Chloe Zhang
Maintaining a plastic deck requires regular cleaning to prevent dirt and debris buildup. While a broom or garden hose can be used for a quick clean, a deeper clean may be necessary to remove caked-on dirt and stains. To do this, a cleaning solution and a brush with soft or stiff bristles, depending on the deck material, are required. There are various deck cleaning solutions available, ranging from homemade mixtures to store-bought options. However, it is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or pressure washers, as these can damage the deck surface.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency | Twice a year |
| Cleaning solution | Composite decking cleaner and water, or mild soap and water, or vinegar and water, or oxygenated cleaner and water, or baking soda |
| Tools | Garden hose, power washer, brush, broom, putty knife or plastic scraper, bucket |
| Precautions | Avoid pressure washing, avoid harsh chemicals, protect plants, avoid pooling of cleaning solution, avoid chlorine bleach, protect decking against moisture intrusion |
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What You'll Learn
Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub
To scrub a plastic deck, you'll need to use a soft-bristle brush. This is because composite decking is a soft material that can be damaged by heavy scrubbing.
Before you start scrubbing, it's important to clear the deck of any plant pots and sweep away loose debris and leaves. You should also protect any plants that you're unable to move by wetting them with a hose or covering them with plastic drop cloths.
Once the deck is clear, you can begin to scrub it with a soft-bristle brush. If you're using a cleaning solution, dip the brush into the solution and start scrubbing. Be sure to scrub with the grain of the decking to remove dirt, mildew, and mould. Focus on scrubbing the ridges and patterns on the deck, as dust and debris can hide in these spaces. You can also use a soft-bristle broom to make cleaning the entire deck easier on your back.
If you're dealing with stubborn stains, you can treat them with household ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, baking soda, or oxygen bleach before scrubbing. For rust stains, squeeze lemon juice over the stain and cover it with table or sea salt. Let it sit overnight, then scrub with a brush. For mould and mildew stains, spray the area with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water, or hydrogen peroxide and water. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub with a brush. If you're dealing with grease stains, sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda or cornstarch on the stain and rub it in with a non-metal brush.
Remember to be careful with how hard you scrub and avoid using harsh chemicals, as they can damage the surface of your deck.
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Prepare a vinegar and water solution
To prepare a vinegar and water solution to scrub a plastic deck, first clear the area of any plant pots and sweep away loose debris and leaves. Protect any plants that cannot be moved by wetting them with a hose or covering them with plastic drop cloths. Next, mix two parts vinegar and one part water in a bucket. You can also add some baking soda to this mixture. Pour the solution directly onto the deck, allowing it to sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Then, scrub the deck with a soft-bristle brush or broom, working in the direction of the grain. Finally, rinse the deck thoroughly with a garden hose to remove any residue, which can create a dull film on the surface.
It is important to note that vinegar is most effective for removing mould and mildew from a deck. For other types of stains, such as rust or grease, different treatments are recommended. For example, for rust, you can apply lemon juice and salt, while for grease, you can use baking soda or cornstarch.
Additionally, while pressure washing can be used to remove surface mould and make the cleaning process easier, it is generally not recommended for composite decking as it can cause damage. A garden hose should be sufficient for regular cleaning. If you do use a pressure washer, keep it at a low pressure and at least 8 inches from the surface.
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Use a mild soap or deck cleaner
To scrub a plastic deck, you can use a mild soap or deck cleaner. Avoid using dishwashing detergents, as these contain ammonia, which can stain your deck and react with other cleaning chemicals. Instead, opt for an ammonia-free dish soap or a basic car/RV/boat biodegradable soap, which is designed to be used on plastic and metal surfaces without causing damage.
To make a soap solution for your deck, mix two tablespoons (29.5 ml) of ammonia-free dish soap with warm water in a bucket, stirring or shaking to create suds. For a larger batch, squeeze washing-up liquid into a bucket and add hot water. You can also use a composite deck cleaner, mixing equal parts cleaner and water.
