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

ReliaBoard and DockSider are composite products, and cleaning is NOT the same as for capped composite products such as TimberTech PRO and EDGE Collections. In preparation for cleaning you will need water for rinsing , the recommended deck brush with an extension handle, and TimberTech DeckCleaner. TimberTech DeckCleaner™ is formulated, field-tested, and approved for cleaning TimberTech AZEK® Deck or Porch, TimberTech PRO® Deck, TimberTech EDGE® Deck, and TimberTech Composite Rail. It is the best solution for seasonal cleanup, everyday spills, or stubborn spots. On average, one gallon diluted with one part cleaner to three parts water will clean approximately 1,000 square feet of surface area.

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.

• If your deck is still dirty, hose it down, scrub with a brush and soap, then, rinse with a hose.
• If you spill food, grease or oil on your deck, immediately clean the area with hot water.
• Any remaining stains should be cleaned with Pour-N-Restore, a commercial cleaner.
• To clean a composite deck, sweep it with a broom or leaf blower at least once a week to get rid of dirt and debris.

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

Clean stains.The debris and furniture may have left stains behind, which you will want to remove. Clean these stains using whichever cleaner is most appropriate for your decking.

If you ever spill grease, oil or food on your deck, clean it up immediately. If you don’t wipe up these spills within seven days, any resulting permanent stains will not be covered under the Trex stain warranty.

Removing Stains

Next you can begin to scrub the deck with the grain using your stiff bristle brush to remove dirt, mildew, mold, stains etc. Vinegar is powerful and safe for both composite and wood decking, mix a half-cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to ¼ a cup of baking soda with 1 gallon of water. Warm water can be used on its own to wash a wood or composite deck. Designing and building a deck suited to your wants and needs can be fun and exciting. But when it comes time for care and maintenance, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into beforehand. Examine the pros and cons of composite or wood decking -- specifically when it comes to how to clean your decking. And in addition to routine cleaning, you should also be aware of other maintenance work you may need to do from time to time on your deck.

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.

Clean the deck with Messmer’s Composite Deck Cleaner, or another high quality wood cleaner of your choice, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. Make sure the deck surface is clean, dry and in good condition.