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Should you power wash composite deck?
Pressure washing is not usually recommended for composite decking. Pressure washing too close or using too much pressure can be ruinous for your deck. Composite decking material is softer than natural wood and therefore can be “etched” more easily.
Is it OK to power wash Trex decking?
Trex does not recommend the use of a pressure washer. The use of a pressure washer on deck surface could damage the decking surface and will void the warranty with respect to any condition caused by the pressure washing.
Can you clean composite decking with a pressure washer?
Yes, it is safe to clean TimberTech composite decking with a power washer. Before washing your deck, sweep away leaves and other debris with a broom. Use a fan tip nozzle and a suitable cleaning product. Do not exceed a maximum pressure of 1500 psi.
What is the best thing to clean composite decking with?
Liquid dish soap (ammonia-free) is safe for use on cleaning your deck when mixed with a little warm water. Simply mix 1 gallon of water, 2 tablespoons of ammonia-free dish soap (such as Murphy’s), 1 pint of rubbing alcohol, and 1 quart of oxygen bleach.
Can you use Dawn to clean composite decking?
Spray the deck with a hose to remove surface dirt and debris. Clean the deck with a soft-bristle brush and warm, soapy water. (Trex doesn’t specify a brand of soap, so a dish soap such as Dawn is a good choice.) The brush will ensure you’ll get any dirt in the embossed pattern.
Why you shouldn’t power wash deck?
Beware Pressure Washing Damage If you have timber deck boards, a power washer’s pressure may cause splintering and damage to the timber fibers. If the power washing becomes too intense, it can even chip the material. If you damage your composite deck with a vigorous power wash, it can affect the warranty.
How do I make my Trex deck look new again?
Remove larger items of debris by hand or with a broom, then use a water hose to spray down the surface of the decking. Combine half a cup of apple cider or white wine vinegar with a gallon of water and a cup of baking soda — this is the cleaning solution recommended by Trex for its decking boards.
Can you clean a composite deck with vinegar?
For a composite deck: Combine a half-cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to ¼ a cup of baking soda with 1 gallon 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.
Can you ruin a deck by pressure washing?
A pressure washer is a straightforward machine that can clean very well with only water. However, it can ruin your deck if it’s not used properly. If you use it with too much jet pressure or place the tip too close to the surface of your deck, you can deeply etch the wood and cause the fibers to splinter.
How do you pressure wash composite wood?
When power washing composite decking, make sure you follow these four manufacturers and experience-backed rules: Use a fan tip on your pressure washer system. Never exceed 1,500 PSI when pressure washing your deck. Keep a safe distance between the power washer and the deck surface.
Can you use a surface cleaner on a composite deck?
Yes, you can use power wash on composite decking.
How do I make my own deck wash?
Not only is this homemade deck wash effective, it is also really easy to make…the only two ingredients you need are Oxygen Bleach (eg. Oxi-Clean*) and water. Mix about ½ cup of oxygen bleach with 2 gallons of warm water in the bucket until it dissolves.
Can you use Simple Green on composite decking?
Like other wood deck varieties, composite decking is quite porous. Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck and Fence Cleaner is ideal for both manual and pressure washing to lift and remove dirt and debris from the deck surface.
What’s the difference between pressure washing and power washing?
The main difference with power washing vs. pressure washing is the heat. The jet wash in a power washing machine uses heated water, whereas the water in a pressure washer is not heated. It is particularly recommended on surfaces, such as concrete or cement, which will not be damaged by power washing.
What PSI is needed to power wash a deck?
For cleaning a wooden deck, you’ll be best served by using the lowest pressure setting that’s still effective. For soft woods like cedar or pine, this is usually about 500 to 600 psi. For harder woods, it can go up to 1200 to 1500 psi. Choose the right tip to use as well.
What is a good cleaner for Trex decking?
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. If you don’t want to use a bleach cleaner, you can use UltraMean, but it will require more scrubbing.
How do you make composite decking look new?
You can perform a semiannual cleaning on your composite deck to preserve its longevity. Step 1: Pre-spray your deck. Step 2: Spray with soapy water & scrub. Step 3: Rinse thoroughly. Step 1: Pre-rinse. Step 2: Mix up your vinegar solution. Step 3: Sprinkle baking soda. Step 4: Rinse thoroughly.
