10. Never use shovels or sharp edges to remove snow and ice from your deck. Never use sand either. Instead, use a calcium chloride-based “ice-melt” or rock salt. Do not use ice melt with an added colorant. The dyes can stain your composite decking. Here are the Dos and Don’ts for Cleaning Your Snow-Covered Fiberon Deck.
9. Use polypropylene or colorfast woven rugs on your Fiberon composite deck only. Any mat with a rubber, vinyl or latex backing could mark your deck. Although the marks can usually be removed, we recommend avoiding these materials.
8. For oil and grease stains, speedy clean up is the best. The longer the oil or grease sits on the surface the most likely it is to soak into composite wood fibers. If soap and water don't do the trick, test an inconspicuous area using a cleaner such as Fantastik.
7. To remove tar or asphalt, use De-Solv-It Citrus Solution. Be sure to follow manufacturer's recommendations.
6. Keep debris out of gaps between the decking boards to ensure proper drainage. Dislodge accumulated dirt with a broom or by using soap, water and a scrub brush, scrubbing in the direction of the grain pattern.
5. If mold is present on your deck, there are many commercial products available for cleaning mold. We recommend the following commercial cleaners.
- 30 Seconds® Outdoor Cleaner by Collier Manufacturing, LLC is safe to use around lawn and plants when used as directed and is biodegradable once rinsed into the soil.
- Composite Deck Cleaner & Enhancer by Expert Chemical Company is a heavy duty, mildly alkaline chlorinated mold and mildew remover/cleaner.
Strictly follow manufacturers’ instructions.
4. Clean your composite deck as often as needed, at least twice each year. If you decide to use a pressure washer, use extreme caution and use at pressures less than 2,500 psi at 12” above the deck surface.
3. Keep your composite deck dry. Standing water overtime could stain your deck
2. Improve drainage or grade soil to eliminate standing water under decks. Direct downspouts, downspout extensions and splashguards away from composite decks.
1. Ensure adequate ventilation under and between decking boards to prevent mold growth.
See Fiberon Care and Maintenance documents, or visit our composite decking FAQs.
Do you have maintenance tips of your own? Leave them in the comments below!