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How To Clean Composite Decking With Bleach

Can you use bleach on a composite deck?

Most manufacturers will warn you that Bleach will fade colored composites especially when used in direct sunlight. Regular use of Chlorine Bleach can eventually lead to premature chipping, splintering, and cracking that can affect the structural integrity of your composite deck.

What is the best cleaner for composite decking?

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.

Will bleach ruin a deck?

Unfortunately, it creates havoc when used on wood. Chlorine bleach removes natural wood color, destroys wood lignin (the glue that holds wood fibers together), can corrode metal deck fasteners and hardware and can kill vegetation.

Can I use household bleach to clean decking?

Bleach will not remove some of the dirt and grime that may be present in the wood. Bleach is not a great wood cleaner, it can damage the wood fibers, and can be unsafe to handle. Stick with cleaners that are designed for wood cleaning and prepping wood decks for stain.

Can you use vinegar to clean composite deck?

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.

How do I clean my composite decking?

Spray deck with soap, then follow by gently scrubbing each deck board with a soft bristle brush. Spray/rinse each individual deck board using a fan tip no closer than 8-in (203 mm) from the decking surface. RINSE THOROUGHLY. If dirty water from cleaning is left to dry, a film will remain on the decking surface.

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.

Can you use Simple Green on composite decking?

Simple Green Deck and Fence Cleaner is ideal for both manual and pressure washing your entire deck, lifting dirt, grease and sap from wood and composite surfaces. If using a pressure washer, avoid using a maximum pressure setting, as too much force can damage the wood fibers.

What is the best homemade deck cleaner?

DIY Organic Deck Cleaner Recipes 1 gallon of warm water. 3/4 cup of oxygen bleach. 1 cup of powdered laundry detergent. 1 gallon of water. 2 cups of rubbing alcohol. 1 quart of household bleach. 1 cup of ammonia-free soap. 1 gallon of water. 1 cup of apple cider vinegar. 1/2 cup of lemon juice. 1 tablespoon of baking soda.

How long should bleach sit on deck?

Apply bleach solution using a brush or broom on horizontal surfaces, and a sponge or mop on vertical surfaces. Heavily soiled surfaces may require additional scrubbing. Wait 5 minutes for disinfecting. Rinse thoroughly using a garden hose with a spray nozzle.

What is oxyclean?

The OxiClean™ formulation is a combination of ingredients, the key ingredient being sodium percarbonate, sodium carbonate, surfactants and polymer. Combined, these ingredients work together to remove the toughest stains.

How do you make oxygen bleach?

Homemade Oxygen Bleach for Laundry 1 cup washing soda. 1 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide. 2 cups hot water.

Does bleach get rid of algae?

Pressure washing can even tear shingles off your roof! Some homeowners also try to get rid of algae by using bleach. Bleach is a caustic chemical that can kill your lawn and plants. It penetrates black algae’s defenses and removes the green algae that can grow on the shaded areas of your roof.

Can you use baking soda to clean a deck?

Baking soda: Mix a gallon of water and a cup of baking soda, stirring up the solution until the baking soda is completely dissolved. You can then use a scrub brush or broom brush to thoroughly scrub the deck with the mixture before you rinse it clean with water. Yes, you can use Oxyclean® on your deck.

How do you remove mold and mildew from composite decking?

Step 1: Pour UltraBan into clean pump sprayer. DO NOT add water. Step 2: Spray surface to saturation. Apply to a completely dry deck for best results. Step 3: Keep wet for at least 15-20 minutes. Step 4: After about 10 minutes wet the sponge mop with UltraBan and wipe the surface once or twice. Step 5: Allow to dry.

How do you get green algae off a composite deck?

Mix 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner using 1 part water to 1 part concentrate in a tank sprayer. Apply mixture to dry deck and saturate the deck thoroughly. Gently sweep the deck to clean inside any grooves and let the cleaner work. Once the deck looks visually clean, rinse with a hose.

Why is my composite deck turning white?

Probably the first thing a homeowner will notice is white spots on the deck. These are exposed wood particles bleached by the sun and rain. This is a sure sign that the deck’s seal has been damaged.

How do you clean composite decking with OxiClean?

How to Use OxiClean to Wash a Deck Mix 1 cup OxiClean and 1 gallon water in a cleaning bucket. Rinse off your deck with the garden hose to loosen debris and buildup. Dip a nylon scrub brush into the water and OxiClean mixture and scrub it over the deck.

Can you use bleach to clean Trex decking?

Harsh chemicals, such as bleach, are NOT recommended on any composite surface! These chemicals can eat away at the composite structure and leave permanent discolorations and damage.