How to Clean an Ultradeck Composite Deck

Ultradeck composite decks are made from recycled materials and wood fiber. The deck planks are created to look like wood while requiring less cleaning and general maintenance than wood decks. There are a few things you should do, and a few things you should definitely avoid, when cleaning this kind of composite deck. Cleaning Ultradeck composite decks is not difficult, and you don't need a lot of special products or tools to do it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soft-bristled broom
• Sponges
• Mop
• Bucket
• Water
• Mild liquid soap or composite deck cleaner

1. Sweep the deck well with a soft-bristled broom. Make sure you get dirt out of corners and crevices.

2. Pour liquid soap or deck cleaner directly on heavily soiled spots. Scrub these areas with a wet sponge to loosen dirt and stains.

3. Mix warm water and liquid soap (or use composite deck cleaner by following the directions on the label as they may differ, depending on the particular product). Stir.

4. Dip a mop into the bucket and squeeze it out. You shouldn't need much water for cleaning this decking.

5. Work on heavily soiled areas first. Rinse the mop head frequently in the bucket or under running water---otherwise you are just moving the dirt around, rather than cleaning.

6. Rinse the deck off with clean water and let it dry naturally.

Tips & Warnings

• Weekly sweeping will help keep dirt from being ground into the deck. Using a broom often will cut the time you'll have to spend cleaning decks later. Any kind of mop will work for cleaning the deck---sponge mops, cotton mops or microfiber mops. For grease or oil stains on decking, try pouring liquid de-greasing dish detergent directly on the spot. Let it sit for a few moments then remove it with a sponge.
• Do not use a power washer, abrasives or harsh chemicals to clean these decks. Such methods should not be necessary and using them may harm the surface.

Resources

• More about Ultradeck
• One example of composite deck cleaner