How to Clean Composite Decks

Decaying leaves, bird droppings and outdoor grilling spills cause your composite decking to look a mess, but one of the advantages of composite decking material is its simple maintenance. When cleaning your deck, make certain that water does not get trapped in corners or other areas where drainage is poor. Even though composite material is resistant to rot, trapped water can cause mildew and staining and attract insects. If you choose to use a cleaning product, test it in an inconspicuous corner before applying it to the entire deck. Some cleansers can discolor your decking material.

Things You'll Need

• Broom or leaf blower
• Garden hose with nozzle
• Shop broom or long-handled brush
• Power washer
• Deck cleaner

Instructions

1. Remove furniture and other items from the deck. Sweep the area thoroughly or blow it clean with a leaf blower.

2. Place a nozzle attachment on your garden hose and rinse off the deck, working from one end to the other. If your deck has stairs, rinse them off, starting at the top step and working your way down.

3. Scrub stuck-on debris with a shop broom or long-handled brush.

4. Clean your composite deck with a power washer and manufacturer-recommended cleaning product if it is extremely dirty or if simple rinsing is not adequate. Read the directions for your power washer before using. Power washers are simple tools to operate, but instructions differ by model.

5. Turn on the washer and test the spray by pointing the nozzle away from your house and the area to be cleaned. Pull back on the trigger and make sure the washer is working correctly.

6. Hold the wand so it is approximately 3 feet away from the surface of the deck while cleaning. Pass the spray back and forth over the deck a few times and check for cleanliness. If needed, hold the wand closer to the deck for optimal cleaning power. Spray the entire deck with careful, overlapping passes.

7. Repeat the process without cleanser to rinse off any detergent residue.

Tips & Warnings

• Regular sweeping and rinsing may prevent the need for more vigorous cleaning.

• Make certain all hoses and nozzles are properly attached before switching on the power washer. Loose components can become dangerous projectiles under pressure.

• Wear safety gear while power washing. Protect your eyes from flying debris and use ear plugs if the noise from your washer is unusually loud.

References

• The Decking Guide: Composite Decking
• Build Direct: Friends for Life: Maintaining Your Cedar or Composite Decking
• Power Washers: How to Use Power Washers

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish