Thursday, March 21, 2024

How To Clean Mold From Composite Decking

What Do You Understand By Composite Decking

Moldy composite decks

Composite decking is rapidly turning into the biggest lumber deck elective available. It is an artificial structure item composed of a blend of wood filaments, plastics, and a limited quantity of holding specialists. This blend is warmed, framed into board molded lengths, and afterward cooled. The subsequent sheets need undeniably less support than conventional wood decking while looking more credible than plastic other options.

The Solution To Moldy Decking

Capped polymer and 4-sided capped composite decking provide homeowners with a great alternative to traditional composite and wood decks that are susceptible to mold and mildew. While composite decking is known for being a step up from wood decking, not all boards are created equal. Composite decking is made up of a blend of wood particles and plastic materials to form a deck board, then some are capped with a synthetic material to help keep moisture out. Any exposed wood particles in a boards core or cap weaken its defense from mold, mildew, and moisture damage.

Some competitors offer capped composites, but take board-compromising shortcuts to help pinch pennies.

How Do I Clean My Deck Without A Pressure Washer

With the right cleaning solution and a little elbow grease, you dont need a pressure washer. It may be faster for rinsing, but it also comes with the danger of damage to your boards.

Cleaning may not be at the top of your list of spring activities, but it will make a significant difference in the life of your deck. Its an easy DIY project with big benefits. A couple of hours in the spring, fresh air will do you and your boards good!

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Directions For Treating A Wood Deck With Wet & Forget Outdoor:

Simply dilute Wet & Forget Outdoor 5 parts water and 1 part Wet & Forget in a pump-up garden spray. For a large deck, connect the Wet & Forget Xtreme Reach Hose End product to your garden hose and attach the fan tip to apply to the entire deck in minutes.

Then spray the wood deck. Thats it!

Theres no rinsing or power washing required. Wet & Forget will work with the elements over the winter to clean up the deck so its ready for use next spring.

Wet & Forget Outdoor makes deck cleaning easy!

Not all growths are equal so weve provided a few tips and facts for each.

Why Do People Use Vinegar And Baking Soda To Clean

HOW TO CLEAN A TREX COMPOSITE DECK

According to Live Science, the vinegar acid breaks down the baking soda, releasing carbon dioxide that can help lift dirt from the surface and is effective because it is on opposite ends of the PH scale. Just make sure that you dont use these in a 1:1 ratio. You need to make your mixture either more acidic or basic based on your cleaning needs.

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Tips Before You Start Cleaning Your Composite Deck

  • Always follow the directions for proper use, disposal, and safety when using any composite decking cleaning product.
  • Always test cleaning products in a small inconspicuous area of your deck to ensure it achieves the desired results.
  • Never mix cleaning products with bleach.
  • Always spray water on plants and shrubs around the deck before and after the use of any deck cleaning solutions fully cover sensitive vegetation.
  • In some cases, stubborn stains will require reapplying cleaners until the desired level of cleanliness is achieved.

Product-Specific Note: Since the MoistureShield Vantage series is an uncapped composite decking, it may require additional cleaning methods. ALLOW VANTAGE PRODUCTS TO WEATHER NATURALLY FOR 3 TO 6 MONTHS BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH THE BELOW CLEANING METHODS.

Warranty Note: MoistureShield series that include a Fade and Stain Warranty should be cleaned within one week of exposure to potential staining agents to prevent voiding the stain warranty. Refer to the MoistureShield Warranty document for coverage details.

How To Clean Mold And Mildew On A Trex Deck

During the springtime, when pollen is an issue, mildew and mold can collect on Trex’s biofilm. This is why it’s important to regularly clean your deck when the weather begins to warm and flowers are blooming. Trex offers a Mold Technical Bulletin on their website that details how you can remove mold and mildew.

  • Sweep away loose debris with a broom.
  • Purchase a commercial deck wash that includes sodium hypochlorite, or bleach. Trex recommends Olympic Premium Deck Cleaner or Expert Chemical Composite Deck Cleaner & Enhancer.
  • Using a deck wash with bleach can lighten the color of your deck. It might also take several washes to completely remove the mold.
  • If you don’t want to use a bleach cleaner, you can use UltraMean, but it will require more scrubbing.
  • Do not wet the deck. This deck wash should be applied to a dry deck, and you should then follow the manufacturer’s directions.
  • Read Also: How To Stop Mold In Shower Grout

    How Do You Remove Mould From Composite Decking

    Ultra Decking composite decking is one of the most low-maintenance decking available. However, many mistakenly think that it requires no maintenance. You still need to maintain it to avoid having other problems. One of which is mould growth. While most composites are marketed as resistant to mould growth, moulds and fungi can still grow on them. If this happens, how can you remove mould from your composite decking? Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to do it. Here are some of them.

    What Is The Green Stuff

    How to Clean a Composite Deck.wmv

    The green stuff that forms of patios is typically either mold, mildew or algae. Although you cant see it not without a microscope, at least wood contains thousands upon thousands of small holes in its surface. These holes, also known as pores, are constantly absorbing and releasing moisture, depending on the surrounding environment. When the environment is humid and moist, they absorb moisture. When its dry, they release moisture.

