an occasional power washing.

Buyers Guide: The Best Deck Cleaners

Composite decking is not only a beautiful addition to the home, but can offer many advantages over traditional wood decking. It is crucial to know how to properly care for a composite deck and taking the right steps will make all the difference. The most effective non-toxic solution to protect your deck is UltraBan. I can’t tell you how many customers who call and tell us they wished they knew about this product years ago. UltraBan was engineered specifically for the purpose of inhibiting mold growth on porous materials, without damaging the surface or the environment. When applied, it actually fuses with the decking creating an invisible shield protecting against mold and mildew. This technology has never been duplicated and if applied annually, you can rest assured that your deck will be protected year after year.