7 Smart Ways To Use Baking Soda On Your Deck And Patio

I noticed that after using the chlorine bleach based products that contain sodium hypochlorite to remove the mold, the mold never was completely removed. I noticed black spots only when the deck was still wet. In fact, all I was doing was removing the dead surface layer of the mold and was watering the mold roots. See the links on the Corte Clean web site to OSHA, the EPA and Spore-Tech before using chlorine bleach on a POROUS surface like Trex composite decking.

When cleaning your deck, make sure you only use oxygen bleach and not chlorine bleach, which can compromise the structural integrity of your wood deck. TimberTech traditional composite products are formulated to inhibit mildew growth and minimize staining. Rinse off your TimberTech products periodically with a hose.

Composite decks on the other hand, offer a lower level of all-around maintenance – they won’t splinter and you don’t need to worry about periodic staining, painting or sealing projects. Often, the only maintenance composite decking requires is an occasional power washing. 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. 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. Decks created from earlier-generation Trex products should not be pressure washed, because doing so may damage the decking materials. Instead, clean with warm, soapy water as noted above.

Cleaning Composite And Wood Decking

Removing Mold, Tree Sap And Mildew Stains On Composite Deck Railings

Rinsing is required so care should be taken to not use hard water for this purpose, and if it must be used, dry with a cloth or use a blower to dry surfaces. Even small amounts of oxygen bleach can leave discolored spots on your composite deck; avoid using bleach products and try a different stain remover or make your own. Spraying your deck with soap, followed by gently scrubbing each individual deck board is the best way to make your composite deck shine. However, if your deck boards are still dull, try using Resist Mist. This product not only rids your boards of mold, tree sap, mildew, and grease/food stains, but it also leaves the deck shining and looking brighter. Resist Mist also has the ability to prevent mold, mildew and algae from growing again. Mold and mildew can grow on nearly any building material.

Pressure Washing Your Composite Decking

Hose your deck off thoroughly with a water hose fitted with a good variable fan spray nozzle to loosen and remove surface debris. Use a soft bristled brush and the cleaning solution to scrub your deck clean. Make sure to get down in the crevices and corners thoroughly. Then I'd clean it with a brush, water, and granulated automatic dish washing detergent and then with standard/housecleaning version of the Krud Kutter product. Although composite decking can be “less maintenance” than other types of decking, this certainly doesn’t mean “maintenance free”.

Contact Newtechwood To Learn More About Our Composite Deck Materials

• Pressure washing too close or using too much pressure can ruin your deck.
• In most cases, a garden hose should be sufficient for regular duty cleaning.
• Once mold has stained these plastics, it can be extremely hard to remove.
• Composite decking material is softer than natural wood, meaning it can be “etched” more easily.
• If you must pressure wash, just remember to keep it at the lowest pressure possible and no closer than 8″ from the surface.

Just let the machine scrub the deck while it sprays out water and soap. Then, use its water function to wash away the soap and fan function to dry the deck.

How To Treat Stains On Your Outdoor Deck

Beware of any “waterproofing” deck sealants or chemicals that “encapsulate” the deck. These products can trap moisture insidethe deck causing more issues in the long run. Choosing the right cleaner can literally make or break your deck.

Composite decking material is softer than natural wood, meaning it can be “etched” more easily. Once the material has been opened up, many issues can arise including chipping, sun damage, and mold staining the plastics inside the opening. Once mold has stained has occurred, it can be extremely hard to remove.

To clean a dirty deck or to make a homemade wood siding cleaner, mix the oxygen bleach with the required amount of water and apply it to the wood with a long-handled nylon brush. Clean the wood surface in small sections, always keeping the wood wet and allowing the cleaner to soak into the wood before scrubbing. Once the area is clean, rinse thoroughly with fresh water to remove all residue. Note that while Star Brite is manufactured as a deck cleaning product for boats, it’s gentle formulation makes it a great choice for residential decks as well. The premixed liquid can be applied to a wet deck either with a pump sprayer or a soft deck brush. Even after you rinse it away, the cleaner leaves a microscopic layer of polymer protection to help repel stains and spills in the future.