Now that spring is officially here, you might be heading out into the garden to start sprucing it up for BBQ season, which is just around the corner. While composite decking is stronger and more durable than a standard wood deck, no decking is entirely maintenance-free, so it needs a good cleaning every now and then to keep it looking its best.
Are you seeing green patches on your composite decking?
If you’ve noticed that your composite decking is looking rather green in spots rather than the shade it should be, especially after some wet and windy months, then it’s probably algae. Algae can be a problem for composite decking, especially in damp and shaded areas. Even though composite decking is resistant to rot and decay, it can still attract algae and mould growth if it is not maintained correctly. So here’s everything you need to know about algae and your decking and how to keep it in top condition.
What is algae and why does it appear?
Algae is a common problem for those who have ponds or composite decking in their garden. These tiny plants thrive in moist and shaded areas, especially during the colder and wetter seasons of autumn, winter, and spring. It’s important to remove algae as soon as possible to prevent any lasting damage. Not only does it make your decking look unattractive, but it can also make it dangerously slippery, which is particularly concerning if you have children or even pets. So, if you notice any algae growth, it’s best to take action right away and clean it up to ensure a safe and beautiful outdoor environment.
How do you clean algae off composite decking?
When it comes to cleaning the algae off of your decking, we suggest choosing the natural route first before reaching for any chemical cleaners. More often than not, it’s easier than you think to remove, so there’s no need to pull out the big guns. You don’t want to end up damaging the surface of your decking trying to clean it.
First, try out the natural cleaners that you probably already have in the cupboard. A great natural cleaning solution you can mix up that packs a punch is a combination of lemon juice, white vinegar, water and bicarbonate of soda. Simply combine a teaspoon of baking soda, two teaspoons vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon dishwashing liquid, one teaspoon of lemon juice and 500ml hot water in a bowl to make a solution and apply it to your decking with a bristle brustle that’s not too stiff; rub in circular motions to remove the algae. Once you’re pretty confident that you’ve got the majority of it up, hose down your decking with some water to wash away the residue. Just make sure that your hose pressure is set to a gentle setting.
After you rinse off your deck and let it dry, it should be as good as new once again! However, if you find that the algae is more stubborn and requires something slightly stronger, then always check with your manufacturer as to which products they recommend using.
At North Valley Composites, we’re the UK’s leading stockists of premium quality, 3D textured composite products, so if you’re struggling with keeping your decking sparkling, get in touch at 01282 677300 and we’ll be happy to help! When our customers buy from us, we stay on hand to offer expert advice even after the sale is complete, so you’ve always got someone to call when you need advice or have a question. What’s more, we offer a 10-year warranty on all of our composite decking, so you can rest assured that your deck will stand the test of time!
Is algae a problem for composite decking?
Now that spring is officially here, you might be heading out into the garden to start sprucing it up for BBQ season, which is just around the corner. While composite decking is stronger and more durable than a standard wood deck, no decking is entirely maintenance-free, so it needs a good cleaning every now and then to keep it looking its best.
Are you seeing green patches on your composite decking?
If you’ve noticed that your composite decking is looking rather green in spots rather than the shade it should be, especially after some wet and windy months, then it’s probably algae. Algae can be a problem for composite decking, especially in damp and shaded areas. Even though composite decking is resistant to rot and decay, it can still attract algae and mould growth if it is not maintained correctly. So here’s everything you need to know about algae and your decking and how to keep it in top condition.
What is algae and why does it appear?
Algae is a common problem for those who have ponds or composite decking in their garden. These tiny plants thrive in moist and shaded areas, especially during the colder and wetter seasons of autumn, winter, and spring. It’s important to remove algae as soon as possible to prevent any lasting damage. Not only does it make your decking look unattractive, but it can also make it dangerously slippery, which is particularly concerning if you have children or even pets. So, if you notice any algae growth, it’s best to take action right away and clean it up to ensure a safe and beautiful outdoor environment.
How do you clean algae off composite decking?
When it comes to cleaning the algae off of your decking, we suggest choosing the natural route first before reaching for any chemical cleaners. More often than not, it’s easier than you think to remove, so there’s no need to pull out the big guns. You don’t want to end up damaging the surface of your decking trying to clean it.
First, try out the natural cleaners that you probably already have in the cupboard. A great natural cleaning solution you can mix up that packs a punch is a combination of lemon juice, white vinegar, water and bicarbonate of soda. Simply combine a teaspoon of baking soda, two teaspoons vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon dishwashing liquid, one teaspoon of lemon juice and 500ml hot water in a bowl to make a solution and apply it to your decking with a bristle brustle that’s not too stiff; rub in circular motions to remove the algae. Once you’re pretty confident that you’ve got the majority of it up, hose down your decking with some water to wash away the residue. Just make sure that your hose pressure is set to a gentle setting.
After you rinse off your deck and let it dry, it should be as good as new once again! However, if you find that the algae is more stubborn and requires something slightly stronger, then always check with your manufacturer as to which products they recommend using.
At North Valley Composites, we’re the UK’s leading stockists of premium quality, 3D textured composite products, so if you’re struggling with keeping your decking sparkling, get in touch at 01282 677300 and we’ll be happy to help! When our customers buy from us, we stay on hand to offer expert advice even after the sale is complete, so you’ve always got someone to call when you need advice or have a question. What’s more, we offer a 10-year warranty on all of our composite decking, so you can rest assured that your deck will stand the test of time!