How to Clean and Maintain a Vinyl Deck (The Complete Guide)

A vinyl decking membrane is about as low maintenance as outdoor surfaces get. There’s no staining, no sealing, no sanding every spring like you’d deal with on a wood deck. But “low maintenance” doesn’t mean “no maintenance.” If you want your vinyl deck to look good and perform well for 15+ years, there are a few things you should be doing on a regular basis.

This guide covers everything from basic seasonal cleaning to tough stain removal and winter care for your waterproof deck membrane.

Annual Vinyl Deck Inspection

Once a year, ideally in the spring before you start using the deck again, do a quick walkthrough and check two things.

First, look at every spot where sealant was applied. That includes anywhere the vinyl decking membrane meets the building, posts, columns, vents, or drains. These areas expand and contract with the seasons, and over time the sealant can crack and break the seal. If you spot cracking, get it re-sealed before water finds its way underneath.

Second, check the seams. It’s not common for seams to open up, especially if your deck was installed using a proper heat-welded seam system, but it’s worth confirming once a year. If you catch a problem early, the repair is simple. If you let it go, water gets in and that’s when real damage starts.

How to Clean Your Vinyl Deck

Your vinyl deck should be cleaned at least three to four times per year. If you live in an area with heavy pollen, tree debris, or acid rain, do it more often.

The process is straightforward. Start by mixing warm water with a mild dish soap in a bucket. Then use a stiff broom or soft brush on a stick to scrub the surface in circular motions — this loosens dirt from the textured surface of the membrane. Once you’ve scrubbed the whole deck, rinse it down with a standard garden hose.

That’s it. No special cleaners needed for routine cleaning.

If you want to use a pressure washer, keep the setting at 1000 PSI maximum and hold the nozzle at least 12 inches from the surface. Stay away from seams, railing attachments, and any caulked areas. After pressure washing, do a visual check of the membrane to make sure nothing was disturbed.

How to Remove Tough Stains From Vinyl Decking

Different stains need different treatments. Here’s what works for the most common ones:

Food and drink stains (ketchup, coffee, tea): Start with diluted soapy water and a soft brush. If that doesn’t work, try Fantastik spray cleaner or diluted Cascade powdered dishwasher detergent. Leave it on for a few minutes only, then rinse thoroughly and dry.

Grease, tar, and motor oil: Scrape or wipe off the excess first. Then use Fantastik or diluted Cascade. Rinse and dry. For stubborn residue, follow the cleaning agent manufacturer’s instructions.

Mildew and wet leaf stains: Mix one tablespoon of vinegar with one quart of water. Apply, rinse, and dry. Follow up with soapy water if needed.

Paint (latex): Clean with diluted soapy water first, then Fantastik or Cascade if needed.

Rust: Apply Naval Jelly directly to the stain, rinse with water, and dry.

Important: Always test your cleaning method on a small, hidden area of the vinyl deck first. Never clean in direct hot sunlight. Never use undiluted bleach, acetone, turpentine, or lacquer thinner on your vinyl deck membrane. These will strip the print, UV inhibitors, and protective topcoat right off the surface.

What to Avoid on Your Vinyl Deck

A few things can damage your vinyl decking if you’re not careful.

Rubber-backed mats are not compatible with PVC. Use non-rubber backed mats at doorways and high-traffic areas instead.

Dragging heavy furniture can scuff or tear the membrane. Always lift, don’t drag.

Suntan lotion and permanent markers contain dyes that can cause permanent staining on vinyl. Clean any spills immediately.

Harsh chemicals like powdered abrasives, steel wool, industrial cleaners, and undiluted bleach will damage the protective coating on your waterproof vinyl decking.

Winter Care for Your Vinyl Deck

Vinyl deck membranes are engineered to handle harsh winters. Snow removal is fine with a plastic-edged shovel. Avoid metal shovels that could gouge the surface.

Be careful with de-icing products like rock salt, kitty litter, or chemical snow melters. Not all of these have been tested on PVC membranes, and some can cause premature fading or discolouration. If you do use them, make sure to clean the deck thoroughly with soap and water before the spring sun arrives. Warm sunlight can bake leftover chemical residue into the vinyl, causing permanent marks.

Keep Your Vinyl Deck Looking Its Best

The beauty of a vinyl decking membrane is that it gives you a waterproof, durable deck surface without the constant upkeep that wood demands. A few minutes of cleaning each season and a quick annual inspection is all it takes to keep your deck in top shape for years.

Want to learn more about our vinyl decking products? Explore our full range of styles, check out the frequently asked questions, or request a free design kit to see and feel the quality for yourself.