Keeping your Eva-Last deck in great shape is simple once you understand the correct cleaners, tools, and techniques. Whether you own Pioneer, Apex, Apex Plus, Infinity, Infinity IS, Eclipse, or Eva-Tech IS boards, this guide explains exactly how to clean Eva-Last decking safely and effectively. All instructions below are pulled directly from Eva-Last product manuals and combined into one easy-to-follow resource.
General Cleaning Rules for All Eva-Last Decking
Before jumping into product-specific instructions, these golden rules apply to every Eva-Last collection:
- Use mild, non-abrasive cleaners only.
- Avoid solvents, acetone, thinners, and any harsh chemicals.
- Use soft-bristle brushes, warm water, and pH-neutral cleaning agents.
- Rinse the deck thoroughly after every cleaning session.
- Never use steel wool, wire brushes, or scouring pads.
- Clean spills as soon as possible to prevent them from bonding to the surface.
Regular Cleaning (Weekly/Monthly)
Eva-Last recommends routine cleaning to prevent buildup and maintain surface performance.
- Rinse the Deck:
Use a garden hose with a soft spray or fan-tip nozzle to wash away dust, pollen, and loose debris. - Use Mild Soap for General Dirt:
Mix warm water with a mild soap (like dish detergent) and scrub using a soft-bristle brush. Rinse thoroughly to remove all residue. - Avoid High Heat & Direct Sun During Washing:
Clean during cooler hours to avoid rapid evaporation that can leave marks or streaking.
Removing Oil, Grease & Food Spills
Oil and food spills can leave temporary marks if they sit too long, especially in warmer temperatures. Eva-Last boards resist staining, but quick cleaning prevents discoloration and keeps the surface looking consistent.
Steps to Clean Oil, Grease & Food Spills on Eva-Last Decking:
- Wipe the Spill Immediately:
Use paper towels or a cloth to absorb as much as possible - Rinse With Warm Water:
Flush the area to lift surface residue - Apply Mild Soap Solution:
Mix warm water with dish soap or a composite-safe degreaser - Scrub Gently:
Use a soft nylon brush and follow the board grain - Rinse Thoroughly:
Remove all soap to prevent hazy residue - Repeat if Needed:
Light, repeated cleaning is safer than heavy scrubbing
Cleaning Mold and Mildew
Shaded or damp areas can develop organic growth over time. Learning how to clean Eva-Last decking properly helps prevent permanent spotting.
Steps to Clean Mold & Mildew on Eva-Last Decking:
- Rinse the Area First:
This removes loose spores and opens up the surface - Use an Oxygenated Cleaner:
Choose a composite-safe mold remover (non-chlorine) - Apply Evenly:
Use a pump sprayer or sponge for consistent coverage - Scrub Lightly:
Soft nylon brush only – avoid stiff or metal brushes - Rinse Thoroughly:
Remove cleaner completely to prevent residue buildup
Removing Tannin Stains
Leaves, pollen, and plant debris can leave brownish marks when they sit on the decking. These are common and can be cleaned easily.
Steps to Clean Tannin Stains on Eva-Last Decking:
- Clear Organic Material:
Remove leaves, flowers, or soil trapped between boards - Rinse the Surface:
Flush debris out of the gaps - Use a Wood Brightener:
Oxalic-acid deck brighteners work best on tannin discoloration - Scrub Gently Along the Grain:
Use a soft brush for controlled cleaning - Rinse the Entire Area:
Ensures uniform color and prevents streaks
Cleaning Water Spots & Mineral Stains
Hard water and sprinkler overspray can leave white marks on composite surfaces.
Steps to Clean Water Spots on Eva-Last Decking:
- Start With Mild Soap & Water:
Most marks lift with simple cleaning - Apply Composite-Safe Brightener:
Oxalic acid helps remove mineral deposits - Brush Lightly:
Follow the board direction to avoid pattern disruption - Rinse Clean:
Flush chemicals thoroughly
Cleaning Rust Marks
Metal planters, screws, or grills can leave rust stains that require targeted removal.
Steps to Clean Rust Stains on Eva-Last Decking:
- Rinse the Area:
Removes loose particles - Use a Composite-Safe Rust Remover:
Oxalic- or phosphoric-acid formulas work best - Apply With a Soft Brush:
Scrub gently along the grain - Rinse Well:
Prevents chemical streaking or residue
Cleaning Chalk Line Marks
Blue or white chalk can usually be cleaned. Red chalk is permanent and should never be used during installation.
Steps to Clean Chalk Line Marks on Eva-Last Decking:
- Rinse the Board:
Start with warm water - Apply Mild Soap:
Use a soft cloth or sponge - Scrub Gently:
Avoid aggressive scrubbing to prevent surface shine changes - Rinse Completely:
Removes all soap film
Cleaning Rubber Scuffs & Shoe Marks
Foot traffic, furniture, and toys can leave dark scuffs on the decking surface.
Steps to Clean Rubber Scuffs on Eva-Last Decking:
- Wash With Mild Soap & Water:
Soft cleaning often removes light marks - Use a Non-Abrasive Melamine Sponge:
Helpful for stubborn spots without damaging the cap - Rinse Thoroughly:
Prevents hazy residue
Cleaning Organic Stains (Drinks, Condiments, Sunscreen, Bird Droppings)
Everyday outdoor messes can leave surface discoloration if not cleaned quickly.
