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Cleaning and Maintain Composite Decking

by johnliam
Cleaning and Maintain Composite Decking

When using any composite decking cleaning product, always follow the guidelines for appropriate usage, disposal, and safety. Always try cleaning chemicals in a tiny, inconspicuous area of your deck to verify they work. Cleaning products (ammonia, phosphoric acid, etc.) should never be used with bleach. Before and after using any deck cleaning methods, sprinkle water on plants and bushes surrounding the deck; thoroughly cover delicate vegetation. Reapplying cleansers until the appropriate level of cleanliness is reached may be necessary for some circumstances. Cleaning and Maintain Composite Decking?

How to clean and maintain composite decking

Removing Dirt & Debris

Removing Dirt & Debris

Using a broom or leaf blower, remove dirt and debris from your composite deck once a week to keep it cleaner for longer. If required, remove filth and hard places with a nylon scrub brush and mild soap and warm water.

Mold, Mildew, and Bio-Based Stains Cleaning

Mold, Mildew, and Bio-Based Stains Cleaning

Apply Olympic Premium Deck Cleaner as advised to swiftly remove mold stains from composite decking; this is a bleach-based kompositdäck cleaner that may brighten the deck’s surface look. To achieve the best effects, apply evenly throughout the whole deck surface. Use Spray and Forget to help prevent mold growth after cleaning for long-term results. Spray and Forget can be done once a year in heavy mold conditions as a prophylactic step. Bio-based staining agents, such as bird droppings, should be cleaned as soon as possible to prevent natural tannins from coloring the deck, which will necessitate more thorough cleaning. Before beginning, read and follow the cleaning product manufacturer’s directions and safety warnings. Wear protective equipment such as safety glasses and gloves. Additional ideas and tactics may be found in our Mold and Mildew Cleaning Instructions.

Removing Tannin Stains, Water Spots & Rust Stains

Temporary bluish-black “tannin” stains can appear on composite decking, as they do on any product containing wood. These will fade over time or can be readily removed using an oxalic acid-based composite deck cleanser (commonly known as wood brighteners). Water sports and rust stains can also be removed with this sort of deck cleanser. Following the manufacturer’s directions when using a composite deck cleaner with oxalic or phosphoric acid may brighten your deck. To achieve the best effects, apply evenly throughout the whole deck surface. Tannin oils help wash away organic detritus and plant matter as they dry. Sweeping away trash can help prevent stains from forming. For further information, see our Tannin Cleaning Instructions.

Cleaning Food Oil & Grease Stains

Remove food-grade oil and grease stains from komposittrall as soon as possible with a home degreasing product like dishwashing liquid. Apply warm water to the area and scrub gently with a nylon brush. Rinse the detergent off the deck well with warm water. If the stain has been left on the deck for more than two hours, use an oil stain remover made for decking.

Removing Chalk Lines

Use a blue or white chalk line when installing your composite deck. DO NOT USE RED CHALK. Scrub the affected area with soap and hot water to help remove the stain.

Cleaning a Composite Deck with Pressure

Cleaning a Composite Deck with Pressure

To eliminate built-up filth, pressure washes your moisture shield deck as needed. Pressure washing composite decking with too much pressure can cause lasting damage. Keep the wand at least 10 inches from the deck surface and use a fan tip blade with no more than 1300 PSI.

Fixing Scratches & Surface Abrasions

MoistureShield composite decking is made to resist everyday wear and tear. Due to their self-healing qualities, light scratches on our uncapped Vantage series boards will vanish in 12 – 16 weeks. Polymer caps are integrated right into our Elevate, Meridian, and Vision series boards, providing greater scratch resistance.

Affected boards may need to be replaced in areas with severe damage, such as deep abrasions or fractured boards. The procedure for replacing boards is determined by the type of fastener used to attach them to the joists. For step-by-step instructions on replacing damaged boards, see our Installation & Maintenance Guide.

  • To remove scratches from composite decking boards, DO NOT send the top surface. Sanding will discolor the surface and erase the embossed texture.
  • DO NOT use putty or wood fillers to fix deep scratches. Because of the plastic composition, these materials will not attach to composite decking.
  • To fix scratches or modify the general appearance of your composite decking, DO NOT use paints, stains, or sealers. Because of the plastic composition, these goods will not cling to composite decking.

Snow and ice removal

Snow and ice removal

To avoid unintentional stains on your composite deck from these materials, use a clear ice melt compound or rock salt. Choose an ice melt that says it’s safe to use on concrete and flagstone, as well as for kids and dogs. With a push broom, remove any extra ice melt or salt from your deck.

  • Clean your deck with warm soapy water and a thorough washing as soon as the weather permits to ensure the surface is free of any lingering ice melt or rock salt.
  • To clear snow and ice, avoid using sharp instruments (such as metal shovels and metal or plastic ice picks). They may gouge the surface of your composite deck inadvertently.
  • Sand should not be used to provide traction on your deck. Sand is extremely abrasive and will damage any composite decking.

Read more: Is Composite Decking Worth It?

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