Deck Care - General Cleaning and Maintenance Instructions
In an outdoor environment, periodic cleaning will help keep your deck looking new. As with any flooring surface, periodic cleaning is recommended.
The following are suggested cleaners for periodic maintenance:
Olympic® Premium Deck Cleaner
Jomax® Deck Cleaner
Below are suggested recommendations for specific cleaning issues:
Dirt and Debris
Keep your deck clean by sweeping to remove dirt and debris. If necessary, mild soap and warm water can be used with a scrub brush to gently remove stubborn spots.
Water spots
As with all products containing wood, tannin stains can occur. ChoiceDek products should be allowed to weather naturally for about 12 weeks before these stains are addressed. Using a deck brightener containing oxalic acid should remove these spots.
Oil and Grease Stains
Household degreasing agents, such as Dawn dishwashing detergent, should be used to remove the stain as soon as possible after the occurrence. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the detergent off the deck with hot water.
Mold
Deck wash containing hypochlorite (bleach) and detergent can be used to remove these stains. Please refer to the link below for more information on mold removal.
Pressure Washer
You can use a pressure washer to clean your deck. Always use a fan tip blade with no more than 1300 PSI, and do not apply closer than 8-10" from the deck surface. Doing so may cause damage to the surface of the deck.
Scratches or surface abrasions
Markings of this type on your deck should fade within 12-16 weeks of installation. Using a deck wash containing hypochlorite (bleach) can speed this process up after natural weathering has occurred.
Chalk lines
We recommend using a blue or white chalk line when installing your deck. DO NOT USE RED CHALK. Scrub the affected area with soap and hot water to help remove the stain. For stubborn stains, bleach can be added to the cleaning solution to achieve the desired result.
Rust stains / stubborn spots
A cleaner containing oxalic acid, commonly known as deck brighteners, can be used to remove these stains. In order to achieve desired results, the cleaner may need to sit on the stain for up to 15 minutes prior to rinsing.
Removing ice or snow
Calcium chloride or rock salt can be used to remove ice from ChoiceDek products.
*Follow all package directions for proper usage, safety precautions and disposal. In some cases more stubborn stains will require reapplying cleaners until the desired level of cleanliness is achieved. At times, brushing the deck with a hard bristle brush may be necessary to remove any stubborn staining. Remember to always test chosen cleaners in a small inconspicuous area of your deck for approved results. Never mix any other cleaners (ammonia, phosphoric acid, etc.) with bleach.
For additional cleaning solutions, please visit the links below.
Mold and Mildew instructions
Tannin instructions