Deck Maintenance

How To Clean Composite Decking

The product may also contain surfactants to help stave off staining. Most painted deck cleaning products come premixed and should be sprayed or squirted on, mopped lightly to clean away dirt and grime, and then wiped dry with clean, soft rags.

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?

• Address stains as soon as possible, and make sure your deck continues to maintain adequate drainage to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
• Composite decking has become an extremely popular material for outdoor decks.
• Capping composite decking provides a tougher surface.
• Because your deck is exposed to the elements every day, routine cleaning is needed to keep it looking great.
• Scrub it by hand or with a pressure washer at least twice a year.
• Keep the surface as dry as possible and free of debris by sweeping frequently.

The Composite Deck Cleaning Process

Note that while Star Brite is manufactured as a deck cleaning product for boats, it’s gentle formulation makes it a great choice for residential decks as well. The premixed liquid can be applied to a wet deck either with a pump sprayer or a soft deck brush. Even after you rinse it away, the cleaner leaves a microscopic layer of polymer protection to help repel stains and spills in the future. One gallon cleans and treats a deck up to 1,000 square feet. Composite decking is manufactured from wood byproducts and plastic, and it comes with an impermeable surface, designed to resist rotting and decay. Wood deck cleaners may be too harsh for composite decks, especially if they contain brightening ingredients, which can strip the sheen off decking, leaving a dull, unattractive look.

Buyers Guide: The Best Deck Cleaners

Composites should be cleaned the same way as a wooden deck to remove over 90% of the black stains. Bleach will take care of the mold and mildew and the oxalic acid brightener will neutralize the tannins stains. This is the main reason they lost their first lawsuit, because they were not completely honest with the public about the black stains. It was also recommended to them that even if they used 1% wood in their formula they should recommend sealing. They used about 50% red oak and did not recommend sealing. The issue was further compounded when folks started pressure washing the surfaces and removing the cream coating which further exposed the wood content leading to more black stains. This is when they came out with “pressure washing may void the warranty” as Rob alluded too.

Composite decking has become an extremely popular material for outdoor decks. Because your deck is exposed to the elements every day, routine cleaning is needed to keep it looking great. Keep the surface as dry as possible and free of debris by sweeping frequently. Scrub it by hand or with a pressure washer at least twice a year. Address stains as soon as possible, and make sure your deck continues to maintain adequate drainage to prevent mold and mildew from growing. 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.

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.

If using a pressure washer, avoid using a maximum pressure setting, as too much force can damage the surface. If you prefer to pressure wash your Trex decking, that’s fine.