What TWO (2) of the LARGEST Composite Brands Have Recommend For Cleaning…
Composite manufacturer brand #1 cleaning chemical recommends as of 8.20.2018…
Under this composite manufacturer “Composite Deck Care & Cleaning Guide” instructions for their newer PVC capped with recycled plastic & wood core composites, they recommend to use “soapy water” under “Dirt and Debris”, however, they don’t state what product to use? When we called, they recommended a specific brand of liquid dish-washing detergent, which products label directions states “DO NOT ADD BLEACH!” They then go on to recommend a “Brightener” that “contain oxalic acid” & state “Deck brighteners contain oxalic acid, which will remove tannin’s.”
They then again recommend “soapy water” for “Oil/Grease/Food”. Then under the button “EARLY GENERATION PRODUCTS”, which means non-PVC caped recycled PE plastic & wood composites, it is stated under “Dirt and Debris” to “Clean deck to remove dirt and debris. Soap and water is all that is needed.” Under “Oil/Grease/Food” they then recommend an “OIL STAIN REMOVER” which states the “COVERAGE: Treats a stain 3 feet in diameter. Approximately 6 square feet” & states “let it dry from a liquid to a powder, and sweep it up.”, which likely doesn’t thoroughly remove this product from this companies porous composite materials & “do not mix with other chemicals.”, like the above recommended “soap” & “oxalic acid”! This oil stain remover costs $8.99 for 16 Fluid Ounces + $7.95 Standard Shipping, for a total of $16.94 directly from this companies website.
However, you do notice they sell a “Composite Deck Spot Remover”, which contains “32 Fluid Ounces” & costs “$13.99” + “Standard shipping $7.95” for a total of $21.94. Most choose to order the composite manufacturer recommended product because it is less money, but wonder why the composite manufacturer would recommend a product for cleaning composites, when the chemical manufacturer makes a product specifically for cleaning composite decks? The product generally works & removes the oil & other stains.
The only problem is you now need to buy enough to finish the rest of your average 300 Sq. Ft. composite deck! 300 Sq. Ft – 6 Sq. Ft. results in you needing to purchase enough product for the rest of the 294 Sq. Ft., or 294 divided by 6, for another 49 purchases of this product at $16.94 each, for a total cost of $830.06! Quickly, most decide that is too much money. You then remember the chemical manufacturer sells this product in larger quantities, so you go back to the website & look. 32oz costs $13.99 +7.99 shipping for a total of $21.98, the same price as this chemical manufacturer’s composite cleaner, 1 Gallon or 133.23oz which cleans approximately 49.96 Sq. Ft. & costs $45.99 + $10.95 standard shipping = $56.94! You will need 6 gallons to clean the average 300 Sq. Ft. composite deck, but when you order more than $100, shipping is FREE, so the total cost is $275.94! Most decide to look for something else, as this seems like a lot of money to only clean 300 Sq. Ft.?
This composite manufacturer then states under “Mold and Mildew” that “Semi-annual (spring and fall) cleaning of your deck is important to prevent the build-up of pollen and other debris that can support the growth of mold. Refer to Mold Technical Bulletin for specific cleaning recommendations”. Most then click the “Mold Technical Bulletin” PDF link that states “How to remove Mold from” this companies “Composite & PVC Decking”, & states, “If mold colonies appear, clean the deck with a commercial deck wash containing a detergent and sodium hypochlorite, commonly known as bleach. This chemical will remove the mold” & “If the deck has not been cleaned regularly, it may require several treatments with the deck wash to completely remove all mold colonies.”
They then recommend two (2) specific sodium hypochlorite-based products, the first of which doesn’t appear to have been originally designed to clean composites of common black mold, as this products label directions from its website states “Before” with an artist rendering of a dirty weathered grey black mold stained wood deck, & “After” photo shows an artist rendering of cleaned wood deck? This product then describes itself as a “DECK CLEANER”, “FOR CLEANING PRIOR TO STAINING” which claims it “Removes dirt & mildew stains”, from “wood and other surfaces”, then states, “It cleans stains caused by mildew, dirt, algae and mold”, & that this product “CLEANS UP TO 300 SQ. FT”.
On the back of this products label directions, it states “Use on decks, wood siding, shakes, shingles, and fences. Also recommended for use on concrete, brick, stucco, tile, and vinyl. Use of this product may return the original green color to pressure treated wood. Application of this product may cause a fuzzy appearance to wood previously damaged by pressure washing or excessive weathering. Application to new wood or newly sealed wood may cause spotting and discoloration. May cause redwood to darken”. Vinyl is PVC plastic, not the “EARLY GENERATION PRODUCTS” PE recycled plastic known for mold problems with this composite manufacturer’s non-capped products.
