Loading

How to Clean a Composite or Wood Deck

How To Clean A Composite Deck
PinterestSave

Designing and building a deck suited to your wants and needs can be fun and exciting. But when it comes to care and maintenance, it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into beforehand. Examine the pros and cons of composite or wood decking -- specifically when it comes to how to clean your decking. And in addition to routine cleaning, you should also be aware of other maintenance work you may need to do from time to time on your deck.

For natural wood lovers, properly cleaning a wood deck requires annual care. You can buy deck cleaning solution at your local hardware store or make your own homemade concoctions from various household products that are effective in fighting mildew, algae, oil and debris.

In addition to cleaning, you’ll also need to routinely stain or seal your natural deck to keep it looking fresh and protect it from the harsh effects of elemental damage -- mainly heat and moisture. In some cases, your natural wood deck may also splinter, requiring sanding or replacing loose boards from time to time.

Composite decks on the other hand, offer a lower level of all-around maintenance – they won’t splinter and you don’t need to worry about periodic staining, painting or sealing projects.

Let’s learn more about tackling cleaning and keeping your deck in great shape!

Deck Cleaning Solutions & Materials Needed

Washing your deck consists of scrubbing it with a deck cleaning solution and a stiff bristle brush. You will need a bucket, cleaner, garden hose with a water nozzle or power washer, and a brush with an extension pole – unless you want to be scrubbing on your hands and knees.

Additionally, there are a number of safe, homemade cleaning solutions you can use on your deck, regardless of whether you have a natural wood or composite deck.  These ingredients can be purchased from your local hardware or general store.

Depending on which homemade recipe you follow and whether you’ve got a natural or composite deck, various proportions and combinations of the following items can help you keep your deck in top condition. They include:

  • Warm water can be used on its own to wash a wood or composite deck.
  • Liquid dish soap (ammonia-free) is safe for use on cleaning your deck when mixed with a little warm water. Simply mix 1 gallon of water, 2 tablespoons of ammonia-free dish soap (such as Murphy’s), 1 pint of rubbing alcohol, and 1 quart of oxygen bleach. Be very careful and only use ammonia free dish soap. Otherwise, if ammonia is mixed with bleach, it can create toxic fumes. Once you’ve blended your mixture, swab it on your deck and rinse it clean with water.
  • Oxygen bleach or powdered oxygen laundry cleaner is safe for use on wood decks and useful in removing mold or spores. When cleaning your deck, make sure you only use oxygen bleach and not chlorine bleach, which can compromise the structural integrity of your wood deck.
  • Vinegar - Safe for both composite and wood decking, mix a half-cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to ¼ a cup of baking soda with 1 gallon of water.

How to Clean a Wood Deck

Natural wood decks have the potential to look great if they’re well-maintained. But the amount of summer wear and tear from cookouts and backyard fun combined with the harsh winter cold and frost can really do a number on a real wood deck over time, unless you stay on top of cleaning and caring for it.

Check out the steps below for how to properly clean wood decking: 

  • Step 1: Pre-rinse your deck
    First, spritz the deck with water to soften the dried cellulose fibers. This 'pre-rinse' will also allow for the cleaning solution to be more easily dispersed throughout the deck.
  • Step 2: Mix your chosen solution
    Mix your cleaning solution in a 5-gallon bucket with water following the instructions on the container. 
  • Step 3: Scrub with the grain
    Next you can begin to scrub the deck with the grain using your stiff bristle brush to remove dirt, mildew, mold, stains etc. 
    TIP: If the deck surface is large, mix and divide multiple batches of cleaning solution. The concentration of the cleaning solution should remain consistent throughout the project.
  • Step 4: Rinse thoroughly
    You can then use your garden hose or a pressure washer to rinse the surface of the deck. Try to time your deck cleaning project for nice weather. It is best if you can allow your deck to dry for 24-48 hours before staining and sealing.

How to Clean a Composite Deck

Regular maintenance keeps your composite deck looking its best and helps extend its lifespan. Unlike natural wood, composite decking requires a gentler approach to prevent damage. Avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the surface. Instead, follow these steps to keep your deck looking its best.

