Do you have a composite deck that could use a good cleaning? You may be tempted to use a pressure washer on it but before you do, it’s important to understand the potential risks and benefits.
In this article, we’ll discuss whether or not you can use a pressure washer on composite decking, the benefits of doing so, tips for pressure washing composite decking, potential risks to consider, alternatives to pressure washing, the best pressure washer for composite decking, and how often you should pressure wash your deck.
Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of using a pressure washer on your composite decking.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Yes, you can use a pressure washer on composite decking, but you must use a wide fan tip and a low pressure setting.
Be sure to keep the pressure washer nozzle at least 12″ away from the decking surface to avoid damaging it.
Additionally, avoid using any harsh or abrasive cleaning solutions as these can also cause damage to the composite decking.
Can You Use a Pressure Washer On Composite Decking?
Using a pressure washer on composite decking is an effective way to remove dirt, debris, and other buildup from the surface.
Pressure washers are powerful tools, but it is important to use them with a low pressure setting, and to keep the spray nozzle at least six inches away from the surface of the decking.
This is to avoid eroding the composite material.
It is also recommended to use a fan-style spray pattern, as this will help to avoid damaging the composite material.
When using a pressure washer, it is important to ensure that the deck is completely dry before applying any pressure.
This is to avoid potentially damaging the decking material.
It is also important to ensure that the pressure washer is set to a low pressure setting, as higher pressure settings can cause damage to the composite material.
Additionally, it is important to keep the spray nozzle at least six inches away from the decking surface to avoid damaging the material.
Using a pressure washer on composite decking can be a great way to keep it looking its best.
Pressure washers are effective for removing dirt, debris, and other buildup, and they can be used safely without damaging the decking material.
However, it is important to use a pressure washer with a low pressure setting and keep the spray nozzle at least six inches away from the decking surface to avoid causing any damage.
It is also recommended to use a fan-style spray pattern to avoid eroding the composite material.
With the right precautions, pressure washers can be a great tool for keeping your composite decking looking its best.
The Benefits of Using a Pressure Washer
Using a pressure washer is a great way to quickly and easily clean your composite decking.
Pressure washers are very effective at removing dirt, debris, and other buildup from composite decking, making them ideal for regular cleaning and maintenance.
Pressure washers are also beneficial because they can be used safely without damaging the decking material.
This is because composite decking is made up of a combination of plastic and wood fibers that are strong and resistant to damage from pressure washers.
In addition, pressure washers can be used to remove stubborn stains from composite decking.
Pressure washers provide more power than a regular garden hose and can easily blast away tough stains, making them great for removing grease, food, and other stubborn stains from composite decking.
Finally, pressure washers can also be used to clean the surrounding areas of your composite decking.
Pressure washers are powerful enough to easily clean the dirt and debris that accumulates around the perimeter of your composite decking, making them great for keeping your decking looking freshly cleaned and maintained.
Tips for Pressure Washing Composite Decking
When pressure washing composite decking, it is important to use the right technique to avoid damaging the material.
First and foremost, it is important to use a pressure washer with a low pressure setting.
This will help to ensure that the pressure washer does not cause any damage to the decking material.
Additionally, it is important to keep the spray nozzle at least six inches away from the decking surface at all times.
Using a fan-style spray pattern is also recommended, as this will help to avoid eroding the composite material.
In addition to using the right pressure washer, it is also important to use the right cleaning solution when pressure washing composite decking.
A mild detergent or soap is generally recommended, as this will help to loosen dirt, debris, and other buildup without damaging the decking material.
If necessary, a wood brightener can be used to help restore the original color of the decking.
Finally, it is important to keep an eye out for any signs of wear or damage to the composite material.
If any damage is found, it should be repaired right away to help ensure the decking remains in good condition.
With the right technique and cleaning solutions, pressure washing can be an effective way to remove dirt, debris, and other buildup from composite decking.
Potential Risks of Pressure Washing Composite Decking
When it comes to pressure washing composite decking, there are some potential risks that need to be considered.
It is important to use a pressure washer with a low pressure setting and keep the spray nozzle at least six inches away from the decking surface in order to avoid causing any damage.
Higher pressure settings can cause the composite material to erode, which may lead to discoloration, fading, and other signs of wear and tear.
Additionally, the use of a fan-style spray pattern is recommended in order to avoid eroding the composite material further.
Another potential risk of using a pressure washer on composite decking is the possibility of water damage.
Pressure washing can push water into the cracks and crevices of composite decking, which can lead to mold and mildew growth and potentially damage the decking material.
