Beautiful days are on the way, ready to host your barbecues, relaxation, and all the activities that make you want to enjoy your terrace. But is it prepared to welcome you after the harshness of winter?
With marks left by rain, accumulated dirt, and various stains, your composite terrace needs a makeover. Discover our practical tips now to restore your terrace to its pristine condition.
Prepare your terrace before cleaning
First things first, completely clear the area. Yes, temporarily remove all furniture, flower pots, or decorative elements cluttering your composite terrace. By clearing the space, you avoid missing spots and ensure thorough cleaning.
While the area is clear, inspect the boards of your terrace. Perhaps your outdoor furniture has left some unsightly marks? Don’t worry, it’s nothing irreversible. We will discuss how to tackle those stubborn marks later in the article.
Next, simply grab a broom to sweep away dead leaves, dirt, and natural debris that has accumulated during winter. This will give you a clearer view of the areas needing more in-depth cleaning.
To prepare well, here are the supplies you will need:
- A bucket of hot water
- Plastic cleaning gloves
- A soft sponge or gentle bristle brush
- A hose for rinsing
- A natural mild cleaner (such as black soap)
What product to use for cleaning your composite terrace?
When it comes to cleaning composite terraces, simplicity goes hand in hand with effectiveness. A simple mixture of hot water and a mild natural detergent (like black soap) is usually enough to restore shine to your boards. Use your sponge or soft brush to apply this solution, then rinse with clear water. It can’t be easier, can it?
Why is this choice of product so important? An overly aggressive product could damage that protective coating and degrade your boards more quickly. So, be careful to preserve that valuable protective shield!
If you notice stubborn stains after your regular cleaning, an effective homemade solution is to dilute some white vinegar in water. Soak your sponge or brush in this solution, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with clear water.
Here’s a simple but unbeatable technique for very ingrained stains:
- Let your soapy water solution sit on the stain for about 20 minutes
- Gently use the rough side of a sponge to scrub
- Rinse thoroughly with clear water
Cleaning products to avoid at all costs
Want to avoid unpleasant surprises? Then stay away from certain types of products that your composite terrace cannot handle:
- Avoid products containing essential oils or large quantities of dish soap (a slight dilution can be used for specifically greasy stains)
- Above all, forget all products intended for natural wood such as stains, saturators, varnishes, or paints. Your composite terrace already has all the necessary protections
- Also ban all abrasive or aggressive materials like metal brushes or steel wool, which can permanently scratch your boards
As for pressure washers (like Karcher), proceed with caution! Some manufacturers may recommend them, but at Neowood, we prefer to advise against their use.
Why? Simply because the pressure of the jet could damage the protective coating of your boards. If you must use one, make sure to keep the pressure as low as possible.
Remember to clean your terrace in autumn too!
What if you adopted this good habit? After a summer spent enjoying your outdoor space, your composite terrace deserves another cleaning in autumn, before the cold weather sets in. Between aperitif evenings, family meals, and constant foot traffic, little stains or dirt can accumulate insidiously.
Once again, a simple sweep followed by a cleaning with a mixture of hot water and black soap will do the trick to put your terrace in perfect shape before winter.
Good to know: In case of a stubborn grease stain, combine dish soap (in small, well-diluted amounts!) with baking soda. Let it sit for a moment before rinsing with clear water. Simple and economical, right?
Have you tried these methods at home? Leave us a comment to share your experience! Do you have any other personal tips for maintaining your composite terrace? Share them with us. Does your terrace require cleaning more than once a year? Tell us why! We’re eager to know your outdoor maintenance habits!
