A composite deck is a standout part of your garden. A communal area for friends, family, pets, and probably some solo down time. You’ve added stunning furniture, complimented it with some floral decoration and now want to reap its benefits as we roll through summer.
How do you keep it looking good though? How does your garden decking remain pristine and something you can enjoy no matter the time of year?
Well today, we’ll let you in on a few secrets on how to keep your composite millboard decking clean and at its best!
How do you clean your composite decking?
Composite decking is one of the easiest to look after, and as long as you keep on top of a simple cleaning routine, it will look as good as new for a long time to come. Without the need to paint it or treat it, and without weeds able to penetrate it, composite decking really is a quick and easy type of deck to keep looking good.
Most of the time, all you will need is some hot soapy water and a sponge or soft brush. Materials such as oil and grease are easily removed through this process and anything else can simply disappear with a quick wipe! Where wood tends to be more stubborn and absorb the spilt liquids or decomposed leaves, composite decking allows for the easiest cleaning processes of any decking type.
It is said by many that over the course of the year, you would only need to spend a total 2-3 hours to keep the decking looking good. For such little time, you get such big reward, right?
So, what would be the best advice?
Clean it in the summer
If you can spare some time when the weather is at its warmest, you will find it easier to clean your composite decking. Work in small sections so that the water doesn’t evaporate too quickly. If it does, you’ll be doubling your workload as the water and soap may dry into the deck and need you to clean it again.
Move any furniture, pot plants or accessories
To make sure you don’t miss anything, use the remainder of your garden, the shed, or in the house as a storage area for anything that adorns your decking. Cleaning around them will mean you will leave many areas untouched and when put in contrast to the clean parts, these dirty areas will really stand out!
Don’t allow the gaps to fill
If you can use a fine brush or even some compressed air, you can remove the debris that falls into the small decking gaps. If you allow them to accumulate, they will hinder the drainage and cause blockages. This will then build up a water backlog which could then damage your deck.
Can I use bleach on a composite decking?
Where we mentioned earlier that hot water and soap are perfect, they really are all you need. Bleach is not suitable at all and with its corrosive nature, it could damage your deck. If you are to use a chemical of any sort, we would recommend you shop for a product that is specified for composite deck cleaning. Whichever way you chose to clean. Whether it be hot soapy water, or a specialist decking cleaner, just stay away from the bleach!
Is a pressure washer ok to use on composite decking?
Pressure washers are great at getting a cleaning job done but they must be used safely and only on suitable surfaces. If your composite decking is capped, a pressure washer can be used carefully but if your composite deck in not capped then you should almost certainly not use a pressure washer. To be safe, it is perhaps best not to use a pressure washer at all. But if your decking is capped and you do wish to use one, then set it to under 3000psi, wash along the grain and be at least 30cm away from the deck.
What are the best ways to clean composite decking?
Depending on the type of debris and the time of year, you will encounter different ways to best clean parts of your decking. Below we have listed the most common types of dirt and stains and how best to clean them:
Oil and grease
We touched upon this particular type of decking dirt earlier but in case you missed it. Some warm soapy water and a soft brush will do the job.
Snow and ice
A plastic snow shovel will get the job done and then use a soft brush to remove any leftover bits and pieces.
Mould
Mould should be tackled as soon as its spotted. Use a brush to remove any bulkier parts then use hot soapy water to wash it away.
Animal droppings
Just like grease and oil, you will just need some warm soapy water and a soft brush.
If you are looking to get a composite deck installed in your back garden speak to our expert team today. We install composite millboard decking to give you the best possible quality. Low maintenance, extremely durable and resistant to rot, splits or sun damage, millboard is the decking that gives the wood like effect but not the risks wood presents. Find out more from us today!