It is important to take care when pressure washing and make sure to dry the decking thoroughly afterwards in order to avoid any water damage.
Finally, it is important to note that some composite decking may be more sensitive to pressure washing than others.
For example, some composite decking may be more prone to fading or discoloration when exposed to pressure washing.
If you are uncertain about the sensitivity of your composite decking, it is best to consult the manufacturers instructions or a professional for advice.
Overall, pressure washing can be an effective way to remove dirt, debris, and other buildup from composite decking.
However, it is important to use a pressure washer with a low pressure setting and keep the spray nozzle at least six inches away from the decking surface in order to avoid causing any damage.
Additionally, the use of a fan-style spray pattern is recommended in order to avoid eroding the composite material further, and it is important to take care when pressure washing and make sure to dry the decking thoroughly afterwards in order to avoid any water damage.
Finally, it is important to note that some composite decking may be more sensitive to pressure washing than others, so it is best to consult the manufacturers instructions or a professional for advice.
Alternatives to Pressure Washing Composite Decking
While pressure washing is an effective way to clean a composite decking surface and is generally safe to use, there are alternative methods for cleaning your composite decking that may be more suitable for certain types of messes.
For example, if you have grease stains or oil spots, you can use a cleaning solution and a scrub brush to gently remove the stain.
Additionally, for general dirt and debris, you can use a soft-bristled brush to sweep the decking surface.
If you have more stubborn stains, you can use a commercial deck cleaner or a mild household cleaner to remove them.
Whichever method you choose, be sure to rinse off the deck surface with water afterwards to prevent any residues from being left behind.
The Best Pressure Washer for Composite Decking
When it comes to choosing the right pressure washer for your composite decking, there are several factors to consider.
First, youll want to make sure you get a pressure washer with enough power to clean your deck without damaging the material.
Generally speaking, a pressure washer with a PSI (pounds per square inch) rating of around 1500 is recommended for composite decking.
This is because it is powerful enough to blast away dirt and debris, but not too powerful that it could damage the composite material.
In addition to the power of the pressure washer, youll also want to look for one with adjustable pressure settings.
This is important because youll need to use a lower pressure setting when cleaning composite decking to avoid damaging the material.
Look for a pressure washer that has a minimum pressure setting of around 1,000 PSI to get the best results.
Finally, its important to choose a pressure washer with a fan-style spray pattern.
This is because it will provide a wider coverage area and help to avoid eroding the composite material.
Be sure to keep the spray nozzle at least six inches away from the decking surface to avoid any damage.
By taking the time to find the right pressure washer for your composite decking, you can be sure to get the best possible results without damaging the material.
With the right pressure washer and the right settings, you can easily and safely clean your composite decking without any problems.
How Often Should You Pressure Wash Composite Decking?
When it comes to pressure washing a composite deck, it is important to keep a few important considerations in mind.
Pressure washing a composite deck should not be done on a regular basis.
Pressure washing too frequently can cause damage to the composite material, resulting in warping, splintering, and discoloration.
It is recommended to pressure wash your composite deck no more than once or twice a year, and only when absolutely necessary.
When it comes to the frequency of pressure washing a composite deck, it is important to keep in mind the type of composite decking you have installed.
Different types of composite decking have different levels of resistance to pressure washing, so it is important to research your type of composite decking to determine how often it should be pressure washed.
Some composite decking types may require more infrequent pressure washing than others, while some types may need to be pressure washed more often.
It is also important to consider the environment in which your composite deck is located.
If your deck is located in an area with high levels of humidity or exposure to the elements, then it may require more frequent pressure washing than a deck that is located in a more protected environment.
It is also important to consider the type of debris and buildup that is present on the deck.
For example, if the deck is exposed to a lot of pollen, then it may need to be pressure washed more often.
Finally, it is important to make sure that the pressure washer you are using is suitable for composite decking.
Different types of pressure washers have different levels of power and pressure, and it is important to make sure that the pressure washer you are using is suitable for the type of composite decking you have installed.
Pressure washers with too high of a pressure setting can damage the composite material, so it is important to make sure that the pressure washer you are using is appropriate for the type of composite decking you have.
Final Thoughts
Using a pressure washer on your composite decking is a safe and effective way to keep it looking its best.
Just be sure to use a low pressure setting and keep the nozzle at least six inches away from the decking surface.
Additionally, it is recommended to use a fan-style spray pattern to avoid eroding the composite material.
If you’re unsure about using a pressure washer, there are several alternatives to consider.
When you have a pressure washer, make sure to use the best one for composite decking and pressure wash the deck regularly for optimal maintenance.