How to Clean Trex Deck Materials

Trex deck materials are a composite of recycled wood and plastic, including sawdust and plastic grocery bags. The combination protects the decking from insects, rot, warping, splintering and UV damage. With normal use, the company guarantees its products for 25 years. Unlike pressure-treated wood decks, Trex decks do not need to be painted or stained, which cuts down on maintenance. The company recommends cleaning the deck in the spring and fall to keep it looking its best.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bucket
• Soap
• Soft, long-handled brush
• Acetone
• Soft cloth or cotton balls
• Deck brightener
• Oil stain remover
• Deck wash

1. Wash the deck with hot water, soap and a soft, long-handled brush to rid the deck of dirt and debris at least twice a year.

2. Use a soft cloth or cotton ball to rub acetone on any factory printing on your decking materials. This may not get rid of the lettering entirely, but it will fade it.

3. Use a deck brightener with oxalic or phosphoric acid to clean rust stains or stubborn dirt. Some brighteners require dilution. Some call for the deck to be dry before cleaning, and others require a wet deck. Follow the label's instructions. Apply the brightener with a garden sprayer, then scrub with a soft, long-handled brush. Rinse the deck with a hose.

4. Rinse oil or grease stains with hot water as soon as possible. Trex recommends using Pour-N-Restore oil stain remover as directed.

5. Use a deck wash or cleaner containing bleach to combat mold and mildew. Spray it on with a garden sprayer and follow the directions on the label. Some deck washes do not recommend scrubbing or rinsing, but others have different requirements.

Tips & Warnings

• Cleaners with bleach, oxalic acid or phosphoric acid will lighten your decking, so Trex recommends testing them in an inconspicuous spot to make sure the resulting color is acceptable.
• Do not use a pressure washer on your Trex deck. Too much pressure can damage the surface. Using a metal shovel to clear snow from your Trex deck could scratch the surface. Do not sand your decking to try to remove a stain. You will change its surface and void the company's warranty.

References

• Trex Cleaning Guide
• Lowe's.com: Cleaning your deck