Then this product states “PRECAUTIONS: Do not mix with any other chemicals as hazardous fumes may result”. Such as the “soap”, “oxalic acid” or “oil stain remover”! This product then recommends being “applied at full strength” while containing “sodium hypochlorite” at “% ≥5.0 – ≤10” according to this products Safety Data Sheet, which is a greater sodium hypochlorite concentration than what Clorox recommends for “galvanized” materials almost always used to structurally support most decks.
Newer packaging states “removes dirt, mold & mildew stains” with a sticker and/or new label addition that now states “ALSO FOR CONCRETE & COMPOSITE”. Keep in mind, the only “COMPOSITE” mentioned on this products label directions are “VINYL” or PVC, not the “EARLY GENERATION” PE plastic “PRODUCTS” for which this composite manufacturer is recommending this product be used, likely resulting in why this composite manufacturer has so many upset customers with excessive color fade who use this product against its label direction? This product generally retails from a home improvement warehouse for $9.98 + tax per 128 oz. or 1 gallon. The 2nd recommended “Mold and Mildew” product this composite manufacturer recommends is only available over the internet through the chemical manufacturer website. The “Description” on this products website then states “Composite Deck Cleaner & Enhancer is a heavy duty, mildly alkaline chlorinated mold and mildew remover/cleaner designed specifically for composite deck cleaning.”
They claim their products “chemicals take care of your most stubborn mold, mildew and soil build up” while it “MUST be used within 30 days”. It then states “Each bottle should cover the entire process for 100 square feet of decking” & “Do not mix the deck cleaner chemicals with any other chemical as hazardous fumes may result”, like the recommended “soap”, “oxalic acid” or “oil stain remover”! This product then states “DO NOT DILUTE WITH WATER”. This product costs $19.98 + shipping!
The average 300 Sq. Ft. composite deck will need 3 gallons or $59.94 + $40.37 (shipping to our zip code 94925, shipping may be less or more for you?) for a grand total of $100.31! The 3rd product this company recommends in their “Mold Technical Bulletin” claims on its website that it is “oxalic acid based liquid cleaner, brightener and stain remover”, “works best on natural wood or hard to clean surfaces such as concrete.”, “CLEANS & BRIGHTENS weathered gray wood surfaces”, “REMOVES STAINS associated with MOLD & MILDEW from wood and masonry” & “REMOVES TANNIN STAINS from bleeding woods such as cedar”. This products label directions state that it is a “BRIGHTENER STAIN REMOVER” for “WOOD · COMPOSITE DECKING · MASONRY” for cleaning “DIRT · MOLD · MILDEW RUST & TANNIN SURFACE STAINS”. This product claims it “MAKES UP TO 8 GALLONS”.
You then click on the PDF “Spec Sheet” button & it states “removes dirt and stains caused by mildew and tannins”, then states, that this product “cleans and brightens weather-beaten wood” & that it is “Safe for use on” this specific composite manufacturer’s composite decking products, “and other plastic/wood composite surfaces” while claiming “1 gallon concentrate (makes up to 5 gallons)” [thought it made “8”?] and that the “COVERAGE” is “Up to 2,500 sq. ft. per gallon with a five to one water dilution”.
The label directions then state “if spraying, use NIOSH approved respirator”. Under “SUGGESTED APPLICATIONS” this product states “Remove mildew and clear finishes to restore wood to its original look”, “Neutralize and brighten surfaces that have been stripped with corrosive strippers”, then, that it will “Remove tannin stains from bleeding wood, such as cedar and redwood”, & “Ideal for cleaning and brightening most exterior surfaces, especially outdoor wood furniture, fences, decks and docks, including” this specific composite manufacturers products “and all other plastic/wood composite decking materials”, “DO NOT USE ON” “METALS”, & “Do not mix with any other products, especially those containing chlorine or bleach.”, Like the “soap”, “oil stain remover” or two “sodium hypochlorite” based products! This product costs $24.98 + $4.99 shipping for a total of $29.97 from its website. In summary, you’ll likely spend approximately $3 on “soap”, then $21.94 on the “OIL STAIN REMOVER”, then another $9.98 on 1st sodium hypochlorite product for the first “Mold” cleaning, another $9.98 for the second “Semi-annual (spring and fall)” routine “Mold” cleaning, & $29.97 for the “brightener” that contains “oxalic acid” for a conservative total first year estimated cost of $74.87, on this composite manufacturer’s recommended cleaning products!