  • Step 1: Remove Debris
    Sweep leaves, dirt, and dust off the deck regularly. Clear out gaps between boards to prevent mold and mildew buildup.
  • Step 2: Rinse the Surface
    Spray the deck with a garden hose or a low-pressure power washer (maximum 3100 psi) to wash away loose dirt and grime.
  • Step 3: Scrub with a Mild Cleaner
    Apply a mixture of warm water and mild soap or a composite deck cleaner. Use a soft-bristle brush or sponge to scrub soiled areas, loosening dirt and stains without damaging the surface.
  • Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
    Wash away all soap and cleaner with a garden hose. Ensure no residue is left behind, as it can create a dull film on the surface.

Removing mold from your composite decking

For mold removal, try cleaning composite decking with vinegar.

  • Step 1: Pre-rinse
    Use your hose or power wash to remove as much of the surface mold as possible.
  • Step 2: Mix your vinegar solution
    Next, mix two parts vinegar and one part water into a bucket. Pour the solution directly on the mold.
  • Step 3: Sprinkle baking soda
    After the solution is poured, sprinkle some baking soda on the area well. Let the compound sit and soak for 20 minutes and then scrub the area with your gentle bristle brush to remove any leftover mold and mildew.
  • Step 4: Rinse thoroughly
    Finally, thoroughly wash the area clean to avoid leaving a layer of film.

And that’s it! With just a little soapy water, some gentle pressure, and the cleaning tips for composite decking or wood decking above, you can keep your deck clean and in peak condition. That’s what we call maximum outdoor living with minimal maintenance!

Popular Care Articles
Deck Cleaning

How to Pressure Wash a Deck

Pressure washing your deck is the best way to keep your investment looking like new. Learn how to properly clean your wood deck with these tips from Decks.com.

Deck Cleaning

Best Deck Cleaner Options

Discover the best deck cleaning and brightening solutions for composite decks, wood decks, and more. Learn how to remove dirt, mildew, and algae with Decks.com.

Deck Cleaning

How to Remove Moss & Algae from Your Deck

Moss and algae growth can be detrimental to the integrity of your deck if left untreated.

Next Step: Materials Articles
Composite Decking

Capped Composite Decking

What is capped composite decking? It's a great option if you like the look of wood but not the maintenance. Learn about capped composite at Decks.com.

Composite Decking

Eco Friendly Composite & Wood Decking Options

Looking for the most environmentally friendly way to add a gorgeous deck to your home? Learn how composite decking is made from recycled materials at Decks.com.

Deck Hardware

Hurricane Ties: Uses and Installation

Hurricane ties provide your deck with additional stability against high winds and rain. Learn how to utilize and install hurricane ties on Decks.com.

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic

Popular Care Articles
Repairs

How to Remove Scuffs and Scratches from Composite Decking

Removing scuffs and scratches can help make your composite deck look like new. Learn how to fix and prevent your composite deck from future scratches.

Repairs

Deck Post Repair: How to Fill Cracks in Deck Posts

The right kind of wood can resist rot, mold, and insects, but they can still split or crack. You can repair the posts before the problem causes structural issues. Read our guide on deck post repair to help your outdoor space last as long as it possibly can.

Deck Cleaning

What is Wet Rot and How Do You Treat It?

Wet rot occurs when water or high moisture levels cause wood to decay. Learn how to recognize the signs and causes of wet rot and how to treat it.

Next Step: Materials Articles
Decking Reviews

Is Trex Decking Worth the Investment? Expert Insights and Reviews

Discover why Trex decking is worth the investment. Learn about its durability, low maintenance, eco-friendliness, and the long-term value it adds to your home.

Composite Decking

Differences Between PVC & Composite Decking

Both PVC and composite materials can be a great alternative to traditional wood decking. Learn the pros and cons of each material with our full comparison.

Deck Hardware

Hurricane Ties: Uses and Installation

Hurricane ties provide your deck with additional stability against high winds and rain. Learn how to utilize and install hurricane ties on Decks.com.

Get more helpful resources delivered right to your inbox

Explore Articles by Topic