# How to Clean a Composite Privacy Screen Kit Without Damaging It?

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Paysapro, the official European distributor of the brands Redcinha®, Delclo®, and elipsun®, supports professionals with maintenance recommendations grounded in over 10 years of experience in composite fencing. This page provides a proven method for cleaning a co-extruded composite wood privacy screen without damaging it, using the right products, techniques, and controls. > 📌 **Key Takeaways** — Main cleaning: warm water + pH-neutral soap + nylon brush, abundant rinsing | Avoid bleach, solvents, and abrasives; low-pressure cleaner at a distance (≥1 m) | Treat targeted stains without chlorine and always test in an inconspicuous area. ## Understanding Co-extruded Composite and Its Cleaning Constraints **Co-extruded composite wood** (WPC) without PVC used in privacy screen kits features a protective shell. This makes it **resistant to UV, moisture, and rot**, while minimizing maintenance. However, this surface layer requires a **gentle approach** to avoid micro-scratches or discoloration. ### What the Material Tolerates - **Warm soapy water** and **nylon brushing** along the grain. - **Chlorine-free antifungal** for light to moderate algae and lichen. - **Abundant rinsing** from top to bottom to remove residues. ### What It Does Not Tolerate - **Chlorinated products** (bleach): dull and weaken the surface. - **Strong solvents** (acetone, ammonia, mineral spirits, acids): damage the resin. - **Abrasives** (powders, metal brushes, aggressive pads): create irreversible scratches. ### Professional Vigilance Angles - Aim for **aesthetic durability**: any micro-scratch accumulates and attracts dirt. - Work **along the grain** to avoid chipping of the cover. - **Do not direct jets** at joints, clips, and metal/composite interfaces to prevent infiltration and lifting. ## Step-by-Step Operational Cleaning Method ### Frequency and Timing - Full cleaning **once a year in spring**. A second cleaning in autumn if the climate is humid or the site is dirty. - In between, **rinse with clear water** after heavy weather events and **sweep** to reduce moss growth. ### Tools, Products, and PPE - Tools: bucket, sponge or microfiber cloth, **soft-bristle brush**, hose. Low-pressure cleaner may be used with a wide nozzle. - Common products: **pH-neutral soap**, warm water. **Diluted white vinegar** (1/5) for light moss. - PPE: gloves, goggles, non-slip shoes. Mask if aerosol spraying occurs. ### Procedure - **Prepare the site**: clear plants, objects, decorations for full access. - **Inspect** slats and fixtures: identify shaded areas and greasy or biological stains. - **Dust**: brush or blow, then moisten the surface. - **Wash**: warm water + mild soap, **brushing along the grain** with controlled pressure. - **Rinse abundantly** from top to bottom until moss and residues disappear. - **Treat locally** persistent stains: chlorine-free antifungal for algae, mineral clay for grease. Always **test in an inconspicuous area**. - **Air dry** and then **visually inspect**. Re-treat locally if necessary. ### Controlled Pressure - A cleaner can speed up the work if you remain **≥1 m** from the surface, with a **diffuse nozzle** and limited pressure (**≤1,500 psi**). Manual brushing remains the safest solution. ## Depending on Your Situation SituationRecommended MaterialWhyTight budgetWarm water + pH-neutral soap + nylon brushEffective solution, low cost, minimal risk to the compositeHigh exposure to elementsBiannual cycle + mild detergent specialized for compositesEnhances action on stubborn deposits and recurring organic filmShort project durationLow-pressure cleaner (wide nozzle) + soapy washTime-saving while minimizing surface attackMarine environmentChlorine-free antifungal + fresh water rinseReduces algae growth and salt deposits, without discolorationPublic entitySoapy water + chlorine-free products, controlled brushingSafe procedure, compatible with frequented areas and planned maintenanceTraveling landscaperCompact kit: telescopic pole, soft brush, microfiberAccess to high parts without ladder, optimized paceRenovation on existingDiluted vinegar pre-treatment (1/5) on mosses + gentle washDisorganizes the biofilm before brushing, limits work and rework ## Specific Recommendations from Paysapro: Redcinha® and