6 Alternative Ways To Clean A Deck Without A Power Washer

Step 2: Spray With Soapy Water & Scrub

The most effective non-toxic solution to protect your deck is UltraBan. I can’t tell you how many customers who call and tell us they wished they knew about this product years ago. UltraBan was engineered specifically for the purpose of inhibiting mold growth on porous materials, without damaging the surface or the environment. When applied, it actually fuses with the decking creating an invisible shield protecting against mold and mildew. This technology has never been duplicated and if applied annually, you can rest assured that your deck will be protected year after year. Composite decking requires a little extra care when cleaning. Regular cleaning of dirt and debris can easily be done with a broom or a garden hose.

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?

You can leave them as is, but if you want, you should probably be able to remove them using coarse sandpaper. You can also try using a wire brush, but be aware that certain types of composite timber have a bad reaction to metal, which could worsen the situation. Try it out on an inconspicuous section of your deck first.

• 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.
• Because your deck is exposed to the elements every day, routine cleaning is needed to keep it looking great.
• 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.

Composite decking requires a little extra attention when cleaning. Regular cleaning of dirt and debris can easily be done with a household broom or a garden hose.

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.

For plastic, a mixture of baking soda and warm water works. Just place the baking soda and water mixture in a spray bottle and apply on target surface.

Never use a chlorine bleach based deck cleaner, as it is extremely corrosive and will eventually discolor and damage your deck boards. Plus, it is unsafe to use around plants and in areas frequented by children or pets. If a cleaning product contains Sodium Hypochlorite, it contains bleach. Finally, intensely wash the surface of your composite deck to avoid leaving a thin layer of dirty water. Start by adding one part of water and two parts of vinegar in a bucket and mix.

If you’re not sure about how to clean a particular stain, test the cleaner out on a part of the deck that is not visible. Use a plastic shovel.When shoveling snow on your composite decking, make sure that your shovel has a plastic blade, which will minimize the chance of scratching the surface of your deck. However, even some shovels made of plastic, especially ones with a hard metal blade on the edge, can cause damage to the protective shell found on certain composites and will void your warranty. Remember - composite materials clean easier and better than the traditional wood deck, and using the soap-and-water method in chapter 1 removes most of the dirt and stains. The best way to get rid of pollen completely from composite decking is to power wash your deck.

To remove tannin stains from debris, such as leaves, apply a commercial deck brightener once the Trex decking is dry. Make sure to follow the manufacturer instructions, and check to see if the product contains bleach or acid. If it does, it will lighten the color of your Trex decking, so apply some on an inconspicuous area first to see if you like the look. If the deck is made from a composite material, use a composite deck cleaner.