When it comes to low-maintenance outdoor living, Northern Virginia homeowners should opt for composite decking materials to construct their new deck. This natural wood alternative is great for those who live busy lives and don’t want to spend hours sanding and staining real wood. While composite decking is less intensive, it does require some care to keep it looking its best for years to come. Learn how to remove common messes and learn more about our best composite care tips for homeowners.
How to Remove Common Messes
Dirt and Debris
The most common messes you’ll find on your deck are brought on by the natural elements that occur in your outdoor living area. Wind and rain bring debris onto your composite deck, and if left there, it can damage the surface. Start by picking up large debris like sticks and leaves, then spray off the rest of the deck with a garden hose. For stuck-on dirt, you can use warm soapy water to restore a clean look to the embossed pattern on the boards.
Ice and Snow
Northern Virginia residents know how nice it is to spend time outdoors during the summer months. To make these moments more enjoyable, it’s important to care for your deck during the winter. After snow fall, use a plastic shovel to remove snow from the surface of your deck. If there is ice present, you can use calcium chloride or rock salt to safely remove ice to protect friends and family.
Food and Drink Spills
Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or enjoying a drink after work, accidents can happen. Food and drink spills are sticky and can be a pain to clean up. Real wood is susceptible to stains because it is so absorbent. While composite materials repel these types of stains, it’s vital that these stains are cleaned as soon as possible. Just like you would clean dirt off your deck, first spray your deck with a garden hose and then use warm soapy water to completely remove all residue.
Mildew
Mold and mildew can build up on the surface of your deck if dirt or pollen isn’t cleared away quickly. To clear away forming mold, simply spray with a garden hose and use a soft bristled brush to scrub away with mild soap. Doing this will ensure your outdoor living area is sanitary and safe to use for pets and children.
Frequent Cleaning Practices
There are some cases where extra care needs to be taken to protect your composite deck. When there aren’t food spills or lose debris, homeowners should care for their deck frequently. Follow our tips to maintain your composite materials:
- The use of a pressure washer should only be done if it has a PSI no greater than 3100. Hold the light pressure at least eight inches away from the surface. Don’t forget to rinse the surface completely to avoid a film of dirt forming on the surface.
- When cleaning the surface and railings, do not use acetone or other solvents. When choosing cleaning supplies, opt for non-abrasive solutions.
- Avoid leaving standing water on your deck. When we design your composite deck, we will ensure that your deck is appropriately ventilated and draining correctly.
- Leaves, grass and dirt can get caught between the boards and can even damage the individual boards if left unmanaged. To clean out these gaps, use a thin, plastic tool like a spatula.
- Sweep your deck often to keep it looking its best and to clean with a hose less frequently.
Caring for your composite deck is easy, which means you can spend more time enjoying your outdoor living area and less time maintaining it. Make the switch from real wood and discover the benefits that come with this long-lasting alternative. To learn more about caring for your deck, or to get started on your own construction, contact Distinctive Deck Designs today.