Care & Cleaning

Care and Cleaning Recommendations

Basic Cleaning Recommendations
Brite Manufacturing highly recommends periodic cleaning of your Brite Decking to help maintain the beauty of the product. Most deck-cleaning products will work on Brite Decking. For best results use a cleaner that contains any of the following as an active ingredient for general cleaning and follow the manufacturer’s instruction for use/dilution:

• Phosphoric Acid • Oxalic Acid • Hydrochloric Acid • Sodium Hypochlorite

Power washing with cold water will enhance results when cleaning your Brite Decking. 1000 psi is the recommended maximum pressure for Brite Manufacturing products. A fan tip nozzle should be used along with the proper cleaning product. Spray in the direction of the brush/grain pattern to avoid damaging your decking. Use caution not to damage the material. Power washers will etch boards and remove wood fibre dyes if to much pressure is used, so do not place the tip close to the decking. Maintain an 8-10” distance from the decking and use an even stroke. Do not concentrate on one area for a prolonged period of time. If you are unsure as to what PSI rating your power washer is producing, we suggest you test a small concealed area first. It is possible the colour of the surface may change slightly; any colour difference will disappear in 8-10 weeks.

Caring For Your New Deck

Your new Brite Deck is engineered for years of enjoyment as long as you follow some common sense guidelines. Periodic inspection and cold water washing of the deck surface is still recommended. Brite Manufacturing cannot predict what sort of environment the decking will be installed in; however, testing has shown that periodic general cleaning will avoid build up on the decking surface which may cause unwanted accumulations of dirt, grime etc. The decking is also not indestructible. If you drag heavy or sharp objects across the surface, you can expect it to scratch just as all other plastic, composite or wood decking materials do. Brite decking is unique in that you can still service boards which have been damaged by either steel brushing the surface in the direction of the grain or by flipping a board over and using the other side. Any colour difference will disappear in 8-10 weeks.

Ice and Snow

If you reside in a cold weather climate where ice and snow periodically accumulate on your deck, if you must shovel the decking, always shovel in the direction the brushing pattern runs.

Microbiological Stains

It is possible for microbiological growth to occur on any type of decking surface. Wash your deck periodically with a deck cleaner or a dilution of bleach. Use a stiff brush to scrub heavily stained surfaces following the grain. Rinse off your Brite Decking periodically with a hose and cold water. Even if your deck appears clean, it is important to prevent build-up of pollen/debris. Mildew stains may occur where moisture, pollens, and/or dirt are present. Mildew needs a food source to grow, which can be grass, pollens, dirt, debris, wood fibre and wood resins. Maintaining a clean, dry deck surface is the best method for combating mildew. Ensure that water drains effectively from your deck. Keeping weep holes and spaces between boards clear and unclogged. For all Brite Decking, be sure that gaps exist between planks to allow for proper drainage.

Spot Stains

For extra heavy oil and grease stains or other specific stain types, check with your local lumberyard, hardware stores or home centers for cleaners applicable to a specific stain type. If stains have set, you may want to use a steel wire brush and brush lightly, following the wood grain finish of the plank. The brushed area will weather back in approximately 8-10 weeks.

Tannin Stains

Like any wood based product, Brite Decking may experience a naturally occurring process called Extractive Bleeding. This process may cause a temporary discoloration that will weather away. It may typically appear as dark coloured rings & in most cases they should disappear within 8-10 weeks, but could vary depending on location and specific application - such as a covered porch. If you try to clean the surface, it is likely that you will have to begin the 8-10 week weathering cycle once again.

Painting/Staining/Sealing

Brite Manufacturing does not recommend the use of any paint or staining products on your Brite Decking. This will void your warranty. Although you will not damage the decking, we discourage it because paints & stains will eventually wear or blister.

Rust, Ground-in Dirt and Grime

Use a cleaner that contains Phosphoric Acid or Oxalic Acid. Follow manufacturer’s application instructions. If the stains have set, you may use a steel wire brush and brush lightly to re-grain the decking. Always follow the wood grain finish of the plank. The brushed area will weather back in approximately 8-10 weeks but can vary depending on location and specific application.

Scratches, Nicks, Cuts and Grooves

For all Brite Manufacturing Brite Decking components, scratches, nicks, cuts and grooves can be eliminated by using a wire brush. Brushing will need to be consistent with the grain of the product and the brushed area will first appear to be a different shade. It will weather back in approximately 8-10 weeks. Heavy scratches can be brushed out by using a wire wheel on a drill. Remember that if the damage is too deep to repair, most Brite Decking products can be flipped over as they are dual sided.