Can You Use Tsp On Composite Decking?

Mistakes To Avoid When Cleaning Your Composite Deck

Left that way, they can become old and weathered before their time. To keep your deck looking great, clean it annually—ideally, in spring or early summer—then follow up with a sealer to protect it. Be the first to know what's next at Clorox from offers to tips to products. Apply bleach solution using a brush or broom on horizontal surfaces, and a sponge or mop on vertical surfaces. We put together all the essentials for your decking care and maintenance.

Taking Care Of Composite Decking Home Guides Sf Gate

Solid decking helps reduce the risk of internal moisture build up and is generally stronger. If you are looking to purchase decking, read more about different types of composite decking including hollow and solid variations, to help make your choice. If you’re organised, you can get it all done in just a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoon. Get it done during the summer, when your decking is at its driest and any water you add will evaporate quickly. For dull or weathered wood decks, choose a “brightening” or restorative cleaner.

Perhaps you’ve seen sap coating a freshly cleaned car that’s parked under a tree. The spots show up easily on the high-gloss surface of a car paint job, but are tough to detect on a flat finish such as your deck boards. A power washer can be used for RINSING ONLY with TimberTech Deck or Porch. Spray in the direction of the grain pattern, never across the grain, to avoid damaging the product.

How To Power Wash Composite Decking

©2020 Homewood Solutions, Llc

Bleach can alter the natural pH of wood; damaging its cellular structure. Wood is slightly acidic while bleach has a basic pH. So bleach applied to wood can break down wood fibers and prematurely age your deck. If you enjoy the look of your deck, you may not want to use bleach. Bleach can potentially lighten the color of stained, painted, or natural wood decks. Natural tropical woods used for decking come with interesting names like cumaru, red tauari, tigerwood, and massaranduba. These hard, durable deck materials are richly-grained and naturally resistant to wood-boring insects and rot. Here we’ll cover the most popular types of deck material, and how to easily clean decking with Wet & Forget Outdoor.

• One of the best ways to care for your deck is to clean it regularly - don’t let it get past the point of no return.
• If you are reading a product label, Chlorine Bleach is referred to as Sodium Hypochlorite.
• Trex Decks can last a lifetime and will maintain their quality but sometimes they show their age.
• Chlorine Bleach has been proven to kill bacteria and viruses on non-porous surfaces, but has not been proven effective in killing mold from porous surfaces, such as composite decking.
• Another way of maintaining a clean composite deck is after the cleaning is complete to apply a water sealer made specifically for composite decking.
• The misconception exists that Chlorine Bleach will “kill it all”, but when it comes to mold, nothing could be further from the truth.

Create an oxygen bleach paste to spot clean your deck. If you don't need to do a full cleaning of your deck, but you see an excess buildup of algae or dirt, you can make a more concentrated paste with your bleach.

Can I Use A Pressure Washer On My Composite Decking?

Water spots, also known as tannin stains, are normal occurrences on wood. Over time, you will likely start to notice some on your deck. Make sure the surface is completely dry and then apply a deck brightener product that contains oxalic acid on the surface of your deck. Address the oily stain as soon as you notice it; the longer it sits on the surface of your deck, the more difficult it will be to remove. Use a soft bristled brush and soapy water to scrub at the stain.

I put composite in the back and I've been a little better." Use oxalic acid on rust stains and other stubborn spots. Deck brightener products will also work on these tougher stains.

Composite decking is engineered to be durable and low maintenance, and it is easily cleaned using everyday household items. Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with deck cleaning best practices, download and save our Care & Cleaning Guide for future use. Working in one smaller area at a time, saturate with the diluted cleaner and allow it to stand on the surface for seconds. DO NOT allow the cleaner to dry or evaporate before scrubbing. A garden hose will work for spot cleaning, but regular power-washing will be necessary to cut through accumulated mold, mildew, and staining. A power washer can be used for rinsing only, with a water pressure not exceeding 1,500 psi. For more information, see the our Care & Cleaning Guide.