Types Of Deck Washes And Cleaners

Step 2: Spray With Soapy Water & Scrub

Trex does not recommend the use of a pressure washer. The use of a pressure washer on deck surface could damage the decking surface and will void the warranty with respect to any condition caused by the pressure washing. While this is not common, static electricity can occur on walking surfaces in dry climates or in areas where dry winds and dust-borne particles lay on the decking surfaces. If debris, such as pollen and dirt, is allowed to remain on the deck surface, mold can feed on the biofilm.

Premixed Vs Concentrated Deck Cleaners

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. TimberTech DeckCleaner™ is formulated, field-tested, and approved for cleaning TimberTech AZEK® Deck or Porch, TimberTech PRO® Deck, TimberTech EDGE® Deck, and TimberTech Composite Rail. 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.

Can I Seal Composite Decking?

You can leave them as is, but if you want, you should probably be able to remove them using coarse sandpaper. You can also try using a wire brush, but be aware that certain types of composite timber have a bad reaction to metal, which could worsen the situation. Try it out on an inconspicuous section of your deck first.

• Be very careful so that you use only ammonia free dish soap.
• Liquid dish soap (ammonia-free) is safe for use on cleaning your natural wood deck when mixed with a little warm water.
• 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.
• Otherwise, if ammonia is mixed with bleach, it can create toxic fumes.
• Simply mix 1 gallon of water, 2 tablespoons of ammonia-free dish soap (such as Murphy’s), 1 pint of rubbing alcohol, and 1 quart of oxygen bleach.
• Once you’ve blended your mixture, swab it on your deck and rinse it clean with water.

For a deeper clean, always use a soft bristle scrub brush. Again, if you are using the right cleaner, less scrubbing will be required. For snow removal, choose a plastic shovel instead of metal. A decking company recently contacted us for advice on how to prevent mold from growing under the deck. One of the biggest contributing factors to this problem is a simple step most people overlook during their regular cleaning – the gaps! Dirt and debris can build up over time collecting moisture providing the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Depending on your climate, the gaps between your deck boards should be cleared out at least once a year.

Ways To Damage Your Composite Deck

However, TSP is not considered an especially environmental choice and has all kinds of precautions on the back of its box. But if the deck has not been cleaned in a long time and algae is visible, it may have to occasionally be used, with care and caution.

For plastic, a mixture of baking soda and warm water works. Just place the baking soda and water mixture in a spray bottle and apply on target surface.

Removing Stains

Wet wood is more likely to gouge, and placing heavy objects on wet wood increases the risk of mold. Take care of getting rid of moss or moldy spots by first mixing the oxygen bleach and hot water inside a large bucket.

How To Avoid Mold And Mildew Growth

Do not use a wire brush as that will thoroughly scratch your plastic decking. Scratches will trap dirt, look bad, and are difficult to clean.

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. Utilizing the recommended products in this guide is important to make care and cleaning easier and to ensure the use of products that have been tested to be compatible with your new deck. Always read and follow the product manufacturer’s specific instructions before using any product on your TimberTech deck. Although TimberTech products are low-maintenance, we recommend periodic cleaning to help maintain the beauty of the product.