How to Get Stains Out of Trex

Trex composite decking, railing, fencing and trim products are made with wood and plastic fibers from recycled and/or reclaimed sources. The combination of wood and plastic makes Trex stronger than wood and less likely to suffer from moisture, insect or natural decay damage. As a result, people around the world use Trex in outdoor landscaping and building projects. Although Trex products do stain, the plastic fibers in Trex make the products resistant to staining and easy to clean.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Mild soap
• Water
• Soft-bristled brush
• Stiff-bristled brush
• Hose
• Power washer (optional for use with Trex Transcend products)
• Deck brightener
• Goggles
• Mask
• Rubber gloves

Instructions

1. Brush away any loose dirt, pollen and debris with a broom and generally clean your Trex decking, railing, fencing or trim to determine which stains require extra work. Wash your Trex product with hot, soapy water and a soft-bristled brush. If cleaning a Trex Transcend Decking & Railing product, use warm, soapy water and a stiff-bristled brush, making certain to brush and wash away any dirt, debris or stains from the embossed wood-grain pattern.

2. Remove food, grease and oil stains from your Trex using the general cleaning methods. To remove tough grease or oil stains on a general Trex product, use a non-phosphate/non-leaching absorbent stain remover. To remove tough stains on a Trex Transcend product, use a 1500-psi power washer in combination with your general cleaning or a non-chlorine deck brightener containing phosphoric or oxalic acid. Follow the product manufacturer's instructions for the brightener.

3. Treat mold and mildew stains with bleach or a deck cleaner (general Trex) or apply a deck brightener (general Trex and Trex Transcend products) to the surface for at least 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse. Besides mold and mildew stains, a deck brightener can also remove wood tannins, water spots, leaf stains, rust stains, pigment stains, algae, ground-in dirt and grime, UV damage and old water repellent residues.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're dealing with calcium or sodium chloride stains from ice melt or rock salt, wash your Trex product with soapy water and a brush (soft-bristled for general products/stiff-bristled for Trex Transcend) and then rinse.

• If some of the building-code-required ink printing on your Trex (general products) is showing after installation, use a solvent like acetone to fade the print.

• Wait at least 12 weeks after installation before cleaning your Trex product to remove stains; it takes several weeks for Trex to weather (color-fade) naturally from rain, sunlight and other elements. Until this weathering occurs, you may have difficulty recognizing a stain from a weathered spot.

• Always clean your Trex products at least twice a year in the spring and fall to help prevent staining.

• Never use bleach or solvents such as acetone on Trex Transcend products--either cleaner can damage the product's surface.

• Always use goggles, a mask and rubber gloves when cleaning your Trex with a deck brightener or commercial deck cleaner. These products contain hazardous chemicals that are harmful.

References

• Trex Company: Cleaning Guide
• Thompson's Water Seal: Thompson's WaterSeal Deck Cleaner & Brightener Directions
• Wolman Deck & Fence Brightener