How To Clean Composite Decking With Bleach

Cleaning Composite Decking Of Common Stains & Problems

Over time, your composite decking or porch will probably need to be cleaned from common problems such as mold, dirt, food and beverage stains, etc.

Here are the best ways to remove common problems from your deck:

Mildew and mold

While mildew and mold can infiltrate and ruin a wooden deck, it can't damage a composite deck. They look unsightly on your deck, but it won't harm or ruin the composite structure.

The best way to clean mildew and mold from composite decking is by using the soap-and-water method mentioned in the previous chapter.

General debris

Leaves, small twigs, and other items often accumulate on a deck, especially if trees are nearby. This general debris does not hurt the floor, but it can be a breeding ground for mold if it gets wet.

The best way to avoid this, and to keep your deck looking clean, is to sweep or blow off debris as necessary.

Dirt between floor grooves

The small grooves and spaces between the decking sometimes trap dirt and grime over time. If this begins to build up, start with the soap-and-water method mentioned in chapter 1.

If this doesn't remove the grime between the boards, then use a pressure washer. To protect the decking as you wash it, make sure you do the following:

Use a fan tip
Use no more than 1,500 PSI (or the manufacturers recommended PSI)

For more tips and information on power washing a composite deck, see chapter 3.

Food and beverage stains

Believe it or not, the vast majority of food and drink stains can be wiped away with a dry paper towel, including the dreaded red wine stains!

If a paper towel doesn't clean the food or beverage stain from your deck, then the simple soap-and-water method from chapter 1 should remove it.

This is where composite materials shine - on a wooden deck, these stains can be permanent, but cleaning food and drink stains from a composite deck is really that easy!

the vast majority of food and drink stains

Oil and grease

Whether you have an outdoor kitchen or portable grill, many people enjoy cooking and preparing food on their deck and porch. This means some oil or grease may occasionally end up on the deck floor.

Oil and grease should be removed quickly to avoid permanent staining. Trex actually requires all food stains to be removed within seven days to maintain their stain warranty.

To clean oil and grease off composite decking, use the soap-and-water method. If done quickly, this removes the oil and grease without leaving a stain.

Pollens

Depending on the plants close to your deck, you may see a thin coating of pollen on your deck. Thankfully, pollen doesn't cause long-term damage, but it should still be removed quickly.

The best way to get rid of pollen completely from composite decking is to power wash your deck. For the best practices on power washing your deck, see chapter 3 below.