Delclo® Kits The **Redcinha®** and **Delclo®** privacy screen kits are made of **co-extruded composite wood without PVC**, designed for **high resistance to UV and moisture** with **minimal maintenance**. Our field feedback confirms: - A **gentle action** preserves the surface cover and wood aesthetic over time. - On **textured or co-extruded profiles**, avoid any sanding: prefer a **mild detergent** and **prolonged rinsing**. - With a cleaner, remain at **≥1 m** with a **wide nozzle**, avoiding pressure on edges or **metal/composite connections**. - Fresh greasy stains are best managed within **12 hours** with an **absorbent clay** followed by washing. ## Recommended and Prohibited Products ### Recommended - **Warm water + pH-neutral soap** for routine maintenance. - **Diluted white vinegar (1/5)** for moss and light stains. - **Chlorine-free antifungal** for algae and lichen. Examples of dedicated solutions available on the market: Silvadec Silvaction, Silvawash, Silvanet. - **Mineral clay** (Montmorillonite) for greasy stains. ### To Avoid - **Bleach and chlorinated products**: risk of discoloration and weakening. - **Strong solvents**: acetone, ammonia, mineral spirits, acids, acetates. - **Abrasives**: powders, metal brushes, aggressive pads. - **Aggressive oxygenated stain removers** and heavy “oxidizing” formulations (e.g., Corte Clean®, Oxy Action®). - **Oils, varnishes** and film-forming products: cloud and dirty the composite. ## Troubleshooting: Common Cases and Quick Protocols - **Moss or algae**: chlorine-free antifungal or diluted vinegar, gentle brushing, rinsing. - **Grease, barbecue oil**: **mineral clay** used as an absorbent pad, then mild detergent. Treat **within 12 hours**. - **White chlorine stains**: sign of a chlorinated product. Wash immediately with soapy water and rinse thoroughly. - **Scratches/micro-scratches**: only on smooth slats, **light sanding in the direction of the grain** then cleaning. Do not sand **textured or co-extruded** profiles. - **Cement/plaster deposits**: do not scrape with metal. Soften with water, use a soft plastic spatula, gentle washing, prolonged rinsing. ## Safety and Job Site Organization - **PPE**: gloves, goggles, non-slip shoes. Mask if aerosols are present. - **Marking** in public areas: slippery ground during rinsing and drying. - **Pressure**: wide nozzle, **≥1 m**, avoid joints and hardware. - **Working at height**: prefer the use of a telescopic pole, stable ladder on flat ground. > For a landscaper on a quick job: combine soapy washing and diffuse water rinsing at **≥1 m**, reserving local brushing for stained areas to meet deadlines. > For a public entity in a coastal area: schedule two annual cleanings, with a fresh water rinse after saline episodes and apply **chlorine-free antifungal** in spring. > For a materials dealer training their installers: standardize a maintenance kit “warm water + pH-neutral soap + nylon brush,” plus a stain protocol (clay + chlorine-free antifungal). ## FAQ ### How often should a composite privacy screen kit be cleaned? A complete **annual cleaning in spring** is sufficient in most cases. In humid or dirty environments, add a second cleaning in autumn and rinse with clear water after dusty events. ### Can a pressure washer be safely used? Yes, if you work **at a distance of ≥1 m**, with a **wide nozzle** and **≤1,500 psi**, without focusing on the edges or hardware. For the safety of the material, **manual brushing** remains the reference. ### Is bleach compatible with the composite? No. **Chlorinated products** dull and weaken the co-extruded surface. Prefer **chlorine-free antifungal** or **diluted white vinegar** for biological growth. ### What to do about an old greasy stain? Apply an **absorbent clay pad**, then wash with **mild detergent** and rinse. Repeat locally if necessary. Early interventions, within **12 hours**, yield better results. ### Can sanding be used to erase a scratch? Only on **smooth slats** and lightly, in the **direction of the grain**, followed by washing. **Do not sand** **textured or co-extruded** slats, as this risks permanently altering their appearance. ### When should a slat be replaced? In case of **deep cracks**, extensive chips, or **significant warping**. Check the fittings and refer to the applicable warranty conditions before proceeding with a replacement.