Before you begin scrubbing, ensure the deck is clear of any plant pots and use a broom to sweep away loose debris and leaves. If you are unable to move plants, protect them by wetting them with a hose or covering them with plastic drop cloths.
Once your deck is clear, dip a soft-bristle brush or sponge into the soap solution and begin scrubbing. Focus on scrubbing the ridges and patterns on your deck, as this is where dust and debris can hide. Work in the direction of the grain on the decking to loosen dirt and stains without damaging the surface. Be careful not to scrub too hard, as composite decking is a soft material and can be damaged by heavy scrubbing.
After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the deck with a hose or power washer to remove all soap residue, which can create a dull film if left behind. For tough stains, you can also use a vinegar solution, sprinkling baking soda on top and letting it sit for 20 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
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Rinse with a garden hose
Rinsing your plastic deck with a garden hose is a crucial step in the deck-cleaning process. It is important to thoroughly rinse the deck from top to bottom, including the railings, surface, and stairs. Insufficient rinsing can leave behind a dull film of residue, which may discolour your deck's surface.
Before rinsing, it is important to protect any plants that are near your deck. If you are not using harsh chemical products, you can simply wet the plants with your hose. Otherwise, use plastic drop cloths to protect them.
When rinsing, it is important to angle the hose so that all the suds flow off the deck. Avoid letting the soapy mixture pool in one area, as this could stain your deck. If you are using a power washer, it should be less than 3,100 psi to avoid damaging the deck.
If you are rinsing off a cleaning solution, it is important to work in sections, ensuring that you keep the area wet during this process. You can also use a push broom to remove standing water and speed up the drying process. It is recommended to wait at least 24-48 hours before using the deck again, and longer if the weather is cool or humid.
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Protect your deck from mould
To keep your deck in good condition and protect it from mould, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, ensure you keep the deck clean and well-maintained. Sweep away any dirt, leaves, and debris promptly to prevent them from becoming ground into the surface. Regular cleaning, rinsing, and maintenance will help to prevent mould issues.
Another important factor is moisture control. Ensure your deck is in a sunny spot and move any items blocking sunlight from shining on it. If your deck is low to the ground, consider installing ventilation underneath to keep it dry. Make sure gutters and downspouts direct water away from the deck, and fix any leaks that drip onto the deck. Use saucers under potted plants to catch excess water and remove snow with a plastic shovel to avoid damage.
You can also use commercial cleaners designed to kill mould and mildew, or a mix of bleach and water. Oxygen bleach is preferable to traditional chlorine bleach as it preserves the natural colour of the wood. Alternatively, you can use baking soda or a homemade deck cleaner that won't harm nearby plants.
Finally, consider using Capped Composite Boards or PVC Decking Boards, which have extra layers of protection to prevent moisture from penetrating and reduce the risk of mould growth.
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Frequently asked questions
To scrub a plastic deck, you should first sweep away any loose debris and leaves. Then, mix a solution of warm water and a mild, ammonia-free soap or a composite deck cleaner. Use a soft-bristle brush or sponge to scrub the deck, rinsing the brush frequently in the solution. Work in the direction of the grain and be careful not to scrub too hard, as composite decking is a soft material. Finally, rinse the deck thoroughly with a garden hose or low-pressure power washer.
For tough stains, you can use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water, or equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water. Apply the mixture to the stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing with a brush. For grease stains, sprinkle a thick layer of baking soda or cornstarch on the stain and rub it in with a non-metal brush.
It is best to use a mild, biodegradable soap that is designed for use on plastic surfaces. Car, RV, and boat soaps are a good option. Avoid using dish soap, as it often contains ammonia, which can stain the deck and damage its surface.
You should scrub your plastic deck at least twice a year to keep it in good condition. Regular maintenance is important to prevent dirt and stains from building up. Sweep the deck frequently to remove loose dirt and debris, and rinse it with a hose to prevent mould and mildew growth.
