Composite Deck Care and Cleaning

Outdoor decks - regardless of the decking material - are susceptible to some sort of cleaning issue due to constant exposure to environmental elements, such as rain, sleet, sunlight, ice, and snow. Aside from the weather, friends and family can cause their own set of cleaning issues. Periodic deck care, cleaning, and maintenance will help keep your composite deck looking new, years after installation.

The following are suggested cleaners for occasional maintenance:

Olympic® Premium Deck Cleaner
Behr® 63 Deck Wash
Jomax® Deck Cleaner

An eco-friendly deck cleaner alternative:

Concrobium XT Eco-Wash™ (non-bleach)

Cleaning Issue	Recommendations
Dirt and Debris	Especially after a storm, dirt and debris can accumulate on your deck. Use a broom to sweep this material away. For hard-to-remove spots caused by this material, use mild soap, warm water, and a scrub brush.
Water Spots	Water has the potential to result in brown or tan tannin stains on all decking products that contain wood. If your deck boards have tannin stains, allow the boards to weather naturally for about 12 weeks. Then, if the stains are still present, use a deck brightener with oxalic acid.
Oil and Grease Stains	It is important to remove oil and grease stains at early onset to ensure that they are removed. Common household degreasing agents, like Dawn dishwashing detergent, can be used but should be thoroughly rinsed off the deck with hot water.
Mold	Where moisture, pollen, dirt, and debris collect, mold and mildew often form. You can combat this problem with a deck cleaner containing hypochlorite (bleach) and detergent.
Scratches and Surface Abrasions	Children’s toys, sports equipment, backyard or pool supplies, pets, outdoor furniture, and shoes can all contribute to scratches or surface abrasions on your deck. Most markings fade with natural weathering in 12-16 weeks, but if they remain, use a deck cleaner with hypochlorite (bleach).
Chalk Lines	When installing your composite deck, use blue or white chalk, not red chalk. To remove chalk lines, scrub the area with soap and hot water. Add bleach to the cleaning solution for chalk lines that are more difficult to remove.
Rust Stains or Stubborn Spots	Over time, some outdoor furniture, garden supplies, and planters can form rust stains on your deck. To remove these stains, use a deck brightener with oxalic acid. You may need to leave the cleaner on the stain for up to 15 minutes prior to rinsing, depending on how stubborn the stain may be.
Ice or Snow	Calcium chloride or rock salt can be used to remove ice and snow from ModernView Decking products.

Question: Are there special tools needed to clean ModernView Decking?

You can use a pressure washer on ModernView Decking, but it is important to use a fan tip blade with no more than 1300 PSI. Do not apply closer than 8-10" from the deck surface.

*Follow all package directions for proper usage, safety, and precautions and disposal. In some cases more stubborn stains will require reapplying cleaners until the desired level of cleanliness is achieved. At times, brushing the deck with a hard bristle brush may be necessary to remove any stubborn staining. Remember to always test chosen cleaners in a small inconspicuous area of your deck for approved results. Never mix any other cleaners (ammonia, phosphoric acid, etc.) with bleach.