Most then quickly discover why the 2nd “Mold and Mildew” product is recommended, when the 1st product originally designed to clean “wood” of “mildew” no longer bleaches out the common black and/or green molds, generally exacerbating the problem or they rapidly return. Then, with routine “Spring and Fall” use, most experience the molds rapidly returning or never really go away, especially when the deck is wet, with water, as water generally magnifies mold stains on this composite manufacturer’s products.
When this generally occurs, this composite manufacturer then commonly recommends the purchase & use of the 2nd, more expensive, “Mold and Mildew” product, for your “Semi-annual (spring and fall)” routine cleaning thereafter. Molds & other fungi then generally begin to rapidly return more often, resulting in the need to purchase & using this expensive product more often than “Semi-annual (spring and fall)”? This 2nd “Mold and Mildew” recommended product will cost $100.31, from their website for the average 300 Sq. Ft. deck. Plus, you’ll generally need to pay another $16.94 for the “OIL STAIN REMOVER” to remove the oil stains from generally only under the barbecue, for a 2nd current yearly total cost of $117.25, but fortunately, you may have some leftover “oxalic acid” based product? By year 10 you will likely have conservatively spent $1,170.12 +/- following this composite manufacturer cleaning chemical recommendations to clean & keep clean the average composite deck. Now factor in the time, labor & other risks of using multiple, generally, non-compatible, corrosive to metal cleaning chemicals, which can result in premature expensive early replacement or potential structural failure! Please do your own due-diligence, as it would likely only cost you $39.99 + $6 Flat Rate Shipping (orders over $50 get FREE SHIPPING) for a single 2000A bag of Corte-Clean®, to initially clean this 300 Sq. Ft. composite deck, when composites are new & stains are first noticed!
Then to maintains this same deck’s clean appearance, on a “Semi-annual (spring and fall) cleaning of your deck is important to prevent the build-up of pollen and other debris that can support the growth of mold.”, owners of this manufacturer’s composites should be using up to ½ the Corte-Clean®, when using it at the “routine cleaning” strength, or spending up to ½ the money , thereafter. Many of this composite manufacturer composite deck owners use less & less Corte-Clean®, diluting it further, for the proactive “Spring and Fall” cleanings & notice their composites generally staying clean for longer & longer, while spending less & less money! After 10 years, to keep this average 300 Sq. Ft. of this composite manufacturers composite decking clean, with Corte-Clean®, it currently costs $449.90 +/-, but should ultimately cost less & less as you fine-tune how little you can proactively use to keep to keep this composite manufacturer product’s clean, which makes it even more environmentally responsible, because less is used. $1,170.12 – $449.90 = $720.22!
A conservative approximate savings of $720.22 over 10 years for cleaning every 300 Sq. Ft.!
*Pricing was established on 8.20.2018 for all cleaning products from these products websites or retailers that sell them.
** You may spend more or less money keeping composites clean?
Composite manufacturer brand #2 cleaning chemical recommendations as of 8.20.2018…
This composite manufacturer states under “Care & Cleaning” that this companies composites have “Simple, Easy Cleaning & Maintenance Instructions”? Their website then states ” Our new embossed texture not only looks like natural wood grain, but it is also easy to clean. Our decks do not require painting, sealing or staining. So, don’t be afraid of messy barbecues. Ketchup and mustard spills just wipe away. Simply perform periodic cleaning with soap, hot water and a soft bristle brush. The best time to clean is after installation and semi-annually (spring and fall) to remove any debris”.
They recommend three (3) “suggested cleaners for periodic maintenance”. You can then click on the link for the first product, which brings you to this product’s home page, where you see a button that says “Select your surface” and has pictures of brick/wood & what appears to be a roof & stucco siding and a button that states “Learn More”. Most click the link & it brings you to a “PRODUCT PICKER” page. You scroll down & see every possible building material but a wood & plastic composite deck? So you click on the button with what appears to be an artist rendering of wood boards & states “DECKS”, as this seems logical? You click on the first product that states “32 oz. House and Deck Concentrate with Hose End Sprayer – treats approx. 600 Sq. Ft.” The products label directions states “REMOVES AND PREVENTS STAINS CAUSED BY MOLD, MILDEW, MOSS, ALGAE & LICHEN”, then states, “Do not mix {this product} with detergents or other chemicals” & “treats from 400 Sq. Ft. to 600 Ft.” & has a picture of wood & states “DECKS/FENCES” but states nothing about composite decking?
