Low maintenance composite Decking
Generally speaking, composite boards are very low maintenance. This is because they don’t rot, warp, splinter or mould. So, chances are there is very little you would need to do to the deck to keep it looking fresh. However, you may find yourself wanting to spruce up your composite decking boards on occasion, by giving them a good clean. As fantastic as a product it is, decking boards made from composite aren’t quite titanium. So, they may be prone to the occasional stain or mud patch if not dealt with in a timely fashion.
Routine cleaning your composite decking boards
It’s good practice to remove any surface dirt from your decking twice a year, usually in spring and autumn. This is quick and easy to do, requiring just a hose, a soft brush and a bucket of soapy water.
Begin by sweeping the deck to remove loose dust and debris and follow by hosing down the surface thoroughly. Mix warm water (not too hot) and a mild dish soap in a bucket and use a soft bristled brush to gently scrub the dirt away. Always scrub in the direction of the deck plank. Once the surface is clean, make sure you get into the corners and gaps between boards to keep mould at bay.
Once the deck has been cleaned with the soapy water solution, hose down the entire deck once more to remove all traces of soap, preventing dirty water marks. On warmer days, work in small sections and rinse before the soap solution has time to dry.
Power washing Composite Decking
Power washing composite decking can be a quick and effective way to clean your deck, but it must be done with caution to avoid causing permanent damage. Learn the best practices for power washing composite decking to ensure a safe and successful cleaning experience;
- Make sure to look at and follow the safety precautions of the power washer manufacturer. In addition, check with the composite decking provider’s maintenance guidance.
- You want to be able to access the decked area to make the cleaning process easy. To do this, clear away any furniture. Remember not to drag furniture across the composite decking boards as this may leave long lasting and unwanted scratch marks.
- Once the furniture has been removed you should endeavour to clean away any rubble that may have accumulated on the deck. Again, being cautious in not scratching the surface of the deck.
- Now the “fun part”, using the power washer to remove any stubborn dirt marks. Do not use the pressure washer at more than 3000psi. The wider the nozzle on the pressure washer the better, as this will ensure the water pressure is distributed more evenly, lowering the chances of marking the composite decking boards.
- Ensure the nozzle is at least 20 cm away from the surface, the further the better without losing effectiveness.
- Make sure you pressure wash the deck in the direction of the wood grain and or the grooves. Again, this lowers the chance of causing unwanted cosmetic damage to the boards. You may find grooved boards require a little more effort in removing stubborn debris that has lodged between the grooves.
- Once you have power washed your deck boards, they will dry automatically in the elements.
You can find more details on best practices for your composite decking here