How to clean composite decking

Summer is just around the corner. So, it’s the perfect time to get your decking ready for hosting friends and family or enjoying some solo sunny evenings with a good book. Grab your brush and soapy water, it’s time to get cleaning!

Why does decking need cleaning?

Cleaning your decking can feel like an arduous task. But it’s essential maintenance that means you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor space all summer long – and beyond.

Here’s why cleaning is so important…

1. If left uncleaned, dirt can build up, creating a slippery surface that can be dangerous – especially when walking on wet decking
2. When it comes to timber decking, debris left on your decking can cause the wood to rot
3. Maintaining your decking means you can spot any issues early
4. Regular maintenance helps preserve your decking, keeping it looking better for longer!
5. ‘Everyday’ wear and tear - eg weather and pet scratches - can affect your decking

A clean deck is a beautiful deck – it keeps your outdoor space looking inviting and fresh

Composite decking vs timber decking

If you have a timber deck, maintenance involves sanding, staining, sealing and more. But if you’ve invested – or are looking to invest in – composite decking, you can enjoy a very low-maintenance cleaning schedule.

The composite material is mould-resistant, so you can avoid dirt building up on your deck making the surface slippery and unsightly.

It doesn’t need sanding, staining or sealing. It’s also scratch and stain-resistant, so you can rest assured that no matter how messy your summer BBQs get, composite decking is ready for whatever real life throws at it – or drops on it!

How to clean composite decking

Lee Heitzman – UK & Ireland market manager for Trex - said: “One of the many benefits of composite decking compared to wood is how easy it is to keep it looking its best. 

“It’s incredibly low-maintenance. When it comes to cleaning, all you need is warm water mixed with a mild washing-up liquid. That’s it! Composite decking maintenance really is that easy.

“I recommend using a hose to spray off dirt and debris before cleaning each board with a soft bristle brush to avoid scratching the deck. 

“While you can use a pressure washer to clean composite decking, it must be on a setting no greater than 3100 psi and used with a fan attachment no closer than 20 centimetres from the decking surface. Rinse thoroughly to avoid any dirty water from cleaning, drying and leaving a film on the decking."

Lee added: “It’s worth sweeping your deck regularly to prevent the build-up of dirt and debris. Food spillages need to be cleaned quickly to avoid staining but again, that’s easily done with soap and water.”

Tools you need to clean composite decking

We’d recommend purchasing these core cleaning items, ready for refreshing your deck when the time comes.

1. Long handle broom (to sweep away debris)
2. Soft bristle brush (to clean the deck itself)
3. Washing up liquid (or you can use professional deck cleaning solution)
4. Bucket (for your warm soapy water)
5. Garden hose or pressure washer (to finish the job)

Lee’s composite decking maintenance tips

• How to protect your deck during heavy rainfall

If you see pools of rainwater settling on your deck, don’t worry. During heavy rainfall, the gaps between the boards in your composite decking allow for airflow and drainage. Natural evaporation also means standing water won’t be standing for long!

• How to clear snow and ice from your decking

Snow and ice can cause issues in the garden – but protecting your composite decking at the coldest time of the year couldn’t be easier.

We recommend using a plastic shovel to remove any snow from your deck. You can also use calcium chloride - or rock salt - to melt the snow and ice from the deck surface. The key is to be gentle! Don’t scrape or scratch at the snow and ice – this has the potential to damage your decking.

• How to clean hard water marks

Hard water is water with high amounts of mineral deposits like lime, silica and calcium. When the water dries, deposits are left behind, leaving ugly spots on surfaces.

Generally, these deposits can be cleaned with white vinegar on decking surfaces. Rinsing is required, so don’t use hard water for this purpose. If hard water must be used, dry with a cloth or use a blower to dry surfaces. In some cases, a deck brightener product may also be used to help clean hard water stains.

One to watch…

Something a lot of people don’t think about is rubber-backed mats. Your welcome mat could cause discolouration or lighten the decking surface.