This product costs $27.95. You hit the back button, click the button for the larger container, which claims this product “coverage 600- 1000 SQ. FT.”, as this product appears to be more of a value, as it states “Economical – makes up to 5 gallons” so many choose to click the “BUY NOW” button. The product costs “$29.95” + “Flat Rate Shipping” of “$9.00” for a total of “$38.95”. Most choose to order it, the product shows up, you follow its label directions, which state, “Do not mix {this product} with detergents or other chemicals”, spray it on your composite deck, don’t rinse it, & presto; generally nothing? You go back to this products website & it states under the “Results, Time & Application” button, “BLACK STAINS: Removed in 1-6 weeks from non-roof surfaces”.
You patiently wait for this product to clean your half plastic composite deck of only these fungi stains, but it has likely rained, rinsing this product, generally preventing it from working, wasting your time & money? Unfortunately, after weeks, this manufacturers composites generally still looks like they have the measles, with black and/or green mold stains, with plenty of grease & oil stains, especially under/around the barbecue & table, sunscreen, from where someone sloppily applied it, stains around the flower pots & rust stains from metal, such as patio furniture or a BBQ. Those that see the deck begin to complain about it’s nasty looking condition & want the composites clean now.
You go back to this composite manufacturer’s website, click on the next button, which recommends a 2nd product, which takes you to a specific store’s website. The product states it is an “OIL STAIN REMOVER”, which claims the “COVERAGE: Treats a stain 3 feet in diameter. Approximately 6 square feet” & states “do not mix with other chemicals.” & “let it dry from a liquid to a powder, and sweep it up. This 2nd product costs $14.98 from this specific retailer, which then stated that this product was “Unavailable for Pickup” from our local store. We then searched for the product online, find its website & notice this product costs “$8.99” for “16 Fluid Ounces” + “$7.95 Standard Shipping”, for a total of $16.94 directly from this company, so most commonly choose to order it from the less expensive retailer, because, under the barbecue has plenty of oil stains that the first product wasn’t designed to clean.
However, you do notice they sell a “Composite Deck Spot Remover”, which contains “32 Fluid Ounces” & costs “$13.99” + “Standard shipping $7.95” for a total of $21.94. Most choose to order the 1st product because it is recommended by the composite manufacturer & is less money, but wonder why the composite manufacturer would recommend a product for cleaning composites when the chemical manufacturer that makes a product specifically labeled for composite decks? The product arrives, you worry about ignoring the 1st products disclosure related to mixing chemicals! You then, thoroughly rinse the 1st product to make sure you don’t accidentally mix these 2 non-compatible chemicals in this porous composite material, guaranteeing the first won’t work, in case the rain hadn’t thoroughly rinsed already, & apply the 2nd product by following its label directions.
The product works & removes the oil stains. The only problem is you now need to buy enough to finish the rest of the average 300 Sq. Ft. composite deck! 300 Sq. Ft – 6 Sq. Ft. results in you needing enough product for the rest of the 294 Sq. Ft., or 294 divided by 6 or for another 49 purchases of this product at $21.94 each, for a total cost of $1075.06! Quickly, most decide that is too much money? Most then remember the chemical manufacturer sells this product in larger quantities, so you go back to the website & look. “32oz” costs “$13.99” + “$7.99 standard shipping” and is approximately 49.96 Sq. Ft. & costs “$45.99” + “$10.95 standard shipping” = $56.94! You will need 6 gallons to clean the average 300 Sq. Ft. composite deck, but when you order more than $100, Shipping is FREE, so the total cost is $275.94! Most decide to look for something else, as this seems like a lot of money to only clean 300 Sq. Ft., especially on a routine basis!
You click the next “Premium Deck Cleaner” button on this composite manufacturer’s website, for the 3rd recommended product, which again takes you to a specific retailers website, which again states “This item is no longer available {at this retailer}.com.”, but has an artist rendering pictures of what appears to be a dirty weathered grey black mold stained wood deck & states “Before”. The “After” photo shows a cleaned “wood” deck. This product then describes itself as a “DECK CLEANER”, “FOR CLEANING PRIOR TO STAINING” which claims it “Removes dirt & mildew stains” from “wood and other surfaces”, then states, “It cleans stains caused by mildew, dirt, algae and mold” & that this product “CLEANS UP TO 300 SQ. FT”. On the back of this products label directions, it states “Use on decks, wood siding, shakes, shingles, and fences. Also recommended for use on concrete, brick, stucco, tile, and vinyl.
