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How to Clean Composite Decking

You won’t need to do it a lot, but it’s important to know how to clean composite decking safely and effectively. This will help you to maintain the appearance of your decking and ensure its longevity.

One of the many benefits of composite decking is its ease of maintenance. Traditional timber decks require regular sanding, sealing, painting or staining, as well as regular cleaning. Our composite decking boards are built to withstand the UK’s variable weather conditions without cracking, splitting or warping. Our Premium Composite Decking Boards are also finished with Dino Decking’s Dino Shield™ technology, a water-resistant polymer sleeve that helps to make your composite decking even more resistant to rot, mould and algae.

You will still need to clean your composite decking occasionally though. Our decking boards are wipe-clean, so keeping them clean is generally a quick and easy task. Ideally, you should remove any debris or spills shortly after they appear and give your decking a more thorough cleaning at least once or twice a year. This will help prevent stains, mould and algae from building up, especially after heavy use or exposure to the elements. While our composite decking is far more resistant to these things than regular timber decking, stains and mould can start to build up without proper maintenance and cleaning.

clean composite decking

Tools You Need for Cleaning Composite Decking

The low-maintenance design of our composite decking means that you won’t need any expensive or specialist tools in order to keep it looking fantastic.

There are a few simple tools and products that can help you keep it clean though, most of which you might already have around the home.

These include:

  • A soft-bristled brush
  • Large non-abrasive sponge
  • Bucket for warm water
  • Mild soap or our specially designed Composite Decking Cleaner
  • Squeegee or mop
  • Hose pipe or low-pressure jet washer (optional)

Step-by-step: How to Clean Composite Decking

Read 5-step guide below on how to clean composite decking in order to keep it looking great and in top condition for years to come.

Note that this is a general guide to cleaning composite decking. You should always refer to any manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean your decking before attempting to clean your specific brand.

1. Preparation

Remove any patio furniture, potted plants and other items so that you can get to the whole deck. Sweep the deck with a soft-bristled broom or hand-held brush to get rid of dirt, leaves and loose debris. You can even use a car vacuum to suck up fine, dry dirt from between the grooves.

2. Rinse the Deck

Rinse the decking to get rid of any loose dirt that still remains. This will also make it easier to remove any stubborn dirt, stains and mould in the next step.

You can use a hose pipe or buckets of warm water to rinse the decking, making sure that it’s thoroughly soaked.

3. Apply the Cleaning Solution

Make up your cleaning solution. You can use buckets of warm water with a few drops of mild soap such as washing-up liquid, or specially formulated solutions such as our Composite Decking Cleaner. If you do use our cleaner, it should be allowed to sit for up to two hours to allow oxygen to break down stains and grime. If you’re using soap and water, you can start cleaning immediately.

You may be wondering how to clean decking boards without damaging them. Use a soft-bristled brush to work the solution into the decking, working along the lengths of the individual decking boards. Do not use a brush with stiff bristles as this can scratch the composite decking boards. Apply gentle pressure to remove stains and work the solution into any grooves and spaces between the decking boards.

4. Rinse Thoroughly

Thoroughly rinse away the soapy water or cleaning solution with a hose or buckets of clean water. This is an important step to make sure that you don’t leave any residue.

5. Allow to Dry

Allow your decking to thoroughly dry before replacing any furniture and other items.

Cleaning Techniques for Common Issues

Our composite decking boards are much more durable and long-lasting than traditional timber decking products. Composite decking requires less attention than treated wood, which is likely to need repainting and staining over time. Composite decking is also far less prone to warping, rotting and splintering, and is resistant to mould, algae and insect infestation.

As with any outdoor product though, decking will be exposed to dirt and debris over time. For example, oil and grease may be a little tougher to clean than standard debris. The decking will need to be kept clean to remain at its best.

