Can You Power Wash Composite Decking?

Are you planning to use high-pressure water to clean your deck? It seems like a quick way to remove deck grime. However, the biggest problem with pressure washing is that the pressure is too high, and too much pressure may damage the deck. As a professional deck builder, we meet many customers who have problems with this. Some customers prefer to use a pressure washer to clean their decks. While other customers avoid using a pressure washer because they are afraid of damaging their deck.

But there is a safe way to clean a garden deck using a pressure washer and I will show you how. If you’re not sure, you can hire someone to pressure wash it for you. Or, you can use another reliable method I recommend below to clean your deck. All of these methods can make your deck look brand new.

What is Composite Decking?

Composite decking is a man-made deck board serving as an alternative to traditional wood decking. It blends wood fibers and plastic with a binding agent to create a durable, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly decking solution. It looks and feels like wood, but it doesn’t rot, crack, or get infested with insects like wood does.

Possible Damage Caused by Pressure Washing

Pressure washing may seem like a quick and easy way to get rid of the dirt that builds up on your deck. However, you should be aware of the damage it can cause. The pressure from a pressure washer can damage a wooden deck, cracking the fibers in the wood. If the surface of the wood is already cracked, pressure washing will only make the problem worse.

You probably already know that pressure washing a wood deck could be harmful to it. So can it clean composite decks? Pressure washers can also damage wood decking if the pressure is too high and the deck is made of poor-quality materials. If the pressure is too high, pressure washing can even chip the deck material. If you damage a composite deck with a pressure washer, you may not be able to get a warranty. Most insurance companies will not cover damage caused by pressure washing. Therefore you will need to repair it at your own expense.

If you own a quality composite deck like Trex, COOWIN. Then you should have your composite deck cleaned every six months. Spring and fall are the times when the weather is best and suitable for deck cleaning. Composite deck cleaning can be done with soap, hot water, and a soft bristle brush or a composite deck cleaner. It is important to note that chlorine bleach or acids should be avoided. This is because they will lighten the surface of the composite deck.

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How to Clean Your Deck with a Pressure Washer

Your deck will look brand new after a pressure wash, but please proceed with caution. As a longtime deck worker, we can provide you with tips for safe and effective cleaning.

How to Set Up Your Pressure Washer

First, prepare your pressure washer. Too much pressure may cause damage to the deck boards. If this is the first time you have pressure washed your deck, please be careful. You need to make sure you use the correct settings to avoid scratching or etching the surface:

• Wooden Decks: for wooden decks, start with the lowest setting (about 500 PSI). You can test this on a small inconspicuous area first. Pressure should be gradually increased only if necessary. Hardwoods can withstand higher pressures, possibly as high as 1,200 PSI. while softwoods may only require 500 to 600 PSI.
• Composite Decks: To clean composite decks, use a pressure washer with a pressure of 3,100 PSI or less. Other manufacturers may recommend using less pressure or even no pressure washing at all. Therefore, be sure to follow the deck manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.

On the other hand, choose a nozzle that can spread a 40- to 60-degree fan to clean the entire surface. This type of nozzle can be used for wood and composite decks. Because it provides a wide and soft spray, it can clean the deck well without damaging it. In addition, the use of a brush attachment helps to clean tight areas.

Effective Pressure Washer Tips

When you start cleaning your deck, these tips will help you clean better:

• Pre-cleaning: First, use a broom or hair dryer to remove any remaining dirt or dust. Because of the high impact of the high-pressure water stream, most surface dirt does not need to be treated beforehand. If desired, the deck can be sprayed with soap to soften the buildup of excess dirt or grime. It can then be gently brushed with a soft-bristled brush before high-pressure rinsing.
• Distance: The distance between the nozzle and the deck should be kept between 30 and 40 centimeters, or follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you must get closer, do so only slowly.
• Spray Angle: Holding the nozzle at a 45-degree angle helps lift dirt and minimizes damage to the surface. For best cleaning results, hold the nozzle vertically downwards. It is recommended that you start at 45 degrees and adjust as needed.
• Cleaning Motion: Move the tool in a direction parallel to the wood grain. Do not stay in one spot for too long as this will result in scratches and uneven cleaning results.
• Cleaning from Hign to Low: Pressurize and rinse from the inside of the house to the outside, working from the railings and posts down to the deck. This prevents dirty water from splashing on areas already cleaned.