Use of this product may return the original green color to pressure treated wood. Application of this product may cause a fuzzy appearance to woodpreviously damaged by pressure washing or excessive weathering. Application to new wood or newly sealed wood may cause spotting and discoloration. May cause redwood to darken”. Then this product states “PRECAUTIONS: Do not mix with any other chemicals as hazardous fumes may result”, such as the “soap”, the 1st product or the “oil stain remover”! This product’s label directions recommend it be “applied at full strength” while containing “sodium hypochlorite” at “% ≥5.0 – ≤10” according to this products Safety Data Sheet, which is a greater sodium hypochlorite concentration than what Clorox® recommends for “galvanized” materials almost always used to structurally support most decks.
Newer packaging states “removes dirt, mold & mildew stains” with a sticker and/or new label addition that now states “ALSO FOR CONCRETE & COMPOSITE”. Keep in mind, the only “COMPOSITE” mentioned on this products label directions is “VINYL” or PVC plastic, not the PE plastic for which this composite manufacturer is recommending this product be used, likely resulting in why so many customers experience excessive color fade, for those who use this recommended product against its label direction? This product generally retails from a home improvement warehouse for $9.98 + tax per 128 oz. or 1 gallon. Then this composite manufacturer recommends, under “Oil and Grease Stains (including lotions and candle wax)” “Household de-greasing agents, such as {a specific brand of} dishwashing detergent, should be used to remove the oil and grease stain as soon as the stain is noticed.”
This product generally retails for approximately $3 but clearly states “DO NOT ADD BLEACH!”, such as the previous chlorine “bleach” sodium hypochlorite based recommended product. Then this composite manufacturer recommends under “Below are suggested recommendations for specific cleaning issues:”, for “Water Spots”, to “use a deck brightener containing oxalic acid”. We called this composite manufacturer & they recommended a specific product, as this product is manufactured by the same company that manufacturers the other sodium hypochlorite-bleach based “Premium Deck Cleaner” product. This product claims to be a “GENTLE CLEANER FOR: PREVIOUSLY STAINED WOOD + BARE CEDAR & REDWOOD” to be used as a “DECK BRIGHTENER & WASH”, then states “CLEANS, BRIGHTENS & REMOVES MOLD & MILDEW STAINS”, “Excellent for rust & tannin stains” & “GENERALLY WASHES AWAY DIRT FROM PREVIOUSLY STAINED SURFACES”.
This products Safety Data Sheet states it contains “Ethanedioic acid, hydrate”, commonly known as oxalic acid! Under “Incompatible materials” on this products label directions, this product states “oxidizing agents”, such as “sodium hypochlorite”, as sold in the other recommended, “Premium Deck Cleaner”, “wood” product for “mildew”! This is a sneaky way of disclosing not to mix these two non-compatible cleaning chemical products. This product retails from a box store for $9.98 + tax per 128 oz. or 1 gallon. Then under “Mold”, this composite manufacturer states “Based on our testing the most effective cleaner for quickly removing mold stains is” the sodium hypochlorite-based product. They then state “a bleach-based cleaner may temporarily lighten the surface appearance”. Then they go on to state “After cleaning, for long lasting results”, use the first recommended above product (above) “as an inhibitor”.
They then go on to state the first product “can also be used as a cleaner in situations where instant results are not needed” & “Please refer to Mold and Mildew Cleaning for more information on mold removal.” You click on the link & a PDF opens for “MOLD & MILDEW” for “SUGGESTED CLEANERS” which have links to the 1st & 3rd products. For the 3rd product it then states “Contains bleach for Instant Results*” & “*Most cleaners contain Sodium Hypochlorite (commonly known as bleach). Any cleaner containing bleach may lighten surface wood fibers of the product while removing mold stains.” Back to the composite manufacturer “suggested recommendations” under “Rust stains / stubborn spots” they state “A cleaner containing oxalic acid, commonly known as deck brighteners, can be used to remove these stains.”
