If you’re looking for an easy set of steps to keep your composite decking clean and sparkling, you’re in the right place! Unlike traditional timber decking which requires a vigorous cleaning schedule, painting and maintenance, composite decking is really simple to keep looking at its best.
Keeping your decking clean
If your deck happens to reside in close proximity to deciduous trees or is particularly susceptible to accumulating leaves and debris, it's prudent to wield a broom whenever your outdoor activities permit. This simple practice will go a long way in streamlining the eventual cleaning process when you undertake the task.
Additionally, exercise diligence in promptly addressing any food spills, as certain oily edibles possess the unfortunate capability to blemish your deck's appearance—whether it boasts a timber or composite composition. Remember that allowing these spills to linger unattended for an extended duration could potentially render your product warranty void.
What products are best to use?
You can effectively maintain your deck without the necessity of purchasing specialised cleaning products. While composite decking cleaners and restorers are available at local DIY stores, they're not essential. A mixture of warm water and a pH-neutral detergent will suffice for cleaning. Common household items like dish soaps or car washing soaps can be suitable choices, as can environmentally friendly options. Prior to use, it's advisable to thoroughly review the product labels to ensure compatibility and suitability for your deck's material.
How to clean your decking?
Great news! You won’t need any special chemicals or equipment to clean your composite decking. The main thing you’ll need is a bucket of soapy water and a soft bristled brush, or, if it’s been a really long time since the deck has had a clean - a pressure washer with a wide nozzle setting so that there’s not too much pressure on the decking boards.
Are there any products to avoid?
The first thing to be avoided when looking to clean your composite decking are harsh chemicals (such as bleach or acids). These chemicals should absolutely be avoided as they can eat away at the composite structure and potentially leave permanent discolouration and damage on the board. If your decking is looking a little dirty and you plan to use a pressure washer to help, be careful not to overdo it with the pressure. Our recommendation is that you clean with a wide nozzle setting on the machine with a PSI of no more than 1500. In order to prevent any damage to the surface of the boards, the nozzle of the pressure washer should be kept more than six inches away from the surface at all times, and you should avoid holding the pressure in one particular spot for more than three seconds at a time.
Good habits to get into
There are a couple of good practice habits that should form the base of any composite deck cleaning process. Whenever it comes round to time to give your decking a clean, make sure that you remove your furniture ready for a good sweep across. Whilst doing this, if you notice that any of the gaps between the decking boards are full of leaves, dirt or debris, make sure to remove these too as the blocked gaps could potentially lead to standing water and other issues. When you do come round to do the cleaning aspect of the decking maintenance, make sure you use a soft bristled brush when scrubbing and make sure that you brush in the direction of the woodgrain of the boards for best results. Always make sure that you rinse with clean water, work in sections and make friends with the garden hose - it can come in handy.
