Instead of removing splintered wood boards or sanding an entire deck's surface, the most you'll ever have to do to maintain your residential composite deck is clean. No re-painting, no replacing Portico™ composite deck boards allow you to actually enjoy the outdoors again. As composite decking materials are quite resilient, you will need little more than a simple cleaning solution and a common garden hose to maintain a composite deck that looks and functions just as well as the day it was installed.
However, like any outside surface, there are instances where dirt and grime can be hard to get rid of. To remedy this problem, periodic pressure washing by a skilled professional can be considered an effective method to remove persistent stains. When using a pressure washer, it is important to 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 the gap between your composite decking boards is less than 3/16", it will catch organic debris, such as dropped food, leaf litter, seeds, fertilizer over spray, and pollen. Left over time, the debris will clog the gaps and become a strong food source for mold and mildew. Keeping all gaps clear is the easiest way to keep your deck clean. If gaps become clogged, use a garden hose, a spatula, putty knife, or similar tool to remove the debris. A broom or a blower tends to work better than a hose for removing scattered organic materials like leaves.
With kids and pets around, decks may become soiled quickly. By using a hose, a quality cleaning solution, and a scrub brush or a garage broom, you can keep your deck spotless. Scrubbing in the direction of the grain is best. We recommend using a mixture of 1/3 cup powered laundry soap, 2/3 cup Tri Sodium Phosphate, 1-quart bleach and 3-quarts water to clean your deck. 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 that the product will not discolor or deteriorate the deck.
Remove Extractive Chemical Bleeding and Tannin Stains on Composite Decking Materials
Tannin and extractive bleeding stains happen when the chemicals in a material dissolve as a result of extended contact with water. Such stains occurs most frequently around or adjacent to 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 extractive bleeding should occur, see deck care and cleaning for a procedure that Portico™ recommends to remove all traces of such stains. Tannin stains typically disappear when they are exposed to the sun and water. Depending on the season, this weathering process can take several weeks to several months to complete, but the stain will never reappear.
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