Why does decking go green?
Wood naturally absorbs and releases moisture. When decking remains damp for long periods, it creates favourable conditions for organic growth.
This is particularly common where decking is:
- Shaded by trees
- Close to fences or buildings
- Surrounded by vegetation
- Poorly ventilated
- Not able to dry quickly after rainfall
Can you pressure wash wooden decking?
You can clean decking with pressure, but caution is important.
Wood is considerably softer than materials such as concrete, and excessive pressure can damage the surface.
It can leave visible lines, roughen the timber or remove softer areas of the wood.
The pressure, nozzle, distance and cleaning technique all need to be considered.
Is cleaning enough?
Cleaning removes the existing dirt and organic growth, but keeping decking cleaner for longer also depends on the surrounding conditions.
Regularly sweeping away leaves and debris can help prevent moisture being trapped against the timber.
Allowing the decking to dry properly is also beneficial.
What about composite decking?
Composite decking isn't the same as timber and shouldn't automatically be cleaned in exactly the same way.
Different manufacturers and products can have different recommendations, so it's worth checking the specific material before using pressure or cleaning chemicals.