Want to know how to make your composite deck spotless? Learn here!
One of the advantages of owning a composite deck is that cleaning it is a breeze! Composite deck materials are so low maintenance that, in many cases, you only have to sweep them to keep them clean and neat. That’s right! You don’t have to sand or stain a composite deck for protection. While composite decks rank high in longevity and have few maintenance needs, you still need to ensure they endure with proper cleaning techniques. Here are five tips that can help you clean your composite deck correctly.
Clear Everything from Your Composite Deck
Removing your tables, chairs, and potted plants is the first step to keeping your deck clean. This technique ensures that you’ll be able to reach every crevice of your deck. Depending on how much furniture you have, this could take a while. However, it’s much better to avoid needing to clean around your furniture.
Once you have cleared the space, sweep away dirt and debris and remove leaves and branches. Also, double-check any dirt you need to remove from the corners of your deck. During this time, it’s also ideal to cover any nearby plants, flowers, or decorations you don’t want to damage during the cleaning process.
Prep the Cleaner
The most optimal way to clean composite decking is with a cleaning agent designed for the material. Ensure that you use a manufacturer-recommended cleaner. Use a five-gallon bucket to pour one part cleaner into three parts water.
In other words, you want to dilute your cleaning solutions. One gallon of solution can cover up to 1,000 square feet inch of surface area. Once you’ve diluted your cleaning agent, shake it up nicely. Another option is using a mild soap like Dawn and water to clean your deck.
Map out How You’ll Clean the Deck
The next step is to section off the deck into small sections. You’ll want to work through one area at a time, ensuring that the cleaning products won’t dry or evaporate before you start cleaning the deck. Allow 30-60 seconds for the diluted cleaning solution to evaporate after you’ve saturated each section. However, you don’t want any sections to dry entirely before scrubbing. If so, the cleaning solution residue will be hard to remove.
Clean Your Composite Deck
Use a manufacturer-recommended brush to clean your deck. Your brush should have medium-stiffness nylon bristles designed for composite materials and an extension handle. Use downward pressure when you scrub your deck.
Also, scrub hard in the direction of the grain and then go against it to remove dirt and debris from the surface texture of the boards. We suggest rubbing more challenging areas twice and paying attention to your deck’s corners and edges. The corners and edges of decks tend to collect more dirt and debris. Also, if necessary, apply cleaner or soapy water to your deck and clean it with a sponge by scrubbing it like you would with a brush.
Rinse Away the Residue
After brushing each section, thoroughly rinse the treated area with clean water to remove residue. Soak up standing water with a towel or sponge mop for optimal results. After applying the diluted solution, scrubbing, and rinsing your deck section by section, allow the deck boards to dry thoroughly.
Would you love to own a low-maintenance composite or classic wood deck? If so, Mid-Atlantic Deck and Fence offer flexible financing options and expert installation. Beat the spring and summer crowd by having your deck installed this fall!
Call Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence For Your New Deck or Fence!
Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence has almost 30 years of experience in building beautiful custom fences, gazebos, screened-in porches, and decks throughout the state of Maryland. We have the expertise to design your dream fence or custom deck and have it installed in a headache-free process. Give us a call at 1-800-833-9310 or visit us online for a quote today! We offer many different styles of fencing and decking, in addition to custom options designed specifically to suit your preferences and tastes. To see examples of our work and get more tips on how to choose the right decking for your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Houzz, Pinterest, YouTube, and LinkedIn.