Cleaning
ChoiceDek® Cleaning Instructions PDF
Mold and mildew are naturally occurring parts of the environment in which we live. They are a form of plant life spread by spores that can settle on any surface where moisture is prevalent and pollen/dirt/debris is allowed to collect, spores which are easily transported by air currents, insects, animals, and water. Due to molds and mildew's adaptability and large number of species, they are very hard to control and impossible to totally eliminate.
All exterior building materials require cleaning, including patio furniture, vinyl siding, downspouts and even concrete walkways. ChoiceDek® decking is no exception. Periodic cleaning of your deck, even if it "appears" clean, is important to prevent the build-up of pollen/dirt/debris, which can be a food source for mold and mildew. This further serves to keep the gaps between the deck boards free of debris allowing for water drainage. Gaps that become clogged with debris will not allow water to drain as easily and could create an ideal environment for mold and mildew.
With a little bit of simple maintenance your new deck made of ChoiceDek® will provide you with decades of enjoyment.
During construction or shortly after your deck may have some minor staining due to tannins or water. We recommend that all new decks and handrails should be cleaned after construction with the following procedure:
- For stains on a new deck use commercially available Deck Cleaners containing oxalic acid.
- Mix equal parts of water deck cleaner in a bucket.
- Brush the mixture onto the deck with stiff plastic brush. Then let it set for 15 to 20 minutes while keeping the deck moist with the solution.
- Rinse with water. Some tannin stains may still be slightly visible when the deck is wet but should disappear after a short weathering period. For cleaning the handrails you may find it¹s easier mix the solution in a pump sprayer.
Periodic cleaning of your deck, even if it "appears" clean, is important to prevent the buildup of pollen/dirt/debris which can be food source for mold and mildew. For mold and mildew stains on an older deck, use commercial outdoor surface mildew removers or household bleach. Follow suggested instructions on the mildew remover container. You may have to treat the deck twice and for tough stains you may have to brush with stiff bristled brush or broom. Never use a wire bristled brush as this could damage the surface of the deck.
You can also use a product such as outdoor bleach. Be sure and mix according to directions on the bottle. You may want to add a touch of dishwashing detergent to help suds and clean the dirt. Apply to the deck with a push broom. Simply brush to clean, and then rinse. Then reapply, brush and rinse again. Let the bleach mixture stay on the deck for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing. After cleaning, mix a more diluted solution of bleach, without detergent, and mop on the deck and let it dry. This will help delay the return of mold and mildew. Caution: Bleach is toxic and can kill surrounding plants.
Note: Greasy or liquid stains must be cleaned as soon as possible. If you have grease stains use any good commercially available degreaser product. Spray degreaser liberally then scrub the spot. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes and then wash off with water. After cleaning with the degreaser, clean the entire deck with outdoor bleach or deck cleaner.
