Product Care Guide
Download Cleaning Information
Deck Cleaning
Dry sweep occasionally with a bristled broom to keep debris off the deck surface and to keep the gaps between the deck boards clear. Wash with warm water and a non-bleach dish soap using a sponge as needed. For any stains it is always best to remove immediately.
Grease Stains
Wash with warm water and a non-bleach dish soap using a sponge as needed… alcohol wipes for spot cleaning.
Mold & Mildew Removal
Wash with warm water and a non-bleach dish soap using a sponge as needed.
Bird Droppings
Wash with warm water and a non-bleach dish soap using a sponge as needed… alcohol wipes for spot cleaning. For those stubborn stains try Krud Kutter® Concentrated Cleaner / Degreaser Stain Remover.
Construction Marks & Adhesives
Isopropyl Alcohol & rag or nylon bristle brush. For those stubborn stains try Krud Kutter® Concentrated Cleaner / Degreaser Stain Remover.
Deck Care
Minor Scratches or Scuff Marks
The appearance of minor surface scratches or scuffs should diminish after a few months of exposure to the weather and elements. For larger scratches or scuffs, a heat gun (available at most building products or hardware stores) may be used to carefully heat and blend the blemished portion of the polypropylene cap material into the adjacent deck surface area. Note: The tip of the heat gun should never be placed closer than 3 inches from the deck surface and should be in continuous motion so as not to permanently damage the surface of the deck board.
Chalk Lines
We suggest using white chalk line. Other colors may stain or discolor the decking.
Snow Removal
It is best to use a plastic tip shovel. Please do not chip at any thin ice or directly on DuraLife Composite Decking as it may damage the surface of the material. We suggest using rock salt or a calcium-chloride based product to melt away the snow and ice. Select ice-melt that uses phrases such as “safe for concrete,” “safe for flagstone,” or “safe for children and pets” on its packaging.
Pressure Washer
We do not recommend using a pressure washer on Duralife Decking or Railing products.
Painting or Stucco Repair Adjacent to Decking
Paint or cementitious materials (like stucco or cement) are very difficult to remove. Make sure to cover the deck adequately prior to beginning any siding or roofing work adjacent to the surface of the deck.
Railing Cleaning
We recommend checking and cleaning your railing 1 – 2 times per year. Simply spray the dirt off with your standard garden hose. If you live in coastal areas (beach front), or areas where salts and pollutants are more prevalent (industrial areas), then the railings should be cleaned more frequently. (Every 3 months)
DO NOT USE:
- Abrasive Cleaners – Solvents
- Industrial Cleaners
- Cleaners with Solvents
- Citrus Cleaners
- Abrasive Material- Steel Wool, Scrub pads.
- Scotch-Brite
Merrimack (Vinyl Composite)
Wash your railing with a solution of warm water and mild non-abrasive detergent and rinse to remove all residues. The railing should be cleaned using a soft cloth or sponge. For more difficult stains, Simple Green, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, mineral spirits, trichloroethylene, CLR or vinegar work well.
Nantucket (Aluminum):
Wash your railing with a solution of warm water and mild non-abrasive detergent using a soft cloth or sponge and rinse to remove all residues. Windex with vinegar also works well.
Rockport Railing (Cellular PVC):
Cleaning Rockport Railing is easy and fast with most major household cleaners. There are many cleaners on the market and the glass cleaners seem to be the best candidate for keeping the finish looking great. The cleaning solution should be applied and immediately wiped dry. As with any cleaning material, the cleaning solution should not be left to stand on the components for an extended period of time.
Recommended cleaners:
- 409 Glass and Surface Cleaner®
- Fantastik Oxy Power Multi-Purpose Cleaner®
- Clorox Clean-Up®
- Glass Plus®
- DeckMAX®
- Regency® (Glass and Surface)
- Spic & Span Cinch®
- Fantastik Orange Action®
- Windex®