5 Tips for Cleaning Vinyl Decks

Maintaining the beauty and longevity of your vinyl deck is a breeze with a regular cleaning routine. Unlike wood decks that require constant staining and sealing, vinyl offers a low-maintenance approach. Here are 5 simple tips to keep your vinyl deck looking its best:

1. Embrace the Power of Regular Sweeping:

Just like any other living space, your deck accumulates dirt, leaves, and debris over time. Regular sweeping with a soft-bristled broom removes these loose particles, preventing them from scratching or staining the vinyl surface. Aim for a weekly sweep, or more frequently if your deck experiences heavy use or exposure to falling leaves.

2. Deep Clean When Needed:

While regular sweeping is key, a more thorough cleaning might be necessary every few months or seasonally.  Here's what you'll need:

• Garden hose with a spray nozzle
• Mild dish soap diluted in warm water
• Soft-bristled deck brush

Cleaning Steps:

1. Attach a spray nozzle to your garden hose and thoroughly rinse the deck surface. This removes loose dirt and debris.
2. Mix a mild dish soap solution in a bucket of warm water. Harsh detergents or bleach should be avoided, as they can damage the vinyl.
3. Dip your soft-bristled deck brush into the soapy water and gently scrub the vinyl surface. Pay extra attention to areas with visible dirt or grime.
4. Rinse the deck thoroughly with clean water again using your garden hose.
5. Allow the deck to air dry completely before using it again.

3. Banish Stubborn Stains:

Even with regular cleaning, occasional spills or stubborn stains might occur.  For these situations, a special vinyl deck cleaner from your local Duradek installer can work wonders.  These cleaners are formulated specifically for vinyl decks and effectively remove tough stains without harming the surface.

Pro Tip:  Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the deck before applying it to the entire surface.

4. Embrace the Power of Baking Soda:

For particularly stubborn mildew or mold stains, baking soda can be your secret weapon.  Create a paste of baking soda and water and apply it directly to the affected area.  Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly.

5. Winterize Your Deck (if applicable):

If you live in an area with harsh winters, it's wise to winterize your deck before the cold weather sets in.  Remove any furniture or planters, and give your deck a final cleaning to remove leaves, debris, and any lingering moisture.  This helps prevent freeze-thaw cycles from causing damage to the vinyl surface.

By following these simple cleaning tips, you can maintain the beauty and longevity of your vinyl deck for years to come.  The minimal maintenance required makes vinyl decks a perfect choice for busy homeowners who want to maximize their enjoyment of their outdoor space.

Ready to experience the vinyl difference?

Contact us today for a free estimate and to give your deck a low-maintenance waterproof makeover.