    A wooden patio may turn green when excess moisture is held inside the pores for a long period of time. Mild, mildew and algae thrive in moist conditions such as this. If the wooden patio doesnt dry out, it may develop a slimy film while simultaneously turning green.

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    How To Deal With Ice And Snow

    You can shovel your composite deck like you would your sidewalk. However, you must also be careful when engaging in this activity.

    Using a plastic shovel will be your best bet because metal shovels with a cutting edge can easily scratch composite decks. If you want to be especially careful following light snowfalls, you could use a broom or leaf blower to remove thin layers of snow.

    If you are dealing with particularly stubborn ice, you may opt to use rock salt or calcium chloride to melt it before attempting to shovel. Rock salt is safe for use on modern composite decks, but make sure to wash or wipe it away as soon as its done its job.

    Remove Mold And Mildew With Armor E

    Within minutes of application, Mold Armor E-Z Deck, Fence and Patio cuts through unsightly splotches of mold and mildew. This bleach-based product cleans, brightens and kills mold and mildew without scrubbing.

    Attach the hose-end adapter to a garden hose and spray evenly on the affected area. Wait 10 minutes before washing the cleaning solution off with plain water from the garden hose.

    Note: Because this is a bleach-based product, be cautious. Apply a small amount on a hidden or out-of-the-way area before you begin to ensure it doesnt discolor your deck boards.

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    How Do I Naturally Clean My Timber Deck

    Vinegar and baking soda are a powerful couple when it comes to natural cleaners. To clean your deck, combine 240 ml vinegar with 3.8 litres of water. Sprinkle baking soda on any mildewed timber and use the vinegar and warm water to scrub over all the boards.

    Borate is also a natural cleaner and versatile for indoor or outdoor cleaning. Use a ratio of 240 ml of Borax to one gallon of water.

    What Is A Trex Deck

    HOW TO CLEAN A TREX COMPOSITE DECK

    Trex is a best-selling brand of composite decking and fencing that is manufactured out of a combination of wood and plastic particles. The decks are made from recycled materials like sawdust and plastic bags, so it is environmentally friendly as well as beautiful. The plastic components help to prevent rot from moisture damage, while the wood guards the deck against the harmful rays of the sun.

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    Read Also: How To Remove Mold From Brick Pavers

    Best Ways To Clean A Trex Deck

    There are many ways to maintain the look of your Trex deck. Trex offers tons of guidelines on the Care and Cleaning section of their website about the best ways to clean your Trex product.

    • Trex recommends cleaning older products like Trex Accents, Trex Origins, Trex Contours, Trex Profiles, or Trex Brasilia on a semiannual basis with a composite deck cleaner. Follow the directions on the cleaner.
    • One annual spring and one annual fall cleaning are recommended.
    • High performance Trex products like Trex Transcend, Trex Enhance, or Trex Select should be cleaned with soap and water or a gentle pressure washer.
    • If you use a pressure washer, it must have a psi lower than 3100 and you should use a fan attachment to keep the warranty intact.

    How To Clean Dirt And General Soiling

    Every deck experiences general dirt and grime that comes simply by being an outdoor feature. To clean your deck with soap and warm water:

  • Remove loose debris by sweeping the deck with a broom.
  • Spray the deck with a powerful hose. This will remove dirt on the surface of the deck.
  • You can then use soapy, warm water and a stiff brush to clean grime and debris out of the embossing. You can use any soap, but dish soap with grease-removing properties is ideal.
  • Use the hose to rinse the soap and grime off the decking.
  • Allow the deck to air dry before walking on it again unless you have hard water. If you have hard water, dry the deck with a clean cloth to avoid hard water spots.
  • Read Also: What Are The Signs Of Mold In Your House

    Clean The Deck With Liquid Detergent And Water

    A composite deck typically needs just a good cleaning with soapy water and a scrub brush to remove most surface stains and layers of dirt that accumulate.

    In a bucket, mix a gallon of warm water with 1/4-cup liquid dish detergent, such as Dawn, which is biodegradable, non-toxic for humans and animals and contains no phosphates. Its gentle enough that it wont damage the surrounding environment or your skin, yet strong enough to pull dirt from the textured grain of composite decking.

    Dunk a long-handled or handheld brush into the bucket and scrub the boards. Scrub in the direction of the grain of the plank in small sections across the deck.

    via amazon.com

    How To Get Rid Of Mold Under A Deck

    Prevent Mold on Fiberon Composite Decking

    If you have a two-tiered deck and have to stare at the black mold on the underside every time you use the lower portion, it can be an eyesore.

    The removal of this mold necessitates the use of a ladder and strenuous work above the head.

    The best approach to clean the underside of a deck is with a pressure washer, but be careful not to damage the wood by applying too much pressure.

    Using a garden sprayer and a cleaning solution is an additional option. Mold can be effectively removed from surfaces using a solution containing oxygen bleach, which, unlike chlorine bleach, does not harm plants.

