No more removing splintered wood boards or sanding an entire deck's surface. With ModernView Decking, the most you'll ever have to do to maintain your residential composite deck is clean. No re-painting or replacing. For cleaning purposes, you will only need a simple cleaning solution and a common garden hose. This will maintain a composite deck with the same look and function as the day it was installed.
However, like any outdoor surface, some dirt and grime can be difficult to remove. Periodic pressure washing by a skilled professional can be an effective method of removing persistent stains. When using a pressure washer, apply only the pressure necessary to eliminate any material that has adhered to the surface. Too much pressure for too long on a given section may damage the surface quality. Be sure to exercise extreme caution.
Prevent Mold and Mildew or Dirt and Grime Buildup on Your Composite Deck
If your composite decking has less than a 3/16" gap between the boards, it may accumulate some organic debris, such as dropped food, leaf litter, seeds, fertilizer over spray, and pollen. Left over time, this debris can clog the gaps and result in mold and mildew build-up. Keeping all gaps clear is the easiest way to keep your deck clean. All you need is a garden hose, spatula, putty knife, or similar tool to remove the debris. A broom or a blower may work better than a hose for removing dry materials, like leaves.
If children and pets also frequently enjoy the new ModernView Decking composite deck, it may become soiled quickly. Here is where a hose, quality cleaning solution, and a scrub brush or a garage broom could be put to use to keep your deck spotless. When scrubbing the deck boards, work in the direction of the grain. We recommend using the following mixture when cleaning your deck:
- 1/3 cup powdered laundry soap
- 2/3 cup Tri Sodium Phosphate
- 1-quart bleach
- 3-quarts water
Spray the mixture on and wait 15 minutes to remove. Commercial brands of deck cleaners also work well, but should be tested on a small portion of the deck to ensure the product will not discolor or deteriorate the decking material.
Remove Extractive Chemical Bleeding and Tannin Stains on Composite Decking Materials
Too much contact with water can cause chemicals in a material to dissolve, resulting in tannin and extractive bleeding stains. You may witness such stains around fallen leaves, flower pots, certain deck furniture, and other items stored directly on the deck surface. All wood-based composite decking products can experience these types of stains, as they are composed of numerous chemicals. If you notice these types of extractive bleeding on your composite decking materials, see deck care and cleaning for a procedure that ModernView Decking recommends to remove all traces of such stains. Tannin stains typically disappear when they are exposed to the sun and water. This weathering process can take several weeks to several months to complete, depending on the season, but the stain will never reappear.
