Composite decks are becoming very popular for outdoor decking materials. Since the deck is exposed to various elements on a daily basis, regular cleaning is required to maintain its appearance. Sweep the deck surface daily to keep it dry and dust-free. Scrub with your hands or a pressure washer at least twice a year. Treat the stain as soon as possible, and ensure that the deck drainage is of good quality to prevent mold growth.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Performing Routine Cleaning
Step 1. Sweep up all trash at least once a week
Diligently sweep the deck to keep it free of debris and dust. Depending on the crowd on the deck and the current season, you may need to sweep once a day, or every few days. At least, do it once a week
- If you have a very large deck, use a leaf blower.
- If you have one, use a crevice head and a brush on a shop vacuum to remove dirt and debris between the deck boards.
Step 2. Remove stubborn dirt with a mild soap and soft-bristled brush
Flush the deck completely with a fan nozzle nozzle to loosen and remove debris. Mix warm water and dish soap in a bucket. Use a soft-bristled brush and cleaning solution to scrub the deck. Make sure you don't miss the niches and corners of the deck. After that, rinse the soap with water from the hose.
- This step also removes mold on the deck.
- Make sure you do this cleaning, at least twice per year.
Step 3. Use a pressure washer machine
This method is faster, although it is as effective as rubbing by hand. Use a pressure washer machine with a maximum pressure of 218 kg/cm2 and is equipped with a fan head and a soap dispenser. Spray the deck with a mild soap. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the board. Use the fan head to spray each deck board and rinse off any soap and dirt.
- Pressure washers can damage deck boards if not used carefully. Never point the spray water at yourself, others, or pets. Small flying debris can also damage or harm the deck.
- Always stand 20 cm away from the deck surface and spray in the groove of the wood to prevent damage.
- Make sure you rinse off the soap thoroughly; otherwise the soap will leave wax residue on the deck surface.
Method 2 of 3: Getting Rid of Stains
Step 1. Use dish soap and hot water on oily stains
Mild dish soap, such as Dawn, is a powerful degreaser. Treat oil stains as soon as they are found; the longer you leave it on, the more difficult it will be to clean it. Use a soft-bristled brush and soapy water to scrub the stain. Rinse completely with hot water.
If the oil stain has settled and the dish soap won't remove it, try an oil cleaning product such as OSR or Pour-N-Restore. You can buy it at a hardware store
Step 2. Use a brightening deck containing oxalic acid on the tannin stain
Tannin stains, aka water spots, are common on wood. Over time, you will see them appear on the deck. Sweep the deck to keep it free of dust and dirt. Make sure the surface is completely dry and apply a deck brightener containing oxalic acid to the deck surface
- Read the product manufacturer's manual carefully.
- Deck brighteners can be purchased at hardware stores.
Step 3. Use oxalic acid on rust stains and other stubborn spots
Sweep the deck and apply the product directly to the stain. Wet the area and let sit for 15 minutes. Rinse the stain completely with hose water
Method 3 of 3: Maintaining the Deck
Step 1. Keep the deck surface clean
The mixture of moisture and dirt/pollen will grow mold on the deck. Prevent it by keeping the deck surface as clean as possible. Ensure optimal functioning of deck drainage around the perimeter and between deck boards.
Step 2. Monitor for drainage problems
The deck must have a minimum distance of 15 cm between the wooden floor and the ground below for ventilation. This allows water to flow off the deck onto the ground without pooling in the ground. There should be no puddles under the deck.
If you notice standing water under the deck, it's a good idea to use some other soil around the deck to allow drainage
Step 3. Keep the gaps between the decks free of debris
Pollen, leaves, dirt, and other debris are often clogged between wooden planks. This is easy to miss because it is not easily visible on the surface. Make sure you check for gaps and keep the space between the decks clear of dirt.
