It never needs sanding, staining, or refinishing, and it won’t splinter, crack, or decay like wood decking, either.
Even so, composite decks do require simple, routine care. Here’s how to keep your Fiberon deck looking its best.
Routine cleaning
- At least twice per year, clean your Fiberon deck to remove pollen, everyday dirt, and organic debris. For general cleaning, use soap and water or a mild household cleaner, along with a non-metal scrub brush.
- To remove leaves or similar scattered organic material, we recommend a broom or blower.
- If the gap between decking boards is less than 3/16th of an inch, organic debris (leaves, seeds, and pollen) can settle and clog the gaps. Water can then “pool” and steep the debris, resulting in a “tea” or tannin that may stain the deck. Plus, this debris is an ideal food source for mold. Keeping the gap clean is the easiest way to prevent these issues. If deck gaps become clogged, use a garden hose to remove the debris. Tools such as a spatula or putty knife may be effective in removing debris; however, they could scratch the decking. Use them carefully.
Oil and grease stains
- If soap and water isn’t sufficient, an all-purpose cleaner such as Fantastik can usually cut through the grease and grime.
- You may also try a commercial deck cleaner formulated specifically for your type of decking.
De-Solv-It Citrus Solution removes tar, asphalt, oil, grease, and chewing gum effectively. Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and test in an inconspicuous area of the deck prior to cleaning the affected area.
Food and drink stains
Whether it’s barbecue sauce or lemonade, clean up the mess as soon as you spot it. In most cases, soap and water or a mild household cleaner will usually do the trick.
Insect repellant and suntan/sunscreen products
Avoid spraying insect repellent or applying any type of suntan/sunscreen product while on the deck. These products contain chemical ingredients that may react with the decking material and result in a stain on the decking surface.
Mold and mildew
- To thrive, mold and mildew need air, water, elevated temperatures, and a food source (such as decaying wood or leaves, or pollen). Since there is no way to eliminate all of the elements in the environment, mold can potentially grow on a variety of building materials, including concrete, wood products, and vinyl siding. Tiny and lightweight, mold spores can travel easily through the air. Depending on the amount of heat and moisture present in the atmosphere, different climates will experience varying degrees of mold and mildew.
- To minimize mold on your decking, clean your deck as often as needed (twice a year, at a minimum). Be sure to remove leaves, debris, and any other organic material that could serve as a food source for mold. If mold is present on your deck, use an appropriate commercial cleaning product.
- We recommend the following products from Collier Manufacturing: 30-Seconds® Outdoor Cleaner and 30-Seconds® Spray & Walk Away. These are heavy duty mold and mildew removers/cleaners that are biodegradable once rinsed into the soil. Both have been tested and found effective in removing mold and mildew and retarding its return.
- A quick reminder: Never mix any cleaning products together, as harmful chemical reactions could occur. Likewise, never mix bleach with acids.
Salt and calcium chloride
- If you use salt or calcium chloride to remove snow and ice from your deck, you’re likely to have some residual product left behind. Buildup of salt or calcium chloride usually can be removed using water and a light scrubbing. Use a garden hose or sprayer, not a pressure washer.
- NEVER use metal shovels or sharp-edged tools to remove snow or ice from the surface of any Fiberon decking product.
Pressure washers
- Pressure washing is best left to the professionals. If you choose to use a pressure washer on your Fiberon deck, use extreme caution!
- Ensure the pressure is less than 2,500 psi at 12 inches above the deck surface.
- Always use a wide fan-tip nozzle or oscillating nozzle and test in an inconspicuous area first. Wash in direction of grain pattern to avoid possible damage to the boards.
- Pressure washing is not recommended if mold or mildew is present on the deck.
Welcome mats, grill mats and flower pots
- 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. Use polypropylene or colorfast woven rugs only.
- Flower pots or other items that sit directly on the deck surface prohibit water evaporation, and could cause some staining on the deck surface.
Care and Maintenance of Fiberon Paramount PVC Decking
- Recommended cleaners include Simple Green and Krud Kutter Cleaner Degreaser. Follow manufacturer’s instructions and test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure the product will not harm the decking surface.
- Do not use rubber or vinyl products on Paramount Decking. A reaction could occur, and result in discoloration under the rubber or vinyl product.
For more cleaning tips, read our complete Care and Maintenance Guide.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published 6/12/2015 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.