Your outdoor living space is a source of pride and joy- so you want to do everything you can to take proper care of it, so it lasts a long time. The good news is a composite deck is fairly easy to clean and maintain.

Bigfoot Decks in Colorado Springs can help you with your custom decks, patios, deck coverings, and more. We can even help you with a deck replacement. In this article, we’ll explain the best tips for cleaning your composite deck.

When Should You Clean Your Deck?

You should take the time to deep clean your composite deck at least once if not twice a year. Cleaning should be done on a calm, sunny day so that the cleaner has time to work before wind/rain drive you inside.

If your deck is exposed to direct sunlight, it’s best to work in small sections to prevent the water/cleaning solution from drying up before you can rinse it off.

Gather Your Tools

You will need a few tools to clean your composite deck:

• 5-gallon bucket
• Measuring cup to measure the appropriate amount of cleaner
• Spray bottle for spot-treating stubborn areas
• Terry cloth towels, sponges, or a sponge mop to dry standing water
• Deck brush with medium-stiff bristles

Steps for Cleaning Your Composite Deck

Cleaning your composite deck is easy- simply follow these steps:

Clear the Area

The first step is to prepare the deck by clearing everything off of it. This includes potted plants, tables, chairs, and anything else that you have sitting on it. While this may take you some time, it’s easier than having to clean around these things.

Once you’ve cleared the deck, sweep loose dirt, leaves, branches, and other debris. Make sure to pay attention to the corners and crevices.

You may also wish to cover nearby plants/flowers and yard decorations that may be damaged in the cleaning process.

Prepare the Cleaner

Once the deck is cleared, it’s time to prepare your cleaning solution. Ideally, you should use a cleaner that is formulated for composite decking. However, you may also use mild soap, such as Dawn dish soap and water.

Section off Your Deck

Take a few minutes to map out your cleaning strategy. It’s best to clean one section at a time to prevent the cleaning solution from drying/evaporating before you can get back to it to scrub.

Start by saturating the area you are working on with the cleaning solution. Let stand for up to 1 minute before scrubbing. Avoid letting it sit for too long, as it could dry/evaporate, making it harder to remove.

Scrub Your Deck

Scrub the area with the cleaning solution with your medium-firm deck brush. Start by scrubbing with the grain and then against the grain. This will remove any dirt/debris that is stuck in the surface texture of the boards. You may need to scrub twice in some areas.

The edges and corners collect the most dirt/debris, so pay close attention to these areas and apply extra cleaner if needed.

Rinse Your Deck

Once the area is clean, do a final rinse with clean water. If necessary, dry standing water with a sponge or terry cloth towel.

Let Bigfoot Decks Build Your Outdoor Living Space

If you want to spend more time outdoors, enjoying nature, let Bigfoot Decks in Colorado Springs build your outdoor living space. We offer a variety of custom decks, outdoor living spaces, patios, deck coverings, and more. Request a quote online today. Financing is available if you need it.