Composite deck railings bring style and durability to outdoor spaces, but even the lowest maintenance materials still collect dirt, pollen, or sunscreen over time.
As far as decking materials go, we're big fans of composite materials: they don’t need sanding, sealing, or painting like wood, and a little soap, water, and a soft touch go a long way.
How to Clean Your Railings
Composite decking often incorporates coordinated railings, which makes upkeep simple. Follow these steps for an easy cleaning process:
- Fill a bucket with warm water and a mild detergent. "Just an occasional cleaning with soap, water, and a soft brush or cloth is all it takes to keep composite railings looking like new for decades," shares Dave Kile, Owner and Deck Expert at Trex Protect.
- Dip a soft-bristle brush or cloth into the soapy water. The soft texture prevents scratching while loosening dirt and pollen.
- Scrub the railing gently, working along the surface. "They never need to be stripped, sanded, painted, or sealed," reminds Kile, which means a light touch is all that’s required.
- Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose. This removes both the soap and any loosened debris.
- Address mildew with a light scrubbing and rinse. “For tough spots like mildew, a light scrubbing and rinse should suffice,” recommends Kile.
- Increase cleaning frequency for poolside railings. "[This is] due to exposure to splashing, humidity, and sunscreen residue,” he adds.
How to Clean Stubborn Spots
Sometimes, composite deck railings need more than a quick wash. Mildew, sunscreen residue, or water spots can be harder to remove. If that happens, you can get a composite deck cleaner or mildew cleaner, but we'd also recommend you try these approaches:
- Mildew buildup removal: Mix water with white vinegar and apply it with a scrub brush. Rinse it well.
- Sunscreen and oily marks: Dishwashing soap mixed with warm water cuts through grease.
- Tough stains: Apply your cleaning solution, wait a few minutes, then scrub lightly.
For railings in coastal areas or around pools, buildup can be faster. Rinse them more often to keep residue from sticking. Some homeowners try using a power washer; however, always choose low, wide nozzle setting and keep the spray held back least a foot. For most situations, a garden hose and mild soap are safer and just as effective against dirt and grime.
Tips for Different Railing Materials
Not every deck has composite deck railings. Some outdoor railings are vinyl, aluminum, or even iron. Each type responds best to a simple approach:
- Vinyl railing: Use soap and water. A vinyl cleaner can help with extra buildup on vinyl fence systems.
- Aluminum deck railing: Stick to gentle scrubbing with mild detergent and water. Avoid abrasive pads to protect the finish.
- Iron railing: Wash with soapy water and check for rusted screws or spots that may need repainting.
FAQ
Can I use a pressure washer on composite railings?
Yes, but only on a low setting. Pressure washing too close or too intensely can damage the surface. For most homes, rinsing with a garden hose on a jet spray setting after scrubbing works just as well.
What’s the best way to prevent buildup on deck railings?
Rinse railings with a garden hose every few weeks, and especially during pollen season. If you live near salt water, rinsing them down more often can help them look and feel clean.
Can I use bleach to clean composite deck railings?
Nah, we avoid bleach for cleaning as much as possible (save it for the times you really need to disinfect). Strong chemicals can harm the finish of composite or vinyl railing. A mild detergent, dishwashing soap, or white vinegar solution is safer.
Do composite deck railings fade over time?
They're designed to resist fading, but in our experience, long-term sun exposure can cause some lightening. You'll notice it if you have furniture in the same spot for years at a time. Regular cleaning the entire surface can dirt from dulling the surface so the color stays more consistent.
How often should I clean my deck railing?
Two or three times a year. If your deck surface is near trees, a pool, or you live near the beach, you may want to rinse and scrub a bit more often.
