It’s so important to keep your composite deck clean. You’ve paid a lot of money to have it installed or purchased the materials.

You’ll want to keep it in good condition so that you can enjoy it for years to come.

Here are some tips on how to clean your composite deck:

What is a Composite Deck Made of?

A composite deck is composed of a variety of different materials. Wood and plastic are the most frequent materials used in composite decks.

You’ll also find decks made from PVC, polyethylene, and other synthetic materials.

The materials are combined to create a product that is stronger and more durable than wood alone.

Related: Facts About Composite Decking

How to Clean Your Composite Deck

There are basically two different ways to clean your composite deck.

You can either use a brush and some soapy water or you can use a pressure washer.

I have outlined both ways below including the steps to clean your composite deck

The Steps With A Brush

The tools you need:

  • Soft Brush
  • Soapy water
  • Garden hose

Step 1

The first you need to do before you do anything else is remove and clear the area of any furniture or obstacles.

This will give you a clear working space and make sure that you don’t accidentally knock something over while you are cleaning.

Step 2

Next, mix up some soapy water in a bucket. You can use dish soap or laundry detergent.

Add enough water to the soap until it is sudsy.

Step 3

Once you have your soapy water, wet down the entire deck with your garden hose.

Make sure that you evenly soaked the entire surface.

Step 4

Now it is time to start scrubbing. Get your soft brush and dip it into the soapy water.

Start scrubbing the deck in small sections.

Work the soap into all cracks and crevices. Be sure to pay special attention to areas that tend to accumulate dirt such as under furniture or along railings.

Step 5

After you have scrubbed the entire deck, rinse it off with your garden hose.

Be sure to remove all of the soap suds before moving on to the next step.

Step 6

Now it is time to let the deck dry. You can either wait for it to air dry or you can use a leaf blower to speed up the process.

Related: Why You Should Never Use Bleach On Composite Decking

The Steps With A Pressure Washer

The tools you need:

  • Pressure washer

Step 1

The first thing you need to do is remove all of the furniture and obstacles from the deck.

This can provide you with a clean working area and prevent you from knocking something over while cleaning.

Step 2

Next, wet down the entire deck with your pressure washer. Be sure to hold the nozzle about two feet from the deck and use a sweeping motion.

Step 3

Once the entire deck is wet, you can start pressure washing. Begin in one corner and work your way across the deck.

Be sure to hold the nozzle about six inches from the surface of the deck.

Use a back and forth motion as you move across the deck.

Step 4

After you have pressure washed the entire deck, rinse it off with your garden hose.

Make sure that you remove all of the soap suds before moving on to the next step.

Step 5

Now it is time to let the deck dry. You can either wait for it to air dry or you can use a leaf blower to speed up the process.

Related: Composite Deck Boards Make Great Swimming Pool Decks

FAQs

Is there a difference between cleaning a composite deck and a wooden one?

No, there really is no difference in the cleaning process. Both types of decks need to be cleared of furniture and obstacles, wet down, and then scrubbed with a brush or pressure washed. The only difference is that you need to be careful not to damage the composite material when pressure washing.

Can I use a power washer on my composite deck?

Yes, you can clean your composite deck with a power washer. However, you must be cautious not to harm the material. Hold the nozzle about six inches from the surface and work across the deck back and forth using a back-and-forth motion.

Related: Can You Pressure Wash Patio Furniture? (HELPFUL OPTIONS)

What is the best soap to use on my composite deck?

Dish soap or laundry detergent are the best soaps for your composite deck. Make sure there is enough water in the solution to make it sudsy.

Can I use bleach on my composite deck?

No, composite decking should not be bleached. Bleach may harm the material. If you want to get rid of stubborn stains, try using a pressure washer with a deck cleaning detergent.

How do I make my Trex deck look new again?

The only way you can make your Trex deck look new again is to regularly clean and maintain your deck. Remove any items that may be trapped in the drain, dampen it down, and clean it with a brush or a pressure wash if necessary.

Will pressure washing my composite deck remove oil and grease stains?

Yes, but pressure washing alone won’t. You will need to spray dishwasher soap or laundry detergent onto your deck first to mix the oil and water and then pressure wash it.

Will pressure washing my deck remove mold?

Yes, pressure washing can remove mold from your deck. Be sure to use a detergent designed for removing mold first and then pressure wash the affected areas. If I use Simple Green to clean my composite deck, will it kill the plants around my deck? No, Simple Green is safe to use around plants. However, you should always rinse your deck off after cleaning it with Simple Green.

Related: Why You Should Never Use Bleach To Clean Mold

Can I paint my composite deck after cleaning?

Yes, you can paint your composite deck. However, you should only use paint that is specifically designed for composite decks. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions when painting your deck.

In Summary

Cleaning your composite deck is important if you want to keep it looking its best.

Composite decks are made of a variety of different materials so it is important to know which cleaning method is best for your particular deck.

Related: Does Composite Decking Warp? (MAYBE?)

Related: Can You Install Composite Decking Over Wood Decking?

Related: How To Clean Your Concrete Patio (Without A Pressure Washer)

About the Author

Passionate about helping households transition to sustainable energy with helpful information and resources.

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