Rhino Hide® 5 Mistakes To Avoid When Cleaning Your Composite Deck

Step 2: Spray With Soapy Water & Scrub

I blame myself for being so ignorant, but I really have a big issue with our Contractor and Trex for selling crap like this to consumers. I sincerely hope that people looking to use this product will visit this forum. If you don't own a pressure washer or can't borrow one from a friend or neighbor, they can be rented from a local hardware store, usually by the day. Once you've read the instruction manual, start at the center of the deck and direct the spray to both ends, hitting all areas.

Premixed Vs Concentrated Deck Cleaners

I bought my Trex deck because of its environmentally friendly reputation. Corte Clean did not corrode my fasteners or kill my plants like the chlorine bleach based products. Courtesy of AmazonTSP, or trisodium phosphate, is a powder-based cleaner that is one of the best at killing mold and mildew.

Can I Seal Composite Decking?

"Pressure washing is also a good idea from time to time to remove built-up dirt and debris. If you choose to scrub the deck clean, choose a deck brush with natural or plastic bristles.

• It will make the problem worse and harder to remove the next time the composite surface becomes unsightly.
• In some cases, additional scrubbing with a deck brush may be required to remove stubborn stains.
• The reason for this is that Chlorine Bleach does not remove or kill the roots of the fungus, but actually waters them.
• Composite decking has become an extremely popular material for outdoor decks.
• Keep the surface as dry as possible and free of debris by sweeping frequently.

Next, pour the solution on mold which is found on the surface of the composite deck. After scrubbing the surface of your composite deck for some time, rinse your deck using clean water. This step is very important because if the dirty water used in scrubbing is left to dry, a thin film may form on the surface of the deck. Vinegar – This is safe for both wood and composite decks. Just mix half a cup of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar to a gallon of water and ¼ cup of baking soda. Warm water – This can be used alone to clean and wash a composite deck. Don’t rely on semi-annual cleanings to remove grease stains from your Trex decking.

Ways To Damage Your Composite Deck

However, TSP is not considered an especially environmental choice and has all kinds of precautions on the back of its box. But if the deck has not been cleaned in a long time and algae is visible, it may have to occasionally be used, with care and caution.

Use a deck brightener than contains oxalic acid on tannin stains. 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.

Thoroughly rinse with fresh water to remove all soap residue. Lightly mist the entire deck with a garden hose to keep the wood wet. Clean grease stains with a mild detergent or a TSP cleaner. Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the wood planks and then rinse thoroughly, making sure always to spray the same direction as the wood’s grain to prevent damaging your deck. Neglecting your wooden deck leads to mold and mildew problems, along with cracked or splintered wood and permanent stains. By learning how to how to clean your deck for staining and other purposes, you will be able to spot problems as they occur, allowing you to take action sooner rather than later.

Dip the scrub brush into the deck-cleaning solution and apply directly to the stain. Leave the solution on the stain for up to five minutes. Sprinkle baking soda on the area, making sure to cover the surface entirely and allow the baking soda to sit for at least 20 minutes. Use a scrub brush to wash away any mold or mildew and rinse thoroughly. Cleaning your deck not only keeps it looking nice, but it also protects and extends the life of your deck.

Also sweeping and keeping the surface of the deck as dry as possible frequently can keep the life of the material which was used in making it. You probably love your Trex decking because it’s durable and low-maintenance. But you still have to clean it occasionally to keep it looking great. Semi-annual cleanings in the spring and fall will also help prevent mold growth.