Cleaning Your PlasDECK Synthetic Teak Boat Decking

This advice is for use ONLY on genuine PlasDECK boat deck products and is not recommended for any other product. If you are not sure if your decking is PlasDECK, please call for verification.

Because PlasDECK is a plastic product, it doesn’t require any of the maintenance demanded by teak and it’s easy to clean. You never need to apply any protectants, oils, or other products to preserve the finish. Fish blood, food, drinks, and dirt are easily washed away. Our company confidently warranties PlasDECK material for 5 years.

Maintaining PlasDECK is simple! PlasDECK is the same color and pattern throughout and is impervious to absorption, so any stains or dirt are typically on the surface. PlasDECK uses a top-of-the-line UV Stabilization package, and has a patent on locking the oils into the material (non-migrating plasticizers) keeping the PlasDECK flexible and colorfast. Unlike competitive products on the market, in thousands of hours of independent testing we have not seen any discoloration or color change under normal or accelerated UV or Salt Spray testing.

While highly unlikely, occasionally there can be bacteria that attack vinyl causing a pink staining. This has been plaguing marine industry vinyl upholstery for years.

In any case, there are a number of tactics we can recommend for stubborn dirt and stain issues. Often it is worse where water puddles or if the vessel is near a boatyard.

Good results have been obtained by using Purple Super Clean or a similar degreaser. Use full strength and scrub with a stainless steel or brass BBQ brush, in the direction of the grain. We like the Weber Stainless Steele Grill Brush. We find these at local hardware stores. Be sure to remove the plate on top and the leather strap as both of these will have potential to harm the surface of the PlasDECK. Use a regular boat brush to spread the cleaner over the deck and allow it to soak in for 5 to 10 minutes, then use the brush. Do not be afraid to apply pressure, it will not hurt the PlasDECK, it will just get down into the texture and deep clean it. Another product, using the same method, is Krud Kutter. Again, follow the same process with the soaking and brushing.

In some cases it is helpful to follow the above process with power washing the deck to fully remove all residue. A smaller power washer of 1700 to 2000 PSI pressure works well.

Both of these produces are often found in the big box stores such as Home Depot, Lowes, or Ace Hardware. In New Zealand a customer used 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner with good results.

If you have tried the above process and still have staining, as an absolute last resort, sanding of the deck can be done. In the above process, the metal brush is effectively sanding the surface as it cleans. If you choose to sand the surface, do not use a belt sander! It moves too fast and heats the surface of the decking, melting instead of sanding. A 2 inch sanding drum that fits on a battery or corded drill or hand sanding with a sanding block can be used. The sanding must be done in the direction of the grain and 40 grit is recommended. The sanding drum can usually be found at a good hardware store or from PlasDECK Inc.

If you have tried all of the above and still need help, please contact PlasDECK; we stand behind our products 100%.

Need a repair? Patch it! A patch can be used to repair any serious damage to the deck. Learn how to do it by checking our repair section or by calling us directly at 1-800-320-1841.

DON’T bother wearing black-soled shoes on PlasDECK. Black shoes may leave scuffs on any decking surface. Wear boat shoes or no shoes. With PlasDECK’s non-skid surface you won’t have to worry about the surface being slippery when wet.

DON’T put oil, varnish, paint, sealers or lacquers on your PlasDECK! Isn’t that why you chose PlasDECK instead of teak? The PlasDECK doesn’t need protectants and doesn’t require this maintenance.

OUCH! As with any deck, including teak, don’t place hot metals or other hot objects on PlasDECK.

You will find that with a minimum effort your deck will retain its classic look for many years to come.

How to Clean Your PlasDECK (Video):