Then this composite manufacturer states “For additional cleaning solutions, please visit the links below.” The “Tannin Instructions” PDF link then states; for “TANNIN, WATER OR RUST STAINS” & discloses “Lower-quality steel fasteners or electroplated screws are not recommended as they may not last as long as the deck boards and they can also create temporary stains your deck. On newly installed decks, runoff from metal objects, such as lawn furniture or decorative iron railings can create some temporary staining as well. These rust stains can also be easily removed with the use of a deck cleaner containing phosphoric or oxalic acid (ingredients will be listed on the front label or on the label on the back of the container).**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. Excessive scrubbing may cause a temporary scuff mark that will weather away. 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.”
This composite manufacturer recommends you to buy & use the first product for $38.95, the 2nd product for $16.94, the 3rd product for $9.98, the 4th product for call it $3, & the 5th product for $9.98. That’s $78.85 & assuming these products all clean 300 Sq. Ft., which they don’t. This total yearly price does not contain the “phosphoric acid” they additionally recommend? You’ll have to purchase & laboriously use most these products as this manufacturer suggests at least twice per year “semi-annually (spring and fall)” to keep this decking clean so that would cost $38.95+$9.98 +$16.94 + $3+ $9.98 for a total initial purchase price cost of $162.70! You likely only need to purchase the $38.95 product once yearly, due to the coverage this product claims to clean & keep clean, so we deducted it from the 2nd yearly “Spring & Fall” recommended cleaning chemicals cost of this composite manufacturer or $162.70 – 38.95 equals a total yearly cost of $123.75 to purchase all this composite manufacturer’s recommended cleaning chemicals! If you follow this composite manufacturer’s cleaning chemical recommendations for 10 years, that equals $1,237.50! Now factor in the time, labor & other risks & replacement costs! Please do your own due diligence, as it would likely only cost you $39.99 + $6 Flat Rate Shipping (orders over $50 get FREE SHIPPING) in for Corte-Clean® to initially clean this 300 Sq. Ft. of this companies composite decking when new & stains were first noticed, of all common stains!
Then to maintains this same composite deck’s clean appearance, owners of this manufacturers composites should be using approximately up to ½ the Corte-Clean®, when using it at the “routine cleaning” strength, or spending up to ½ the money. Many of this composite manufacturer’s composite product owners use less & less Corte-Clean®, diluting it further, for proactive routine cleanings & notice their composite deck staying clean for longer & longer, while generally spending less & less money without the risks of using multiple cleaning chemicals! After 10 years, to keep this average 300 Sq. Ft. composite deck clean, with Corte-Clean®, is currently approximately $449.90 +/-, but should ultimately cost less & less as you fine-tune how little product you can proactively use to keep it clean, which makes it even more environmentally responsible. $1,237.50 – $449.90 = $787.60!
A conservative approximate savings of currently $787.60 over 10 years for cleaning every 300 Sq. Ft.!
*Pricing was established on 8.20.2018 for all cleaning products from these products websites or retailers that sell them.
** You may spend more or less money keeping composites clean?
***If any Corte-Clean® customer can find a flaw in our price comparisons, please let us know. We will discount Corte-Clean® for you if verified. We became thoroughly confused & overwhelmed with these 2 companies cleaning product recommendations! To the best of our knowledge, they are correct?
Please do your own due diligence for your specific composite manufacturer cleaning chemical recommendations!
Black & Green Mold stained PP based Correct Deck® (left) & Corte-Cleaned® (right).
1st add up the cost of all the cleaning chemicals composite manufacturers recommend to clean 300 square feet, the average composite deck size. Then factor in the time or labor costs to use them. Are the cleaning chemicals compatible, especially when cleaning porous composites, where they are generally mixed, resulting in toxic poisonous out gassing? If routinely used, will they keep your composites clean for longer & longer, for less money or shorter & shorter while costing more & more money? Will they weather/bleach/fade composites beyond what most manufacturers disclose, resulting in the need to expensively re-color composites on a routine basis? Will you be paying to replace corroded structural metal caused by corrosive to metal cleaning chemicals?
Corte-Clean® working (left of photo) to clean common black mold stained Trex® made from recycled PE plastic & wood.
When we bring up the science, outrageous costs, time, labor & risks or dangers of specifically the multiple cleaning chemicals composite manufacturers continue to recommend, some composite manufacturers have chosen to no longer recommend our proven product. A former CEO of one of the largest publicly traded composite manufacturers told us “his mother had been using chlorine bleach for decades to kill mold, so he was recommending it to his customers” even though he was shown the facts? Perhaps your specific composite manufacturer, that recommends the CHLORINE BLEACH SCAM and multiple other expensive non-compatible cleaning products will listen to you as it relates to these facts?
