Ensuring a clean, well-kept surface is crucial for the longevity of your composite decking. Nothing is more frustrating than seeing it wear and tear after investing. However, the most effective way of doing that can be tricky to know, especially if you’re unaware of the best techniques or products to use.
Understanding Composite Decking
Composite decking is durable and resistant to rot. It also requires significantly lower maintenance than other decks, specifically traditional wood. Knowing the specifics of your decking will allow you to take the steps needed to ensure its longevity and aesthetic appeal and understand proper cleaning processes.
Benefits of composite decking
Composite decking requires less time and effort to maintain as a low-maintenance option than alternative options. Unlike wood, composite decking doesn’t require staining, sealing, or painting, making it a great choice if you love your outdoor living space but don’t quite have enough time to invest in its upkeep.
Additionally, because it is resistant to rot, warping, splintering, and insect damage, your deck will naturally have a longer lifespan than other options. For aesthetic purposes, composite decking comes in a variety of colours and finishes, allowing you to customise it to suit your outdoor space.
Why proper cleaning is essential
Proper cleaning ensures that your decking maintains its appearance, longevity, and performance. Neglecting your deck can lead to mould growth, discolouration, and, worst cases, structural damage that can cause safety issues.
Regular surface cleaning can prevent the accumulation of dirt, debris, and stains that could deteriorate the decking over time. While cleaning is essential, using harsh chemicals or pressure washing can also cause irreversible damage to your composite decking.
Instead, gentle cleaning solutions and soft bristle brushes will do the job just fine without risking damage.
For our clients, we like to give a crash course on aftercare and maintenance of their new decking to ensure they’re fully equipped with the knowledge to maintain it properly over time.
Essential Tools and Materials for Cleaning Composite Decking
Effectively cleaning your composite decking starts with using the right tools. These will help you tackle tough dirt and stains and keep you safe throughout the process.
Proper brushes and equipment
Soft-bristled brushes are the way to go, as they prevent scratching your composite decking. You can have an easier time cleaning your decking by leveraging a brush with a telescopic handle, ensuring you can clean comfortably.
If you need to deep clean, investing in a deck scrubber attachment for your hose can help avoid strenuous hand and knee effort.
For winter, consider applying a winter deck treatment to protect from harsh weather conditions, if applicable. If you’re in a heavy snow area, you can also use pet-friendly ice removal and snow-melting compounds to help prevent damage to your deck.
Safety gear
It goes without saying that you should always wear protective eyewear and gloves when working with cleaning chemicals. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when debris can fly into the area during a heavy cleaning.
Gloves provide protection from chemicals and allow you to grip your tools more efficiently, which may not seem important at first but can be an issue in icy weather.
Finally, ensure that you’re wearing closed-toe shoes, preferably ones with a solid front. It’s not uncommon for accidental injuries to occur from kicking sharp objects, hitting the sides of your deck, or slipping mid-clean because your shoes don’t have enough grip.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Composite Decking
While we can’t provide a specific step-by-step guide for your unique deck, we can highlight some of the steps you should take when cleaning your composite decking.
As noted throughout this post, starting with a gentle cleaner and a soft-bristled brush is a must.
Tackling tough stains
The goal of all stain cleaning is to remove the stains without damaging the decking. You can start by spot-cleaning areas where stains require a little more elbow grease. Use a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap for these areas, and gently scrub the stain using your brush.
If the stains are still too stubborn, consider using a composite-safe deicer to help loosen the residue before you clean.
If snow is an issue, a dish soap wash followed by a thorough rinse can help lift stains. Let the soapy solution sit for a few minutes, then lightly scrub before rinsing.
Rinsing and drying your deck
A thorough rinse and dry are necessary for effective cleaning. Use a garden hose with a nozzle attachment to spray the deck, removing any remaining soap or debris. We find it easier if you start from one end and slowly work your way to the other.
Once rinsed, you want to give your deck enough time to dry before moving back in furniture or accessories. Allowing it to dry completely helps prevent water spots and maintains your deck’s longevity.