Here are some common issues that could affect your composite decking and how to deal with them:

Common Issues Cleaning Method
Oil and Grease Remove the oil and grease with a paper towel and clean any residue with a gentle cleaning product and water.
Mold and Mildew Clean the area with a gentle cleaning product and a soft-bristled brush to remove the mould and mildew.
Dirt and Debris Sweep any loose debris, leaves and dirt with a soft-bristled brush.
Snow and Ice Gently remove snow and ice with a plastic shovel. Do not use a metal shovel as this can damage the composite.
Hard Water Stains Clean the stain with white vinegar, rinse with filtered water and dry with a clean cloth.

Tips For Preventing Stains And Damage When Cleaning Composite Decking

Don’t Use Abrasive Brushes and Scourers

Composite decking is scratch-resistant but the surface layers can still be damaged if you use abrasive tools such as wire brushes, stiff-bristled brushes or harsh scourers. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush or non-abrasive sponge to remove the dirt or spillage.

Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals

Harsh chemicals such as bleach and solvents can degrade and discolour the surface of the composite material. Use a mild soap such as washing-up liquid instead. You can also use a product that is specially formulated for composite decking, such as our Composite Decking Cleaner.

Jet Wash with Caution

While jet and pressure washers can be used on composite decking, they should only ever be used on a low setting. Regularly using a jet washer or having it on a high setting can degrade the composite over time, so this should only be done occasionally.

Clean Spills Promptly

Some kinds of spillage, such as paint, oils and greasy foods from the barbecue, can be more likely to stain if left to sit on the decking. It is always best to clean spills quickly and thoroughly.

Sweep Debris Regularly

Sweeping debris such as leaves and dirt from the decking will not only keep it looking clean and tidy, but can also make maintenance cleaning easier in the future. Moisture can get trapped under leaves, while pollen, seeds and dirt can cause a biofilm that encourages mould growth. Getting rid of debris as it appears can prevent it from causing issues in the future.

The Importance of Weather Protection for Your Composite Decking

Our Classic and Premium decking ranges provide superior quality and a much higher durability compared to traditional decking. Both are resistant to moisture, but the Premium range provides even better weather protection due to our Dino Shield(TM) Technology. This uses a polymer sleeve to create a protective shell bonded around all four sides of the deck board. Dino Shield™ offers the thickest layer of protection available on the UK market, providing outstanding moisture resistance. Browse the differences between our two ranges here.

The polymer coating also provides increased stain, algae and mould resistance along with added UV protection to reduce colour fade.

Keep Your Composite Decking in Top Condition

While composite decking is designed to be tough, low maintenance and easy to clean, it does need a bit of attention to keep it looking its best. Spills and debris should be cleared and cleaned as and when they occur, while a couple of more thorough cleans every year can keep your decking in top condition for years to come.

When you do clean your composite decking, we recommend following the cleaning steps above. In particular, you should use the right tools and cleaning solutions, avoiding abrasive tools and harsh soaps or solvents.

For more tips and advice, check out our guide on composite decking maintenance or get in touch for assistance from our experienced team.

Frequently Asked Questions for Cleaning Your Composite Decking

What should you not use on a composite deck?

You should avoid any tools or cleaning solutions that might damage composite decking. This includes bleach and harsh cleaning chemicals, as well as abrasive tools such as scouring pads and brushes with wire or stiff bristles. Stick to softer soaps, dedicated composite cleaning solutions and brushes with softer bristles.

Dino Decking has a dedicated Composite Decking Cleaner to clean boards while removing mould and algae. This is specially designed to clean composite decking, but mild soap such as washing-up liquid or liquid detergent can also be used with a bucket of warm water and a soft-bristled brush.

While a dedicated Composite Decking Cleaner is specifically designed for composite decking, washing-up liquid can also be used with warm water. Thoroughly rinse the decking first and then use gentle pressure to scrub the boards with your soapy water and a soft brush. Thoroughly rinse again to finish.

You can use a jet wash or power washer on composite decking, but you should take care when doing so. Only use it on low pressures or settings; otherwise, it could damage the composite. Repeated jet washing may also damage the decking, so it should only be done occasionally.

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