Cleaning and maintaining composite decking

CDECK composite decking is known for being easy to live with, and it is. But low maintenance does not mean maintenance-free. This guide covers everything you need to know: routine cleaning, using a pressure washer, treating stains and limescale deposits, products to avoid and how often to clean your deck.

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Maintaining a CDECK WUUDE® composite deck

What do you need?

Cleaning CDECK composite decking only requires a few simple essentials:

Can you use a pressure washer (Karcher)?

Yes. A pressure washer is actually recommended, as long as you follow a few simple guidelines:

  • Use a wide fan-spray nozzle (never a rotary nozzle or pencil jet)
  • Keep the nozzle around 30 cm from the surface
  • Use a maximum pressure of 150 bar
  • Work in the direction of the boards
Diagram: minimum 30 cm distance when using a pressure washer

Diagram: minimum 30 cm distance when using a pressure washer

How should you carry out routine maintenance on your composite decking?

To keep your deck looking its best over time, follow these four simple steps:

  1. Sweep the deck to remove dust, leaves and debris.
  2. Wash with water and a mild detergent, using a soft brush.
  3. Always scrub along the length of the boards.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

In most cases, that is all you need to keep your deck looking good.

Video — Routine maintenance for composite decking

Stains and common issues: what should you do?

The best approach is to act quickly: the sooner a stain is treated, the easier it is to remove. Here is what to do depending on the type of dirt or stain:

SituationWhat to do
Everyday dirt, dust, leaves and moss (decking turning green)Water + mild detergent
Food residue, grease, wine and drinksWater + non-abrasive degreaser
Limescale deposits (whitish marks)Water + non-abrasive limescale remover

Good to know

In every case, scrub with a soft brush or use a pressure washer in the direction of the boards. Always test any cleaning product on an inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire deck.

Food residue and grease stains

If a grease stain remains after routine cleaning, the recommended method depends on your CDECK range:

  • On CDECK Original, as a last resort, you can gently scrub with a steel brush or a hand abrasive, always in the direction of the board. A slight colour difference may appear, but this will gradually fade as the colour naturally stabilises.
  • On CDECK WUUDE, never use a steel brush or abrasive product: the capped surface must not be sanded. Simply repeat the usual cleaning process until the stain disappears.
Video — Food residue and grease stains on composite decking

Limescale deposits

In areas with hard water, whitish limescale marks may appear on the surface. These can be removed easily without damaging the boards.

Video — Limescale deposits on composite decking

Products and cleaning methods to avoid

Composite decking is not timber, so it should not be maintained in the same way. Avoid:

  • Wood stain, saturating treatments, oil, varnish and colour restorers: they are unnecessary and may even cause damage. Composite does not need to be nourished or protected like timber.
  • Acetone, solvents and acidic products
  • Using a pressure washer at excessive pressure or too close to the surface

How often should you clean composite decking?

There is no fixed cleaning schedule. Clean your deck whenever dust, leaves or debris begin to build up.

For a deeper clean or to access the substructure beneath the boards, the Quick-Fix® system allows each board to be removed and refitted individually.

Everyday care tips

Beyond regular cleaning, a few simple precautions will help keep your deck looking its best for longer:

  • Avoid dragging heavy or sharp objects across the boards.
  • Protect furniture feet that are in direct contact with the decking.

Frequently asked questions

Does composite decking require a lot of maintenance?

No. Regular sweeping and an occasional wash with water and a mild detergent are enough. No varnish, wood stain or saturating treatment is required.

Video — Complete composite decking maintenance guide

What products should you use to clean composite decking?

For routine cleaning, use water and a mild, pH-neutral detergent. For grease stains, use a non-abrasive degreaser; for limescale deposits, use a non-abrasive limescale remover. Avoid abrasive, chlorine-based or acidic products, and always test any product on a small, inconspicuous area first.

Can you clean composite decking with a Karcher® pressure washer?

Yes. Use a wide fan-spray nozzle, keep it around 30 cm from the surface, use a maximum pressure of 150 bar and always work in the direction of the boards.

Do you need to apply wood stain or a saturating treatment?

No. Composite is not timber and does not need to be nourished or treated. Wood stain, saturating treatments and colour restorers should not be used.

My decking has turned green. What should I do?

Wash it with water, a mild detergent and a soft brush — or use a pressure washer — always working in the direction of the boards, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Can you replace just one damaged board?

Yes. The Quick-Fix® system allows each board to be lifted and refitted individually, without dismantling the entire deck.

Your composite decking project

Planning a project? Get an estimate in just a few clicks with our configurator. Need advice? Our technical support team is here to help.

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