A Gentle Cleaning Routine for Your Composite Deck
Knowing how to clean composite decking starts with the gentlest approved method: remove loose debris, wash with warm soapy water and a soft-bristled brush, then rinse thoroughly. Most routine dirt does not require aggressive scrubbing or a pressure washer.
This guide explains everyday cleaning and when to consider a specialist cleaner. Follow the current care instructions for your exact board range, including any restrictions for capped surfaces. Explore our general decking page for wider resources or browse the composite decking range for product information.
Our composite decking cleaning guide here is designed to cover the essentials on how to clean composite decking, offering step-by-step guidelines for both a general and more thorough deep clean...
How to Clean Composite Decking: Routine Steps
Start with a routine wash to remove surface dirt. NeoTimber® boards avoid routine timber refinishing, but still need cleaning and inspection. Do not sand a capped surface or apply an unapproved coating.
As it happens, there aren’t any magic solutions or treatments that we’d recommend for treating your composite decking to a general clean. In fact, you can easily get away with using household cleaning items you're bound to have lying around the house. Add a little elbow grease and you're sure to get your composite deck clean and tidy in time for the summer months.
The guide below will give you the low-down on the tools and steps you’ll need to take to ensure that your composite deck returns to its former gleaming self...
Your Routine Cleaning Kit
Treating NeoTimber® composite decking boards is simple and, in most instances, can be done with a little help from some everyday household cleaning products. Before we kick off with our steps to getting your deck into shape, we have outlined a handy toolkit of items that can be used to tackle your deck area.
- A soft bristled brush (anything other than that could scratch your deck)
- A hose pipe
- A regular sponge
- A bucket of warm water
- Domestic soap
Note: The material finish of composite decking means that it does not require painting, staining or oiling. We strongly advise that you ditch the treatments that are most commonly used on timber. Use a mild soap suitable for the selected range. Do not assume every household cleaner is compatible, and avoid mixing cleaning products.
Step 1: Clear The Deck
First things first: clear your deck of furniture. Tidying the area before you kickstart your clean will save you time and give you the chance to reach all the nooks and crannies. Also, be sure to take the time to sweep all debris and surface dirt off the deck before cleaning.
Step 2: Clean Your Composite Deck
Mix warm water with a suitable mild soap, following the product and board-care instructions. Apply this directly onto the deck and clean thoroughly with a soft bristled brush. Brush the surface of the deck along the length of the grain of the board to ensure dirt and debris is being removed from the expansion gaps between the boards.
Step 3: Pay Attention To The Hard-To-Reach Spots
The edges of your deck, especially where trims are installed, can often collect dirt and debris. Take extra care with these areas by applying warm soapy water to the surface of the deck and cleaning with a sponge.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly and Let the Deck Dry
Rinse away the loosened dirt and soap using a hose. Work in manageable sections so cleaning solution does not dry onto the surface. Keep drainage routes clear and inspect the deck once dry before deciding whether any marks need further treatment.
When Your Composite Deck Needs a Deeper Clean
Some decks get a worse time than others. Whether they are situated under trees, are used continuously throughout the winter months, or have to contend with high levels of footfall, dirt tends to stick around a little longer than usual in these areas.
If this sounds like your deck, or you're keen to simply treat your deck to a deeper clean, then follow the deep cleaning guide below...
Your Deep-Clean Tool Kit
If routine cleaning is insufficient, identify the mark and check the approved treatment before increasing cleaning intensity.
- Where permitted: a pressure washer with a fan attachment, within the board and cleaner limits
- Owatrol Compo-Clean (a water-based composite decking cleaner)
Step 1: Apply Owatrol Compo-Clean
Use a specialist composite cleaner only where suitable for the selected board. For Owatrol Compo-Clean, follow the current label for application, dwell time, rinsing, weather conditions and precautions. Work in smaller sections as instructed and test a discreet area first. Do not assume the cleaner should be diluted or that a single waiting time suits every cleaning product.
Step 2: Remove The Thick Of It
Where pressure washing is permitted, NeoTimber's general care guidance specifies no more than 3,100 PSI, a fan attachment and a working distance of at least 250mm. These are limits, not target settings: start at the lowest effective pressure. Follow any more restrictive cleaner instructions too. Work along the boards and test a discreet area before continuing.
Note: It is vital that you use the fan attachment of the jet wash. Any alternative setting could result in you impacting the long-term finish and performance of your NeoTimber® deck.
Step 3: Pay Extra Attention To The Hard-To-Reach Spots
Like in the general cleaning tips, tackle these areas with some additional care. Use a sponge or soft brush for detailed cleaning rather than moving a pressure nozzle closer or concentrating the jet on one spot.
How to Deal With Persistent Marks
Food spills, grease, surface growth and weathering are different issues. Remove spills promptly using the approved method, rather than waiting for the next routine clean. Ask the supplier about a persistent mark before using stronger chemicals or abrasive tools.
Do not sand capped boards. For uncapped boards, seek product-specific advice before attempting any abrasive treatment, which can change the surface appearance. A darker or patchy area may be dirt or growth rather than permanent fading.
How to Clean Composite Decking: FAQs
What should I use for routine cleaning?
For NeoTimber® boards, warm soapy water and a soft-bristled brush are the recommended starting point. Use suitable mild soap, then rinse away dirt and residue.
Do I need a pressure washer?
No. A gentle wash may be sufficient. If using a pressure washer, follow the board and cleaner requirements; do not transfer one brand's limits to another product.
How often should I clean the deck?
Check the current care guidance and adjust to the site. Sweep debris and deal with spills between routine cleans. Shaded areas or decks under trees may need attention more often.
Can I use vinegar, bleach or household stain remover?
Do not assume these are approved for your boards. Check the manufacturer's advice before applying an alternative treatment, especially to capped surfaces.
Can I clean capped and uncapped boards the same way?
Both may use gentle routine cleaning, but treatments for stubborn marks can differ. Follow the exact range's instructions and never sand a capped surface.
Why are marks still visible after cleaning?
Allow the surface to dry and reassess it in consistent light. If the mark remains, photograph it and ask the supplier for advice rather than escalating to an unapproved treatment.
Keep Your Cleaning Routine Simple
Start gently, rinse thoroughly and use specialist methods only where needed and approved. Read the full maintenance guide for ongoing care or contact NeoTimber® if you are unsure which method suits your boards.
