Composite decks have become very popular among homeowners because they are stronger, last longer and require much less maintenance than wooden decks. They can take on the chill of winter, the heat of summer and everything in between without the need for constant repair. However, even composite decks need to be cleaned at regular intervals. Mold and mildew are two big issues. Many homeowners notice black spots on their deck as they prepare their decks for the summer after a long winter. Though bleach can be used for cleaning, few people look forward to spending the day in protective clothes. Bleach is harmful to the skin and potentially to your deck. Until recently, there was not a good alternative. Thankfully, things have changed.
Resist Mist is a new way to clean composite decks safely and quickly. And the results can help keep your deck looking great for years. Unlike bleach, Resist Mist is not hazardous to your health like bleach. Although, as with all cleaning products, it is very important to keep children and pets away from the product and from the deck while it is wet. The Resist Mist cleaner, with Lift and Rinse Technology, penetrates the pores of your deck, lifts the mold, mildew, algae and oil stains and allows you to easily rinse them away. And it does not end at that. Resist Mist’s proprietary Micro Encapsulation Technology, stops biological growth from staining your composite deck and lasts for up to three years. The key is to use it correctly.
This blog is a summary of the cleaning techniques described in detail on Resist Mist’s official website. Read through them to clean your composite deck and make add less work and more Margaritas to your life:
Stage One
Start with Dilution
The ideal dilution ratio is 3:1. In more familiar terms, it means that you will pour a quart of Resist Mist into a gallon of water. Resist Mist offers a 1-gallon garden pump sprayer that makes this step super easy.
Spray the Diluted Mixture on Your Deck
Using your Resist Mist garden sprayer (or any quality garden pump sprayer) completely saturate your composite deck with the cleaning solution. Let the mixture sit on the deck for 10 minutes, but do not let it dry.
Scrub Your Deck with a Stiff Bristled Brush
Keep on scrubbing until the light foam is formed. Focus on stubborn stains. You may need to increase concentration (reduce dilution) if a stain proves to be particularly tough. We recommend the Resist Mist deck brush as it is harsh on stains but gentle on your deck. If you choose to use your own brush test a small area of your deck to ensure the brush does not damage your deck. If you have a pressure washer you can use it. Just make sure the pressure does not go above the recommended pressure of your deck. You can check with your deck manufacturer if you are unsure.
Rinse the Deck with Water
Use lots and lots of water. It will ensure complete rinsing and better results. We recommend taking the spray nozzle off of your hose and using large volumes of water.
Let the Deck Dry
Let the deck dry. It will take anywhere 30 minutes to several hours depending on the weather.
Stage Two
In stage two, you will help protect your deck from mold, mildew and algae stains for up to three years. And this step is even simpler than cleaning.
Dilute the Resist Mist Deck Treatment
Clean your garden pump sprayer completely with lots of water to ensure all of the cleaners is rinsed out. Add the Resist Mist Deck Treatment to the 1-gallon pump sprayer at a ratio of 1-quart Treatment to 3 Quarts water.
Saturate Your Deck with Resist Mist Deck Treatment
Make sure the deck is clean and dry before applying the treatment. It is important is to ensure the entire deck is sprayed evenly. Allow the deck to dry. After 24 hours place a drop of water in several places on your deck. If it the beads up, you have applied enough Resist Mist Treatment and applied it evenly. If not, apply the treatment a second time and allow to dry.
Stay Off the Deck for 24 Hours
Let the Resist Mist Treatment dry. We recommend waiting 24 hours to replace deck furniture and heavy foot traffic.