Composite Deck Boards Care and Cleaning

Do you know what it takes to clean your composite deck boards? Did you contractor explain how you could keep your space looking beautiful? Did your do-it-yourself kit come with cleaning instructions? Chances are you just spent some time and money investing into your home. Ideally, you want this space to last as long as possible and look good for the duration. Twice a year cleaning prevents future issues and keeps the place looking great. Soap and Water It may be hard to believe but just a little soap and water will work wonders on your composite deck boards. While it is recommended that you wash the space at least twice a year, if you notice that the area is not looking up to par, just get out some soap and water and start washing away the problems. While it may be tempting to use a pressure washer, make sure that you only use it to wet the area and to rinse the space. It is possible to make a stain worse if the water pressure is focused solely on that area for an extended amount of time. Just get out the regular hose to get the job done quickly. Normal Dirt and Grime There are times when just soap and water can't get the job done on the composite deck boards. Whether you had a party and the guests left a little extra mess or you had some tough weather conditions as of late, you can use special cleaners that contain sodium percarbonate or a detergent. These cleaners can get rid of normal issues and usually contain enough bleach to get rid of mold and mildew. Regular cleanings will prevent mold and mildew but if you live in an area with lots of moisture in the air and surrounding space, consider picking up a mold inhibitor. Make sure that you read all of the directions, making sure that the product is safe for composite deck boards. If it is okay to use, be sure to follow the instructions exactly as they are written to ensure that you do not cause any damage to the planks. Rust Stains and Grease For the most part, composite deck boards are stain resistant. If you clean up a mess shortly after it is made, your planks will look as good as new. On the other hand, there are some stains that tend to cause more of a problem. If your outdoor furniture begins to rust, it may leave a mark on ring on the planks. When this happens, choose an oxalic acid cleaner. This will remove the rust without causing damage to the plank. Just like any other cleaning product, read the directions carefully. If you have any concerns, test it on a spot that is out of the way or out of sight.