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How to Clean Vinyl Railing

How To Keep Your Vinyl Deck Railing Looking Great

Vinyl railing systems are a beautiful addition to any home and are a low-maintenance method for increasing security around your family's outdoor space and highlighting the architectural beauty of your home with timeless, traditional looks. With no need to paint or readjust your deck railing ever again, vinyl deck railing lines will last for decades and allow you more time to relax on your deck rather than working on it.

Vinyl deck railing is incredibly durable and only takes minimal regular cleaning. With our guide on how to clean vinyl railing, you'll have a deck look built to last for years to come.

The clean lines and bright colors of the Durables Vinyl Railing line, shown in Manchester, highlights the classical beauty of most any home

General Cleaning Goes A Long Way

As with most railing and fencing, a soft general cleaning will be sufficient for the majority of decks, porches, and patios across the country. Fortunately, it's quick and easy to clean vinyl railing, and if you do it a few times a year, you'll keep your deck railing looking great and save yourself the trouble of deeper cleaning of built-up dirt and grime.

Here's how to clean your vinyl railing:

Step 1: Sweep away dirt and debris

First, get rid of any surface-level dust, pollen, dirt or debris by gently sweeping off your railing.

Step 2: Rinse with clean water

Fill a bucket or use a garden hose to rinse your railing with clean water.

Step 3: Wipe with mild soap and water

Fill a bucket with room temperature water, and slowly add in some soft detergent or a mild household cleaning agent such as Dawn® dish soap. Use a soft cloth or clean rag, soak it in the soapy water, and gently scrub your vinyl railing. Watch as your surface spots and dirt melt away with ease!

Step 4: Rinse with clean water and dry with a clean towel

It's important to rinse the soapy water off your vinyl railing so new residue won't stick to the surface. Use a garden hose or bucket of clean water to rinse down your railings - make sure you don't leave soap on your railings for longer than 15 minutes. It's also a good idea to wipe down your railing with a clean towel afterward.

Only Use A Pressure Washer On Low With A Fan-Tipped Nozzle

Pressure washing can be a great option for vinyl railings that haven't been cleaned in awhile - but it's important to make sure you don't damage your railings in the process.

Only use a pressure washer with a fan-tipped nozzle and set on the lowest pressure setting when cleaning your vinyl railing. That will allow the pressure washer to cut through built-up dirt or grime without damaging the surface of your railing.

Use A Magic Eraser For Pesky Persistent Stains

From kids to backyard projects gone awry, a lot of odd things can end up on your deck railing from time to time! From rubber marks or tar and oil, permanent marker or nail polish remover; what's a homeowner to do? Simply use a melamine foam cleaning pad like a clean Magic Eraser™ or Easy Eraser™ to wipe away those stubborn stains for a beautiful outdoor area.

How To Deal With Harmless Mold And Algae

From small black dots to small swathes of green buildup, mold or algae can occasionally form on your deck railing. This surface-level mildew doesn't damage or affect your railing material at all, but it is an eyesore. As these spots are simply resting on the exterior level of the vinyl, give your deck railing a nice, firm scrub-down using a foam cleaning pad or low-level pressure washer. Once rinsed away, prevent future occurrences with a swift wipe of white vinegar over the newly cleaned area.

Use Stronger Cleaners For Stuck-On Elements

You've tried a big bucket of soapy water, even ran through a box of Magic Eraser™ cleaning pads, but you still can't get rid of a pesky stain? Try a long-time favorite! Goof Off™ works extremely well at removing stuck-on elements or marks such as stickers, candle wax, tape residue, tree sap, crayon, and more. No tough scrubbing, no discolored spots, just a straightforward way to help your vinyl deck railing keep looking its best.

Use A Wet Cloth To Bring Dull Spots Back To Life

After giving your vinyl railing a thorough cleaning, you may notice some spots that have a duller shine or don't look quite the same as before. Don't worry, this is quite common, especially with newly installed vinyl. To restore the shine, wipe the fencing down with a clean, damp cloth and watch the shine reappear in minutes. Still not quite the way you want it? Dry the surface and apply a non-abrasive outdoor paste wax, such as one from Armor All® or Johnson & Johnson™. House wax, automotive wax or plastic boat polish can also help you revive the shine you want.

Things To Avoid When Cleaning Vinyl Railing

There are a few key things to avoid when cleaning your vinyl railing:

  • Never use an abrasive material like steel wool, sandpaper, or a Scratch Pad to clean your railings. This can dull and damage your vinyl surface possibly beyond repair!
  • Never use an abrasive cleaner such as bleach, ammonia, or Nanoscrub to polish up your vinyl fencing and railing.
  • Lastly, never use any cleaners, materials, or tools that are not approved for use on vinyl.

The stunning and traditional look of the Durables Ashington Vinyl Deck Railing system is a brilliant choice for protecting any style of home

If at any point in your project you have any questions, feel free to give our team a call at 1-888-824-5316 or send us an email at hello@decksdirect.com.

Shop Vinyl Railing Today


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