Cleaning Stubborn Stains and Hard-to-Reach Areas

Here’s how to deal with stubborn stains:

• Corners and Edges: For gentle scrubbing in tight areas, keep the pressure low and use a brush attachment. I think you should avoid using pointed (or 0-degree) nozzle extension tubes. These tips can easily damage the deck by directing all the water pressure into a single, very narrow stream.
• Sticky Stains: Use a cleaner that is not harmful to outdoor materials to clean areas with mold, mildew, or heavy stains. In addition, you can try mixing warm water with detergent. Pretreat stubborn stains and let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Then brush with a soft bristle brush and finally rinse with water.

Care and Maintenance After Cleaning

When your deck is cleaned, don’t forget the following important things:

• Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your deck thoroughly to remove soap or dirt. This will prevent the buildup of dirt, mold, etc.
• Dry Thoroughly: Allow your deck to dry completely for 48 hours before staining or painting it. If water seeps under the coating, it can lead to rotting!

By following these steps and using a gentle and effective cleaning method, you can pressure wash your deck. This can give your outdoor space a fresh new look.

Cleaning Methods Without a Pressure Washer

Soap and water are the safest ways to clean your deck. To simply clean your deck, you will need:

• Broom
• Garden hose
• Bristle brush
• Biodegradable deck cleaner, such as dishwashing liquid.

It is important to note that chlorine bleach and acidic cleaners should be avoided. This is because they can damage your deck.

Here’s a simple step-by-step cleaning method without using a pressure washer:

1. Remove any furniture or other items from the deck.
2. Use a broom to remove leaves or other debris from the deck.
3. Test a small area first to make sure you don’t leave any stains.
4. Use water, detergent, and a stiff-bristled brush to clean the entire deck.
5. Rinse it off with a hose. Make sure to rinse well and leave no residue.
6. Make sure the deck is completely dry before rearranging furniture and decorations on the deck.

Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Composite Decking

Composite deck boards do not require regular care and maintenance as wood decking does. But that doesn’t mean you don’t need to clean deck dirt and oil stains. Also, just because composite decking is easy to clean doesn’t mean you can clean it as much as you want. Here are a few mistakes to avoid when cleaning composite decking. Allowing you to clean your composite deck better while still avoiding damage to the deck surface.

Using the Wrong Cleanser

The wrong cleaner can damage your deck. Always check the label when purchasing a cleaner and never use a “deck cleaner” that is based on chlorine bleach. Chlorine bleach is extremely corrosive and can damage the surface of your deck. Ultimately, it will discolor your deck and exacerbate any mold and mildew problems that may occur. Therefore, avoid chlorine bleach and choose a non-toxic sodium carbonate cleaner.

Not Cleaning Deck Seams

Although composite decking can be effective in preventing mold and mildew. But if you neglect to thoroughly clean the deck seams when you clean your composite deck regularly. Then over time, dirt and debris will build up. Then the deck seams will become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Therefore, the gaps between your composite decks should be cleaned at least once a year. This will facilitate air circulation between the decks and help keep the underside dry.

Using the Wrong Tools

Composite decking requires extra care when cleaning. Dirt and debris can be easily cleaned with a broom or garden hose. For deeper cleaning, always use a soft bristle brush. When removing snow, choose a plastic shovel rather than a metal one.

Summary

If your old deck can no longer be repaired, stripped, sanded, or stained again, plan to build a new deck. It is recommended that you use composite decks for your new outdoor living space. This is because they are easy to clean and last longer.

Composite decking not only increases the value of your home but also enhances its beauty. It is important to know how to properly maintain your composite decking. With a low-maintenance composite deck, you can enjoy your outdoor living longer.