How to Clean and Maintain Composite Deck Boards

How to Clean and Maintain Composite Deck Boards

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Simple Routines. Big Results. A Homeowner’s Guide to Long-Term Deck Beauty.

There’s a reason more and more homeowners are choosing composite decking—it delivers the elegance of wood without the stress. But like anything worth having, it performs best with a little upkeep. At Upgryd, we install premium composite decks that are built to endure the elements with minimal maintenance. Still, even the best materials appreciate a bit of care.

So how do you keep your composite deck looking as fresh in year five as it did in week one? Let’s walk through the care rituals that protect your investment and keep your outdoor space stunning season after season.

The Reality: Low-Maintenance ≠ No Maintenance

One of the most common misconceptions is that composite decking is completely maintenance-free. While it certainly feels like it, composite boards still benefit from regular cleaning. Dust, leaves, pollen, and even mildew can find a home on the surface—especially in shady or damp areas.

But the good news? Keeping your deck clean is a breeze. No sanding, staining, or sealing required. Just a smart routine that combines consistency with the right tools and products.

Weekly Habits That Preserve the Wow Factor

You don’t need to schedule deep cleans every week. But spending five minutes with a broom or leaf blower? That’s a game changer.

Think of this as the “freshen up” stage—perfect for sweeping away leaves, checking for puddles, and rinsing off pollen, especially in the spring. If you let organic matter sit too long, it can stain—even on composites.

Pro Insight: Keep a soft-bristle broom or blower near your deck door. The easier it is to reach, the more likely you are to use it.

Why It Works: These small touch-ups prevent long-term buildup and keep your surface looking crisp and clean.

The Monthly Clean That Makes a Difference

Once a month, your deck deserves a little more attention. Rinse it down with a hose and give it a gentle scrub with a composite-safe brush. No pressure washers—unless the product manufacturer gives the green light.

Focus on high-traffic areas or spots that collect debris. Always follow the grain of the boards to avoid trapping water or pushing grime between planks.

Our Tip: If your deck sees a lot of use, this quick clean can make a dramatic difference with minimal effort.

Why We Love It: It’s the 10-minute refresh that brings your deck back to life.

The Seasonal Reset Your Deck Will Thank You For

When the seasons shift, your deck does too. Spring and fall are ideal times to give it a deep clean. This is where you bring out the composite-friendly cleaners (avoid anything with bleach or harsh solvents) and pair them with a good brush and a little elbow grease.

Move the furniture, clean beneath planters, and rinse thoroughly. If you use products like Trex, TimberTech, or Deckorators, make sure you’re using cleaners they approve—especially if you want to preserve your warranty.

Our Tip: Clean on a dry, mild day so you’re not battling humidity or rushing against fast-drying product streaks.

Why It Works: Seasonal cleanings remove grime that builds slowly—and leave your deck with that just-installed glow.

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What About Mold?

Composite decking resists rot, but it’s not mold-proof—especially if organic matter settles into crevices. You may notice dark spots in corners or under furniture where airflow is limited.

The fix is simple: trim back overhanging trees, elevate planters, and use breathable furniture whenever possible. If mold does show up, a composite-safe mold remover usually does the trick.

Smart Tip: Add rubber feet or risers under pots and planters to avoid moisture getting trapped.

Why It’s Worth It: A few proactive changes drastically reduce the chance of mold taking hold.

Winter Care: Don't Skip the Cold Months

Snowy decks can still be safe and beautiful. Just use the right tools. Stick with a plastic shovel with a rounded edge—metal will scratch your composite boards. For ice, skip rock salt and reach for calcium chloride-based ice melt instead.

In spring, rinse away leftover granules to prevent residue buildup.

Upgryd Tip: Shovel in the same direction as your decking boards. It protects their finish and prevents edge splintering.

Why It Matters: Your deck can still be enjoyed (or at least preserved) all winter long—with minimal effort.

Spills Happen. Here’s How to Handle Them.

Wine, grease, ketchup—real life gets messy. The secret is speed. The faster you clean up spills, the less likely they are to leave marks.

• Use dish soap and warm water for oily spots.
• Rust stains? Try a composite-safe cleaner with oxalic acid.
• For general food and drink messes, a damp microfiber cloth works wonders.

Our Tip: Keep a small care kit nearby with a cleaner, soft cloth, and brush so you’re always ready.

What We Love: You don’t need heavy-duty gear to keep your deck looking perfect—just a little consistency.

A Maintenance Plan That Lasts

Caring for your deck should feel manageable—not overwhelming. Here's a simple rhythm to keep things running smoothly all year:

• Every 2 weeks: Light sweep or rinse.
• Monthly: Quick wash with soap and water.
• Seasonally: Deep clean with composite-safe products.
• Annually: Mold check and optional topcoat (if recommended).

At Upgryd, we walk every client through brand-specific care tips so they know exactly how to care for the deck we install.

Bottom Line: The more you know, the longer your deck stays beautiful.

When It’s Time to Call in the Pros

If your deck has gone a few seasons without attention—or you’re noticing stains or wear that won’t budge—it might be time to bring in a professional.

Upgryd offers deck resurfacing services using high-end composite materials that give your space a total refresh. No full rebuild. Just expert upgrades that restore the look and performance of your outdoor investment.

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