A floating dock is a wonderful investment for your property, and is built to last for years to come. For the most part, the requirements are low for floating dock maintenance, but with products in nature, you’ll have critters that like to build webs and leave evidence they were visiting and enjoying themselves on your dock while you were away!
Here are a few dock maintenance tips to consider in order to clean your floating dock and help keep it looking its best.
Dock Cleaning Tips
Sweep Your Dock Regularly
The largest part of the floating dock is the decking. Over time, wood decks crack and deteriorate without proper care. That is why Composite decking is a popular alternative to traditional wood decking. Composite decking material offers durability, low-maintenance, and a natural look.
Keep Your TimberTech Composite Decking Looking Like New
TimberTech is a leading brand of composite decking, providing a range of high-quality products that are designed to last. However, even with the best products, it is important to keep your TimberTech composite decking clean to maintain its appearance and performance.
One of the simplest and most effective floating dock maintenance tips to keep your TimberTech decking clean is to sweep it regularly. This will help remove any dust, dirt, leaves, or debris that may have accumulated on the surface. For best results, use a soft-bristled broom or deck brush, as harsh bristles can damage the surface of the deck.
Clean Spider Webs Before They Take Over Your Dock
As a dock owner, you’ll also probably find that Charlotte was busy making her web while you were away as well. If you have railing and/or an awning, spiders will have even more places to build their webs. While they can be beautiful, they can also be very annoying when you’re walking through an opening and get that sticky stuff everywhere!
Over time, old webs become more difficult to remove as they catch particulates in the air, and strengthen, making removal even more challenging. Without removal, dock webs will accumulate and eventually reduce the visual appeal of your dock.
Spider Webs Will Require Daily Removal on Some Docks
Simply using a broom or a stick with a rag bunched up on the end is the easiest way to remove them. Be prepared, though, to come back the next day, and the next day, and probably the next day after that to do the same thing. What’s the saying, “Rinse, lather, repeat”?
Clean Your Dock by Washing with Soap and Water
If you have dirt or spots on your TimberTech decking, the quickest and easiest way to wash the deck is to dip a broom into your pond water and brush away.
Use a Little Elbow Grease and Dish Detergent for Dock Cleaning!
If you have stubborn spots and pond water isn’t quite cutting it, you can use a mild soap and water solution. Mix a small amount of dish soap with warm water, and use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the surface of the deck. Work in small, manageable areas, and rinse as you go.
Be sure to rinse thoroughly with a hose to remove any soapy residue. If the soap dries before it’s completely rinsed away, it may leave a white residue and require cleaning again….and nobody likes to clean things twice!
Be Careful! Pressure Washers Can Damage Your Dock!
We don’t recommend using a power washer to wash the decking because, if it’s too powerful, there’s a chance it could damage the decking.
You can also use soap and water to wash off the railing and upright posts. Using a soft cloth, wipe down the railing and rinse clean.
Use an Environmentally Friendly Deck Cleaner for Extreme Stains
Floating docks are meant to be used, and with lots of use, there’s a decent chance you could end up with a stain you just can’t rinse or brush away. For tougher stains or dirt, you may need to use a specialized deck cleaner. There are several options of deck cleaners out there.
Check the Manufacturer Cleaning Guidelines for Your Decking Material
Be sure to check to make sure the cleaner works with your type of decking. TimberTech offers a range of deck cleaners that are specifically designed for their products. Simply follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results.
Cleaning your floating dock is an important part of maintaining its appearance and performance. By following these three simple steps - sweeping regularly, washing with soap and water, and using a deck cleaner as needed - you can keep your floating dock looking great for years to come.
Contact Pond King for Your Private Dock Needs!
Pond King is the leader in pond management and custom outdoors equipment to help private pond and lake owners enjoy their property. Give our team a call or reach out for dock options for your pond.
