How To Clean Your Deck Or Patio With Vinegar And Baking Soda, Environmentally And Pet Safe

Step 2: Spray With Soapy Water & Scrub

The most effective non-toxic solution to protect your deck is UltraBan. I can’t tell you how many customers who call and tell us they wished they knew about this product years ago. UltraBan was engineered specifically for the purpose of inhibiting mold growth on porous materials, without damaging the surface or the environment. When applied, it actually fuses with the decking creating an invisible shield protecting against mold and mildew. This technology has never been duplicated and if applied annually, you can rest assured that your deck will be protected year after year. Composite decking requires a little extra care when cleaning. Regular cleaning of dirt and debris can easily be done with a broom or a garden hose.

Premixed Vs Concentrated Deck Cleaners

I bought my Trex deck because of its environmentally friendly reputation. Corte Clean did not corrode my fasteners or kill my plants like the chlorine bleach based products. Courtesy of AmazonTSP, or trisodium phosphate, is a powder-based cleaner that is one of the best at killing mold and mildew.

Can I Seal Composite Decking?

Pour yourself a tall cup of coffee, put on some tunes and get started. Luckily for us all— advancements in deck building have made affording, installing and maintaining a deck easier than ever before! Preserving your composite deck is easy as long as you make an effort to clean it semi-annually and use the proper cleaning tools to do so. Proper cleaning tools are crucial in maintaining a gorgeous deck; your deck is an investment that deserves to be protected.

• It will make the problem worse and harder to remove the next time the composite surface becomes unsightly.
• In some cases, additional scrubbing with a deck brush may be required to remove stubborn stains.
• The reason for this is that Chlorine Bleach does not remove or kill the roots of the fungus, but actually waters them.
• Composite decking has become an extremely popular material for outdoor decks.
• Keep the surface as dry as possible and free of debris by sweeping frequently.

Next, pour the solution on mold which is found on the surface of the composite deck. After scrubbing the surface of your composite deck for some time, rinse your deck using clean water. This step is very important because if the dirty water used in scrubbing is left to dry, a thin film may form on the surface of the deck. Vinegar – This is safe for both wood and composite decks. Just mix half a cup of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar to a gallon of water and ¼ cup of baking soda. Warm water – This can be used alone to clean and wash a composite deck. Don’t rely on semi-annual cleanings to remove grease stains from your Trex decking.

Ways To Damage Your Composite Deck

Like any other wood-based product, TimberTech’s wood-polymer composite products may experience a naturally occurring process called Extractive Bleeding/Tannins. This process may cause temporary discoloration that will weather away with exposure to flushing rainfall and UV. In most cases, the weathering process takes 8-10 weeks but could vary depending on location and specific product application such as a covered porch. Tannins may also be cleaned by utilizing the cleaners referenced for Basic Cleaning Recommendations for ReliaBoard and DockSider. In this instance, rinse the coating immediately after using the cleaning product. Note that composite deck cleaners such as Corte Clean, Thompson’s Water Seal-Oxy Action, Olympic Deck Cleaner, or other cleaners specified as composite deck cleaners, in powder or liquid form. The capping is a polymer and not a wood/plastic composite.

Use a deck brightener than contains oxalic acid on tannin stains. Water spots, also known as tannin stains, are normal occurrences on wood. Over time, you will likely start to notice some on your deck. Make sure the surface is completely dry and then apply a deck brightener product that contains oxalic acid on the surface of your deck.

Removing Stains

As for me--after getting a complete runaround from Trex --my plan this fall is to rip the damn stuff up and start over. Chlorine Bleach or Sodium Hypochlorite based deck cleaners that the uneducated recommend may appear to quickly remove mildew and mold fungus from Trex and other Composite Decking. We purchased a $20,000 "maintenance free" deck and within the first year, black mold spots began to appear.

How To Avoid Mold And Mildew Growth

Dip the scrub brush into the deck-cleaning solution and apply directly to the stain. Leave the solution on the stain for up to five minutes. Sprinkle baking soda on the area, making sure to cover the surface entirely and allow the baking soda to sit for at least 20 minutes. Use a scrub brush to wash away any mold or mildew and rinse thoroughly. Cleaning your deck not only keeps it looking nice, but it also protects and extends the life of your deck.

If the stains penetrate too deeply, they may be difficult to remove. Allowing metal items such as furniture or planters to remain wet for long periods of time on your deck will cause rust stains to occur. If the stains penetrate the decking too deeply, they may prove nearly impossible to remove. Wash your railing with a solution of warm water and mild non-abrasive detergent and rinse to remove all residues. The railing should be cleaned using a soft cloth or sponge. For more difficult stains, Simple Green, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, mineral spirits, trichloroethylene, CLR or vinegar work well. Wash with warm water and a non-bleach dish soap using a sponge as needed… alcohol wipes for spot cleaning.