6 Alternative Ways To Clean A Deck Without A Power Washer

Step 2: Spray With Soapy Water & Scrub

For a deeper clean, always use a soft bristle scrub brush, never use a wire brush. Again, if you are using the right cleaner, only a small amount of scrubbing will be required. For snow or ice removal, always choose a plastic shovel instead of metal. Pressure washing is typically not recommended for composite decking. If done incorrectly, it can be a big mistake and cause damage.

Premixed Vs Concentrated Deck Cleaners

This should be done prior to applying a cleaner or brightener. Make sure you're extra careful when pressure washing.This material is softer than natural wood and therefore can be etched more easily. Once it has been damaged, other issues such as chipping, sun damage and mold staining of the interior plastic can arise. If using a pressure washer, avoid using a maximum pressure setting, as too much force can damage the surface.

Can I Seal Composite Decking?

It's better to maintain the deck more often, including sweeping, rather than leaving it so that it has to be treated with something strong like trisodium phosphate. Mix vinegar, soap, and water in a bucket, apply to one section of mildew-infested decking, and scrub with a brush until you see results. This method may have to be repeated for a thorough job. When beginning a DIY composite patio cleaning, start off by spattering the ground with a hose and water to get free of the current residue on the surface. Composite decking in recent years has been the best choice of material for outdoor decks. This is because outdoor decks and patios are exposed to constant elements and cleaning it daily can make your environment look great.

• Often, the only maintenance composite decking requires is an occasional power washing.
• The fast-acting foaming formula eliminates stains from mold and mildew, tree sap, pollen, oxidation, weathering and other grime.
• It utilizes the power of peroxide to provide high-performance cleaning without toxic or abrasive chemicals.
• Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck and Fence Cleaner is ideal for both manual and pressure washing to lift and remove dirt and debris from the deck surface.

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.

Ways To Damage Your Composite Deck

The easiest way to clean your home’s deck is by power washing it, but not everybody has access to a pressure washer. While pressure washing is fast and convenient, we are here to teach you how to clean a deck without a power washer.

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.

To remove, spray off with a hose and use warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush to remove spills from embossing pattern. Not only are we manufacturers, we're contractors too. Our rule of thumb is avoid the “heat of the day” and direct overhead sunlight when working on your deck with any cleaning chemicals or coatings. Do your cleaning when the deck is cooler in the morning for best results! This makes Spring and early Fall one of the best times to clean your composite deck so check the weather forecast and wait for a cool, non-humid morning to start this project.

How To Avoid Mold And Mildew Growth

You may need to wait a few days for the deck to completely dry depending on weather conditions. Cover plants, grass, concrete, trim, and any other areas you don’t want stained. Chlorine Bleach is extremely corrosive and will eat away at your deck eventually causing discoloration of your decking, damage the surface, and intensify any mold issues that can occur.

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.