How to Restore Trex Decking

 

What is the best way to clean composite decking?

 

Whether you love grilling with the family, napping quietly in the sun, or repurposing your summertime spot for happy hour with friends, you can transform your backyard into an oasis with a custom deck or patio. Not only are they a great place to cook, relax, and entertain, they also add beauty and value to your home. Plus, AllPoint Construction is proud to be a TrexPro Certified Deck Installer, creating decks and patios that are beautiful, affordable, and of the highest quality.

Once we’ve built you the deck of your dreams, you’ll want to know how to maintain it! All outdoor decks require cleaning. And while composite decks may require less maintenance than other types of decks, that certainly doesn’t mean “no maintenance.” In fact, there are some mistakes that can actually increase the regular maintenance required to maintain your composite deck. Here are some tips to restore your deck and get it looking clean and ready for everyday use.

 

Don’t Use the Wrong Cleaner

Choosing the right cleaning product can literally make or break your deck. Although the surface looks durable, composite decking is actually quite porous and requires an oxygen cleaner that can penetrate deep into the material and clean both the inside of the deck and the surface. When purchasing a cleaning product, always check the label and never use anything labeled as a chlorine-based “deck cleaner.” If the active ingredients include sodium hypochlorite, it contains bleach. Chlorine bleach is very caustic and will attack any material it is applied to. This will ultimately discolor your deck, damage the surface (not to mention your yard), and can worsen any mold problems that may arise. Avoid this costly mistake by choosing a non-toxic sodium percarbonate cleaner.

Use extreme caution when pressure washing composite decking.

Pressure washing is generally not recommended for composite decking. If done incorrectly, it can be a big mistake and lead to damage. Pressure washing too close or with too much pressure can ruin your deck. Composite decking is softer than natural wood, which means it is easier to stain. Once the material is exposed, a variety of problems can occur, including splinters, sun damage, and mold stains on the plastic inside the hole. Once mold has taken hold, it can be extremely difficult to remove. In most cases, a garden hose is sufficient for regular cleaning. If you need to pressure wash your composite decking, be sure to use the lowest amount of pressure possible and stay at least eight inches away from the deck surface.

 

 

Be very careful when pressure washing your composite deck

Pressure washing is generally not recommended for composite decking. If done incorrectly, it can be a big mistake and lead to damage. Pressure washing too close or with too much pressure can ruin your deck. Composite decking is softer than natural wood, which means it is easier to etch. Once the material is opened, many problems can occur, such as splinters, sun damage, and mold stains on the plastic inside the opening. Once a mold stain has developed, it can be extremely difficult to remove. In most cases, a garden hose is sufficient for regular cleaning. If you must pressure wash your composite decking, remember to use the lowest amount of pressure possible and no closer than eight inches to the surface of the deck. 

 

Don’t forget the gaps!

Every homeowner wants to prevent mold from growing under their decking. One of the biggest contributors to this problem is a simple step that many people overlook during regular cleaning: cracks! Dirt and debris can accumulate over time, and the moisture that collects becomes the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. We recommend cleaning and scrubbing the cracks between your deck boards at least once a year. This allows air to circulate between the boards, helping to keep the underside clean and dry. Use the Right Tools

As with cracks and the right cleaning products, this advice applies here too. Composite decking requires a little extra attention when it comes to cleaning. Regularly sweeping away dirt and debris can be done easily with a broom or garden hose. For deeper cleaning, always use a soft brush instead of a wire brush. Again, if you use the right cleaning product, it should only take a little scrubbing. Always choose a plastic shovel over a metal one when removing snow or ice. 

How to Clean a Composite Deck

 

 

• Step 1: Pre-spray your deck
• Begin by spraying the deck off with a hose and water to remove any surface debris.
• Step 2: Spray with soapy water & scrub
  Next spray with soap, followed by gently scrubbing the deck boards with a soft bristle brush.
• Step 3: Rinse thoroughly
  After you’ve put a little elbow grease into scrubbing and cleaning with your brush, rinse the deck thoroughly.  Don’t skip this step: This is important because if dirty water from the cleaning is left to dry, a thin film may remain on the composite surface.

Removing mold from your composite decking

 To remove mold, try cleaning your composite deck with vinegar.

Looking for a more grassy way to restore and level your composite deck? To maintain the beauty and functionality you desire from your deck, a little TLC can go a long way.

While there are composite deck cleaners available (remember, no bleach!), the method for cleaning composite decks is simple and easy enough that you can keep them looking neat and tidy with your own homemade composite deck cleaner.

All you need to make a natural composite deck cleaner is some soap, water, vinegar, baking soda (for mold), and a soft brush to remove dirt, debris, and other types of grime. Remember, if you're going to use a stress washer, it should be at least 8 inches off the floor and under 3100 psi of pressure. You can clean your composite deck every six months to maintain its longevity. 

• Step 1: Pre-rinse
  Use your hose to remove as much of the surface grime and mold as possible.
• Step 2: Mix up your vinegar solution
  Mix two parts vinegar and one part water into a bucket and pour the solution directly on the mold.
• Step 3: Sprinkle baking soda