How to clean composite decking with a hose and brush

Composite decking is a good low-maintenance choice in comparison with conventional wood decking. It’s obtainable in a complete host of colors, widths, and results, however when you can clear wood decking with a stress washer, composite decking could be broken should you get too shut with the jet.

So, what’s one of the simplest ways to wash it? There are such a lot of inventive methods with backyard decking, however composite decking concepts supply many extra points of interest over conventional timber decking. Its recognition started to develop within the late Nineteen Nineties.

Tips on how to clear composite decking: a step-by-step information

At this time, you’ll discover many manufacturers providing a ten-15 12 months assure – boards shouldn’t warp, rot or splinter and a composite deck will even be anti-slip. ‘It’s additionally much less prone to stain in comparison with conventional decking,’ says Allan Jeffrey, Business Director of Extremely Decking.

‘It doesn’t want common treating, staining, or portray both. Composite decking is manufactured from HDPE plastics and wooden fibres to create hard-wearing decking boards.

Picture credit score: Habitat+ Gray Composite Decking Board, from £24 (L2.4m), B&Q

The plastics used within the composite are sometimes recycled, utilizing waste supplies like plastic baggage and milk bottles,’ says Allan. It’s much less prone to splinter too, because it doesn’t take up water in the identical manner, so it’s ideally suited for an area round a pool or scorching tub.’

However composite decking doesn’t imply maintenance-free – should you take care of your composite deck, then it would hold it trying its greatest for years to come back. And whereas it’s much less time-consuming to wash up at the start of the summer time months, you continue to must spend just a little effort and time to get it trying as new.

Observe our simple step-by-step information and spruce up your composite decking.

1. Get prepped for the undertaking

First, take away backyard furnishings, pots, planters, doormats, and the barbecue. Then brush your composite deck with a soft-bristled brush to take away free particles, resembling grass cuttings, fallen leaves and twigs, attempting to get within the gaps as a lot as doable.

If wanted, use a scraper or putty knife to take away any dust that’s trapped between the boards. You can even spray the realm with a hose to take away particles.

Picture credit score: Extremely decking

2. Clear any railings

When you’ve got railings round your deck, then begin by washing them down with soapy water and a decking cleansing hand brush, obtainable at Amazon. Then, hose it off, eradicating any particles and cobwebs. Deck railing concepts can actually assist create that sense of an outside room.

To scrub the composite boards, combine up a bucket of heat soapy water and use a brush to get into the embossed sample of your boards. You can even purchase oxygenated cleaners, resembling Oxylyse, however by no means use family bleach as you possibly can discolour the boards, in any other case, regular washing-up liquid will do the job.

3. Wash the decking with soapy water

Working in a small part at a time – about 5-metre sections to forestall any cleaner from drying out and probably leaving a movie on the deck – wash the composite decking with the soapy water and the comb. Then rinse clear and permit to dry, earlier than changing your backyard furnishings and any pots moved.

When you’ve got any cussed planter or pot marks, then strive giving extra of a scrub, or utilizing oxygenated cleaner and water to take away them.

4. Clear little and sometimes

Rinsing off a composite deck periodically all year long will stop the build-up of dust, mildew, and dirt. Spot stains – resembling grease or spilt drinks – ought to be cleaned off affected boards with soapy water and left to ‘climate’ for a month or so to regain their authentic color.

Picture credit score: Melbourne Backyard Lantern Duo, £54.99, Lights4fun

Can I jet-wash composite decking?

‘Many householders use an influence washer to wash their decking as a result of it’s quicker, however when utilizing one on composite decking, you should be very cautious. You shouldn’t apply an excessive amount of stress when utilizing the machine,’ says Allan Jeffrey, Business Director of Extremely Decking.

‘Composite decking just isn’t like a wooden deck; whereas stress washing your deck, the fan can harm its floor should you transfer the stress washer too near it. A water hose is a secure and good choice if you wish to rinse the floor of a composite deck.’

When you do determine to jet your composite deck, then use a fan tip nozzle and the washer’s lowest setting (not more than 1500psi). Spray within the route of the board and hold the nozzle at the least 20cm from the board.

Is vinegar an excellent composite deck cleaner?

‘Sure, it’s nice for eradicating mould on composite decking,’ says Allan. ‘Combine a half cup of white vinegar with a gallon of water. Then use the combination to wash the decking.’

You can even use baking soda. ‘Sprinkle some on the decking then scrub with a gentle bristle brush. Then rinse with clear water.’