Power Washing Composite Decking: Do’s and Don’ts
What about a power wash?
Before skipping the soap and brush line and heading straight for the power wash, it’s vital to understand that misusing a power washer can cause irreversible damage to your deck.
When to use a power washer
Power washing your composite deck can be beneficial after a winter season to remove any built-up debris, dirt, or snow/ice remnants. However, it is recommended that you use your power washer sparingly. High-pressure spraying should only be done when there’s a considerable amount of dirt buildup that regular cleaning simply can’t handle.
Ensure your power washer is set to an appropriate pressure level, and maintain a safe distance from the deck surface to avoid accidental damage.
Dealing with Specific Stains and Problems
Common stains and problems can detract from the overall aesthetic appeal of your decking and, if left unchecked for a prolonged period, cause safety issues. Having the right cleaning techniques at your disposal will make regular maintenance easier.
Removing mould and mildew
Mould and mildew are the bane of every deck owner. More often than not, it sneaks its way in and starts doing damage before you notice it. Acting promptly helps prevent further growth and potential damage.
To effectively remove mould and mildew, start by cleaning the affected areas with a non-abrasive cleaner designed specifically for composite decking. This helps lift the mould and mildew without causing surface damage.
Keep your composite decking clean and free from debris to prevent mould and mildew from regrowing. We also recommend regularly sweeping the area and ensuring proper drainage to avoid water accumulation.
If you’ve had a deck built by us, we run all these checks once installation has been finalised. However, even if that’s the case, a blockage could occur through use over time. These checks ensure you’re taking a proactive approach to your composite deck maintenance and can effectively combat mould and mildew in the future.
Cleaning grease and oil stains
Grease and oil stains can be particularly stubborn. Start by blotting up any excess grease or oil with kitchen paper towels or a clean cloth to prevent them from spreading further. Avoid using calcium chloride ice melt products on your deck, as these can leave behind oily residues that can worsen the stains.
Following your manufacturer’s product care instructions is valuable during these events, as they will tell you what cleaner you need to use. Once you have that, avoid harsh scrubbing, as this can damage the deck surface, and follow with a thorough rinse with water.
If you’re struggling to find your particular manufacturer’s product care instructions, get in touch. We’ll be able to inform you of the correct care for your particular decking.
Professional Cleaning vs. DIY: When to Call the Experts
One keen trait of any deck owner is the ability to notice when professional cleaning is needed. Sometimes, you don’t have the correct tools for the task or are unsure of the best approach. This is when professional cleaning is most valuable.
Signs your deck needs professional attention
When performing regular maintenance checks, watch out for visible mould, mildew or stubborn stains. If you notice black or green spots on the surface, this could indicate mould or mildew growth.
Similarly, stubborn stains like grease, oil, or rust that resist your usual cleaning methods might require a more specialised treatment that professionals can provide. Deep-seated dirt or grime can cause appearance and structural issues if left unchecked.
Another red flag is if your deck has become slippery, even when dry. This could indicate a buildup of algae or mould, making it hazardous to walk on.
Regular maintenance can often prevent these issues from arising. If the issue itself isn’t too damaging, DIY cleaning methods can resolve and repair the deck. That said, if you’ve done what you can but are still finding the issue persists, calling professionals like us is the next best option.
Failing to solve these issues can not only damage your deck or leave it looking aged and dishevelled, but it can also cause a significant health risk, potentially contributing to future accidents or harm to users. We can come and look at your deck, let you know the solution, quote, and get it sorted.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining your composite decking is essential for its longevity and appearance. By using gentle cleaning methods and avoiding harsh chemicals or pressure washers, you can keep your deck looking great for years to come.
Remember to spot clean tough stains, use composite-safe products, and follow a regular cleaning routine to ensure the best results. With proper care, your composite deck will continue to be a beautiful and functional outdoor space for your enjoyment.
If you’re looking to expand your outdoor living space with a new deck or need professional cleaning, contact us; our team would love to help.