Steps to Clean Organic Stains on Eva-Last Decking:
- Rinse the Spill Immediately:
Stops absorption on warm days - Use Mild Soap or Composite Cleaner:
Spray or apply with sponge - Brush Gently:
Soft bristle only - Rinse Well:
Avoids streaks and buildup
Removing Unknown or Stubborn Stains
Sometimes the cause isn’t obvious. Start with the safest method first.
Steps to Clean Stubborn Stains on Eva-Last Decking:
- Warm water + soap
- Composite-safe cleaner
- Oxalic brightener
- Soft-bristle brush
- Rinse between each step
Removing Snow & Ice From Eva-Last Decking
Cold weather can leave snow, ice, and residue on your boards. Eva-Last decking is built to handle winter conditions, but using the right tools prevents surface damage and keeps the deck safe to walk on.
Steps to Remove Snow & Ice From Eva-Last Decking:
- Use a Plastic Shovel Only:
Never use metal shovels – they can scratch or gouge the surface. - Clear Snow With the Grain:
Push snow parallel to the boards to avoid dragging across the texture. - Use Ice Melt That’s Composite-Safe:
Choose chloride-free or “concrete-safe” formulas appropriate for composite surfaces. - Avoid Sand at All Costs:
Sand is extremely abrasive and will scratch Eva-Last boards. - Rinse Residue When Weather Warms:
Melted ice salt can leave streaks – rinse thoroughly when temperatures allow.
Using a Pressure Washer on Eva-Last Decking
Eva-Last allows pressure washing, but only when done carefully and following brand-safe guidelines. Using too much pressure or the wrong tip can damage the surface, so technique is crucial.
Pressure Washing Tips for Eva-Last Decking
- Stay Under 1500 PSI:
Keep water pressure low to avoid etching or scarring the boards. - Use a Wide Fan-Tip Nozzle:
A 40-degree fan tip helps spread water evenly and reduces surface impact. - Keep a Safe Distance:
Hold the nozzle 10–12 inches from the decking surface while washing. - Work in the Direction of the Grain:
Move the wand with the board pattern to prevent water from cutting across the texture. - Pre-Rinse and Pre-Clean:
Apply mild soapy water or an Eva-Last-approved composite cleaner before washing for better results. - Never Use Turbo, Rotary, or Needle Tips:
These nozzles deliver concentrated pressure that can permanently damage the boards. - Rinse Thoroughly After Cleaning:
Remove all soap, cleaner residue, and loosened dirt to prevent buildup or streaking.
Things to Avoid When Cleaning Eva-Last Decking
Improper cleaning tools or chemicals can dull the surface or void performance expectations. Follow these precautions to protect your Eva-Last deck for the long term.
What Not to Do on Eva-Last Decking:
- Do Not Use Harsh Solvents:
Avoid acetone, gasoline, paint thinner, or strong solvents – they can permanently damage the surface. - Do Not Use Metal Tools:
Metal scrapers, metal shovels, and metal brushes can scratch the board cap. - Do Not Use Sand for Traction:
Sand is highly abrasive and can leave permanent marks. - Do Not Mix Cleaning Chemicals:
Mixing bleach, ammonia, phosphoric acid, or similar products is unsafe and can discolor the deck. - Do Not Use High-Pressure Close Contact:
Avoid placing a pressure washer wand too close or using high PSI – this can damage the board cap. - Do Not Drag Furniture Across the Deck:
Lift furniture when moving it to prevent surface scratches. - Do Not Allow Spills to Sit:
Oils, sunscreen, and organic material can leave stains if not cleaned promptly.
Final Care Insights for Protecting Your Eva-Last Deck
Understanding how to clean Eva-Last decking correctly ensures your outdoor space stays beautiful and high-performing for years. Whether you have Pioneer, Apex, Apex Plus, Infinity, Infinity IS, Eclipse, or Eva-Tech IS boards, the keys are simple: clean regularly, rinse thoroughly, avoid harsh chemicals, and treat stains early. Good airflow underneath the structure, seasonal maintenance, and the use of approved cleaners all play a major role in long-term performance.
If you need Eva-Last cleaners, replacement boards, or expert guidance, visit our Premium Decking Supply showrooms in Plainfield, IL or Spring Grove, IL, or shop anytime through our online store. We’re here to help you maintain, protect, and enjoy your Eva-Last deck year after year.
Top 5 FAQs About How to Clean Eva-Last Decking
Yes – but only with care. Eva-Last recommends using a fan-tip nozzle, keeping the wand at least 12 inches from the surface, and staying within low-pressure ranges to avoid damaging the cap. Always wash with the grain and never use a concentrated jet stream.
Mix warm water with a mild household cleaner and scrub using a soft-bristle brush. For persistent mildew, Eva-Last allows the use of oxygenated cleaners. This approach follows the same principles shown in how to clean Eva-Last decking the right way.
Clean the spill immediately using warm, soapy water or a deck-safe degreaser. Early cleaning is key – letting oil soak in makes removal harder. This procedure aligns with general guidance for how to clean Eva-Last decking effectively.
Light surface marks are normal on composite decking. Most minor scratches fade with time, but deeper damage may require lightly blending the area with a non-metallic scrubbing pad. Avoid sanding and never use fillers or paints – they won’t adhere to Eva-Last materials.
Use a plastic shovel only, never metal. Apply pet-safe ice melt if needed, and rinse off any residue once temperatures rise. Following these steps is part of proper how to clean Eva-Last decking care during colder months.
