Composite Decking Care & Cleaning: Keep Your Deck Looking Like New
Composite decking offers a beautiful, low-maintenance alternative to wood—but that doesn’t mean it’s completely maintenance-free. At Kline Home Exteriors, we install top-performing Envision® composite decking, and we want your deck to stay in great shape for years to come.
Whether you’re dealing with everyday dirt, grilling messes, or seasonal grime, this guide walks you through simple steps to protect your investment and maintain your deck’s clean, finished look.
🧽 1. Reducing Dirt & Grime
Your deck naturally collects dust, dirt, pollen, and grime—especially during Ohio’s changing seasons. Semi-annual rinsing with a garden hose and a fan-tip nozzle (under 1,000 psi) is recommended.
For a deeper clean, use a deck wash with sodium hypochlorite, like:
- BEHR® Premium All-In-One Wood Cleaner No. 63
- Mold Armor® Deck Wash
- OLYMPIC® Deck Cleaner
🧲 2. Removing Rust Stains
Got metal patio furniture? It can sometimes leave rust marks on composite decking. Use vinyl tips on furniture legs and place mats under anything metal.
To remove existing stains, choose a cleaner with oxalic acid or phosphoric acid:
- Flood™ Dekswood® Deck Cleaner Brightener
- BEHR® Premium All-In-One Wood Cleaner
🍔 3. Cooking Grease & Oil
Grease stains from grills are common—but preventable. Always use a grill mat to shield your deck surface. If a spill happens, clean it promptly with a degreasing agent like:
- Super Clean™ Multi-Purpose Degreaser
🧴 4. Sunscreen & Lotion Spills
Suntan lotions and oils can leave stains if left untreated. Rinse the area with water, then use a mild degreaser, such as:
- Dawn® Dish Soap
🍃 5. Mold & Mildew Prevention
Mold and mildew love moisture and shade. Rinse your deck regularly and keep the area under it well-ventilated. Clean stains with any of the sodium hypochlorite-based cleaners above.
⚠️ Additional Composite Decking Tips
- Don’t drag furniture or heavy items across your deck—use pads or lift instead.
- Clean up food, drink, and oil spills immediately.
- Always test cleaners on a small area first.
- Never mix cleaning chemicals.
- Avoid metal shovels on snow/ice—use a plastic shovel instead.
- Never apply harsh solvents like acetone, paint thinner, or gasoline.
- Never sand your composite deck—it can damage the surface.
🛠️ Let’s Build—and Maintain—Your Dream Deck
At Kline Home Exteriors, we don’t just install composite decks—we help you protect them. From Spiced Teak & Rustic Walnut to Harbor Gray & Alpine Fog, our Envision® composite decking options offer stunning looks with 33% more traction on Ridge Premium lines—ideal for poolside and year-round use.
📍 We proudly serve homeowners in Wayne, Holmes, Stark, Medina, Summit, Ashland, and surrounding counties.
📞 Get a free quote today and take the first step toward a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor space.