    Apply the solution, scrub the mold with a scrub brush attached to the end of a pole, and rinse with a standard garden hose.

    Be aware that washing the underside of a deck has additional risks. As you scrub the underside of the deck, water and cleaning solutions will be dripping on you as you work from a ladder.

    As a result, cleaning the underside of a deck requires protective goggles and gear, as you will undoubtedly become soaked.

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    How To Remove Mold From Composite Deck

    Remember that household chemicals used for wood decking, like bleach, may have harsh chemicals that can damage the composite deck, including discoloration or fading. The recommended solution is a deck cleaning solution with Sodium Hypochlorite, a dishwashing solution, or a vinegar solution.

    The first thing to do is pre-rinse the composite deck using a power wash or hose to remove as much mold growth as possible on the surface. Next, apply the chosen cleaning solution, preferably the vinegar solution, directly onto the mold and sprinkle baking soda. After that, soak the compound for 20 minutes, and then scrub using a gentle bristle brush to remove mold residue. After scrubbing, you can now rinse the area thoroughly.

    Using Homemade Cleaning Solutions

    Another excellent way to keep your decking clean from moulds is by using homemade cleaning solutions. Not only is it cheap, but it can also be as effective as using commercial cleaning products.

    One of the most effective ways is by the use of vinegar and baking soda. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which can kill over 80% of mould species. It can also prevent the further growth of moulds. How do you clean a deck using vinegar? There are many ways to go about it.

    First, you will need to remove everything from your patio, including furniture and plants. Next, sweep the floor to remove debris and dirt. Then, rinse the deck with water. After the deck is rinsed, make a cleaning solution by mixing 1 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar into a bucket of water. If you want a stronger solution, you add more vinegar.

    Then, with a soft bristle brush, scrub the areas with moulds by using the solution on the spot. Finally, rinse it off with water. If there are persistent spots, you can spray undiluted vinegar on them. Then, sprinkle baking soda and let it sit for a few minutes without letting it dry. Then, scrub it with a brush.

    Another effective method of removing mould on decking is by using hydrogen peroxide. But unlike vinegar, it doesnt kill the moulds. Instead, it lifts the mould from the surface and makes it easier to scrub away. To use it, apply it to the problematic areas until it foams. Then, use a soft bristle brush to scrub away any algae or moss on the area.

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    What Is The Best Homemade Deck Cleaner

    If you want to mix up something yourself, go for an eco-friendly solution thats right for your deck material.

    For a timber deck: Use 29 ml of ammonia-free liquid dish soap, 3.8 litres of water, 473 ml of rubbing alcohol, and 1.1 litres of oxygen bleach. The oxygen bleach is safe on timber decks and helps in removing mould. Avoid chlorine bleach.

    For a composite deck: Combine a .12 ml of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to .06 ml of baking soda with 3.8 litres of water. Swab this mixture on the entire deck and rinse well with clean water.

    Avoid homemade deck cleaners or brighteners when using a pressure washer or power washer. Because of the tiny nozzles on the sprayer, any granular cleaner will clog the nozzle.

    Not Getting Enough Sunlight

    How To Choose The Right Composite Deck Cleaner in 2020

    The absence of direct sunlight or shaded decks may encourage mold growth as the moisture doesnt evaporate, creating a perfect area for the mold spores to thrive. Shaded decks, especially when damp, also take longer to dry, fostering a breeding ground for mold and making them more prone to black mold growth.

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    Why Its Important To Remove Algae From Your Deck

    Besides the fact that green algae isnt a very pretty sight, it can also be hazardous. Moisture from the algae can seep into the wood, causing splinters and even structural damage if the problem is left unchecked. Algae is also extremely slippery if your deck is covered with it, someone could easily get hurt, especially if its on your deck stairs.

    Algae is more difficult to remove than your average stain itll regrow in just a few weeks if it isnt properly cleaned. It also spreads quickly, so its important to remove any green spots you see right away.

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    Removing Green Mold From A Deck With Vinegar

    White vinegar works well as a . It is an acidic liquid that breaks down greasy residue and grime and can easily penetrate porous materials to kill mold down at its roots.

    Make sure that you have swept the deck surface to remove debris before beginning the cleaning process. Begin by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water into a spray bottle.

    You can either spray the entire deck surface or just the areas affected by green mold. Use a scrub brush or stiff-bristled broom to brush away the green mold. Finish up by rinsing the deck with a garden hose.

    Use this simple mixture for removing mold from walls with vinegar or for any other area affected by the fungus, both indoors and out. Vinegar is highly effective at destroying mold spores and getting rid of this dangerous invader.

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    Clean Deck With Vinegar

    White vinegar is acidic and will seep into the wood and wipe out the mold at its roots. Mix the vinegar with an equal part of water and pour it into a spray bottle or plastic watering can. Apply it liberally to the whole deck as a cleaner, or only to the mold or mildew areas. If the mold area is large, do a section at a time, so the vinegar solution doesnt dry. Use a stiff-bristle scrub brush or broom to work it in and to remove the fungus. Rinse the wood thoroughly with clean water.

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