Maintenance Way of Stepwell WPC Decking
Cleaning WPC – Tips for proper care and cleaning
A terrace that uses STEPWELL decking boards does not need to be sanded or impregnated in order to protect the boards from the weather. The woods contained in the solid boards have a protective polyethylene coating and are thus protected against moisture. But what about dust, the pollen, dirt from shoes and from the garden?
1.) Basic cleaning of a terrace with Stepwell Decking boards
After laying the terrace with solid STEPWELL WPC decking boards, it is recommended to give it an initial thorough cleaning.
Cleaning & care of the STEPWELL WPC decking boards
This supports the acclimatisation process of the STEPWELL WPC decking boards and eliminates dust, which accumulates more often during the construction period, in particular, and so it is prudent to clean the terrace before using. We recommend spraying the terrace completely with water once. If necessary, the terrace can now be cleaned with a scrubber (always in the direction of the grain). Afterwards, the deck should be sprayed again and the excess water can then be eliminated with a large bottom slide/water-drawer.
2). Standard cleaning – even WPC decking boards need to be cleaned
In outdoor areas, in particular, numerous deposits of dirt, pollen, dust, etc., can accumulate. How heavy the pollution in the air is strongly depends on the location of the terrace. One doesn’t notice the deposits on the terrace surface as strongly as, for example, on a car, where by the high-gloss finish causes even fine dust to be noticed immediately. Nevertheless, the dirt should be removed at regular intervals to ensure a permanently clean and beautiful surface.
The best agent for easy cleaning: simple water
We recommend cleaning regularly with a water hose and a scrubber. Please always brush with the scrubber in the direction of the grain.
3.) Cleaning of special stains on WPC boards
Oil & Grease
In the event of oil or grease stains, please immediately use degreasing detergent. If necessary, carefully sand with sandpaper or a wire brush in the length-wise direction of the profiles. The surfaces you have worked on will adjust in colour to match the other surfaces after a few weeks.
Dirt, verdigris, fungus, stubborn, stains, embedded oil and grease stains
To remove stubborn stains, please use the abluent for composite wood. For very stubborn dirt you may have to clean more than once.
If necessary, carefully sand with sandpaper or a wire brush in the lengthwise direction of the profiles. The surfaces you have worked on will adjust in colour to match the other surfaces after a few weeks.
Water stains – how they develop and how they can be eliminated
Various things can cause water stains or water marks. During the acclimatisation period, such water marks can occur more often due to leaching of wood elements. As the WPC decking boards contain wood, you cannot avoid this effect. This natural leaching process is not a quality defect and decreases significantly after the acclimatisation period.
Of course roof overhangs, for example, can also cause water marks. In places where water dries off more slowly, dirt marks can appear. In order to avoid the formation of water marks, it is recommended to have an incline. In general, water or dirt marks can be eliminated by cleaning with water. If the stains are more persistent, a soaking time of 30-45 minutes is recommended. You can prevent water or dirt marks by regularly cleaning the terrace.
What should I do in the event of rust, scratches or dents on WPC decking boards?
The procedure for dealing with damage to the boards is different for the different collections. Small uneven areas with the COLOURS, COLOURS one and COLORS one wide collections can be carefully sandpapered. Please moisten the decking boards with a little water before working. A slightly sweeping movement is recommended for ideal results. The areas that appear brighter after processing will darken over time and adapt to the rest of the terrace.
What can I use on the WPC outdoor boards in the event of ice and snow?
Sodium chloride or rock salt can be used to melt ice and snow on the decking boards. However, when using salt, please note: please only use one the acclimatisation period for the boards is fully complete. In general, the finer the salt, the lower the risk of scratches to the surface.
If handled carefully, a plastic shovel can be used to remove the winter ice and snow.
It is also possible to spread sand (please do not use grit). Immediately after the winter and after the snow, or ice, has melted, the terrace should be thoroughly cleaned with water.