Support & Resources

• Download MoistureShield Composite Decking Warranty

For questions regarding the MoistureShield decking product warranty, please contact our Customer Service Department at 866-729-2378 or contact a MoistureShield Sales Rep in your region.

Below are suggested recommendations for specific cleaning issues

How to Clean Your Composite Deck

Cleaning your deck regularly will help keep it looking new for years to come. Always test chosen cleaners in a small inconspicuous area of your deck for approved results. Never mix any other cleaners (ammonia, phosphoric acid, etc.) with bleach. Always spray water on plants and shrubs around the deck before and after the use of any deck cleaning solutions. You may want to fully cover sensitive vegetation.

Dirt and Debris

Keep your deck clean by sweeping to remove dirt and debris. Using a leaf blower can be a very helpful quick clean once a week. If necessary, mild soap and warm water can be used with a scrub brush to gently remove stubborn spots.

Water Spots

As with all products containing wood, tannin stains can occur. MoistureShield products should be allowed to weather naturally for about 12 weeks before these stains are addressed. Using a deck brightener containing oxalic acid like Olympic® Deck Brightener or Cabot Problem Solver® Wood Brightener should remove these spots.

Oil and Grease Stains

Household degreasing agents, such as Dawn dishwashing detergent, should be used to remove the oil and grease stain as soon as the stain is noticed. Be sure to thoroughly rinse the detergent off of the deck with hot water. If the stain sits for more than a few hours the most effective method of removing it is with an oil stain remover such as Pour-N-Restore.

Mold

Based on our testing the most effective cleaner for quickly removing mold stains is Olympic Premium Deck Cleaner. Please note that Olympic Deck Cleaner is a bleach based cleaner and may temporarily lighten the surface appearance. After cleaning, for long lasting results use Spray and Forget as an inhibitor. Spray and Forget can also be used as a cleaner in situations where instant results are not needed. Please note that Spray and Forget is a non-bleach cleaner that will not lighten the deck. Please refer to Mold and Mildew Cleaning for more information on mold removal.

Pressure Washer

You can use a pressure washer to clean your deck. Always use a fan tip blade with no more than 1300 PSI, and do not apply closer than 8-10" from the deck surface. Doing so may cause damage to the surface of the deck.

Scratches or Surface Abrasions

Markings of this type on your deck should fade within 12-16 weeks of installation. Using a deck wash containing hypochlorite (bleach) can speed this process up after natural weathering has occurred.

Chalk Lines

We recommend using a blue or white chalk line when installing your deck. DO NOT USE RED CHALK. Scrub the affected area with soap and hot water to help remove the stain. For stubborn stains, bleach can be added to the cleaning solution to achieve the desired result.

Rust Stains / Stubborn Spots

A cleaner containing oxalic acid, commonly known as deck brighteners, can be used to remove these stains. In order to achieve desired results, the cleaner may need to sit on the stain for up to 15 minutes prior to rinsing.

Bird Droppings

You can remove bird droppings from your composite deck with warm soapy water or deck cleaners. It is best to clean these off as soon as you notice them to avoid the natural tannins to stain the deck, which will require more vigorous cleaning.

Removing Ice or Snow

Calcium chloride or rock salt can be used to remove ice from MoistureShield products.

Tannin Stains

Although not very common, sometimes temporary bluish-black “tannin” stains can develop on composite decking. These will naturally fade over time or can be quickly removed with a deck cleaner containing oxalic acid (commonly known as wood brighteners). Using a deck cleaner containing oxalic or phosphoric acid may lighten your deck, be sure to follow manufacturer instructions.

Most often, tannin oils are washed out of plant matter or debris as it dries, regular cleaning will help prevent these from occurring.

*Follow all package directions for proper usage, safety precautions and disposal. In some cases more stubborn stains will require reapplying cleaners until the desired level of cleanliness is achieved. At times, brushing the deck with a hard bristle brush may be necessary to remove any stubborn staining. Remember to always test chosen cleaners in a small inconspicuous area of your deck for approved results. Never mix any other cleaners (ammonia, phosphoric acid, etc.) with bleach.

For additional cleaning solutions, please visit the links below.

Mold and Mildew instructions
Tannin instructions
Additional Information

If you have any questions or concerns about caring for your deck please call customer service at 866.729.2378 or contact us online.