Care & Cleaning
Nexwood Care and Cleaning Tips
This section provides information on how to care for your Nexwood deck. Following our easy-care tips will ensure that your deck looks fresh and attractive for a long time.
Normal Care
Once a Nexwood deck is installed, periodic cleaning is necessary to keep the deck looking great. For dirt, dust and other residue, simply sweep with a broom. If necessary, wash the deck down in the direction of the grain with a garden hose or a pressure washer (at a 45º angle to the deck, do not use too close to the deck surface).
Stain Removal
Use a deck washing solution (e.g., BEHR No: 63, wood cleaner brightener conditioner) to remove stains. It is available at home centers, lumberyards, or hardware stores. Some solutions will lighten the color of Nexwood so it is recommended that you apply the solution to the entire surface. Please read and follow instructions on the containers of any products you use.
Mold, mildew, leaves and berries
Ideally, you should clean the dirt off your deck before mildew starts, because the dirt is what feeds the mold. If mold/mildew appears on your deck, a deck washing product containing sodium hydrochloride and a detergent can be used. Never mix any other cleaners (ammonia, phosphoric acid, etc.) with the deck washing product. Vinegar can be used to kill the mold.
Rust stains, ground-in dirt and grime
If deck washing solutions cannot remove a steadfast rust stain, use a cleaner that contains Phosphoric Acid or try Zep Calcium Lime and Rust Stain Remover. Rust stain removers are corrosive, so please handle with care and follow instructions on the container. If necessary, use a medium to heavy grain sandpaper (grit #40) to lightly sand the surface in the direction of the grain.
Oil, coffee and grease stains
Scrub with a degreasing agent (K2R, or citrus-based cleaners, e.g. Commercial Zep/Degreaser, or Oil Eater Cleaner Degreaser) as soon as the spill occurs. If necessary, use a medium to heavy grain sandpaper and sand lightly in the direction of the grain until the stain is not noticeable. To prevent stains around your barbeque, lay a large plastic sheet under the barbeque during use to capture grease splatter. Since Nexwood is "wood-like", oil or grease will stain the surface. If the grease stain has already penetrated into the "wood-grain", use petroleum distillates, xylene, methanol, acetone, or other organic solvents to clean up the grease stain from your deck.
Red wine stains
Apply soda water to the stain and let stand for two minutes, but do not let it dry! Blot off and rinse thoroughly with water. Repeat the process if necessary.
Blood stains
Pour cold water or Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) on stain. Blot off and repeat if necessary.
Urine stains
Pour white vinegar over area. Let it set for a few minutes, but do not let it dry! Rinse thoroughly with water.
Water stains
In dry climates where rainfall is scarce, or if you get morning dew, you may find water stains and streaks on your Nexwood products, especially in shaded area. To minimize these stains and streaks, wash the deck down with a garden hose or a pressure washer (at a 45º angle to the deck, do not use too close to the deck surface). You can also lightly sand the surface in the direction of the grain, or follow the instructions for Stain Removal (on previous page).
Nicks, Cuts and Grooves
To eliminate nicks and grooves, use a medium to heavy grain sandpaper and sand lightly in the direction of the grain. If there is a groove, scratch, or stain that cannot be eliminated with sandpaper, simply reverse or replace the deck board if possible. To match the texture of the reversed side to the other boards, take a sanding block with a #30 grit sandpaper and sand lightly in the same direction as the grain on the other boards.
Ice and snow
If you reside in a cold weather climate and would like to avoid accumulating snow/ice on your Nexwood deck, use calcium chloride or safety rock salt to melt it. Remove the ice and snow with a plastic or wood shovel as it begins to melt.
