How to Care for Trex

Trex offers a real wood look without the hassles.

Made of recycled plastic and wood, Trex offers a real wood look without the hassles. Trex composite decking can hold up to even the harshest of weather. Trex is splinter-free and slip-resistant, making it an ideal surface for pool and recreation areas. The recycled items that make up Trex materials contain no toxins, so there is no worry of environmental hazards. Aside from periodic cleanings, the Trex material is virtually maintenance-free. Care is minimal -- no painting, staining or sanding. In fact, soapy water and a scrub brush take care of most stains.

Things You'll Need

• Stiff broom
• Garden hose
• Bucket
• Warm water
• Scrub brush
• Deck cleaner
• Deck brightener
• Rock salt or calcium chloride
• Plastic shovel
• Acetone

Instructions

1. Sweep the Trex regularly to keep it free of dirt and debris. A stiff broom will remove most debris and keep it from settling on the surface of the Trex. Once a week sweepings, especially after a storm, will help remove leaves, dirt and sticks.

2. Spray the Trex with a garden hose to remove stubborn dirt. Fill a bucket with warm water and a squirt of dish soap. Apply the soapy water to the Trex using a scrub brush. Scrub in circular motions to remove mud, food, oil and grease. Remove the soapy debris with a spray of your garden hose.

3. Prevent the build-up of pollen on the Trex, using a sodium hypochlorite or other bleach-based deck cleaner. A sodium hypochlorite cleaner will also help to remove mold and mildew. Twice a year cleanings, once in the spring and then again in the fall, will help to keep the Trex pollen-, mold- and mildew-free. Apply the cleaner according to label instructions.

4. Apply a deck brightener that contains an oxalic acid base to the Trex once a year. Follow the manufacturer's instructions, which will outline the application process. A deck brightener will remove dark tannin stains, rejuvenating the color of the Trex. A deck brightener will also help to remove scuffs, abrasions, watermarks and leaf stains.

5. Remove ice from the Trex using rock salt or a calcium chloride product, which will not harm the decking material. Remove snow from your Trex using a plastic shovel. Metal shovels can damage the Trex.

Tips & Warnings

• Lighten the printing on the side of the Trex composite material with acetone if it is exposed and noticeable.

• Dispose of Trex decking materials in the same manner that you would other household construction materials. Do not burn the Trex. Doing so will release toxic chemicals created by the burning plastic into the air.

• Do not sand the Trex. Sanding will permanently alter the look of the decking material. It will also void the warranty in most cases.

References

• Trex: Cleaning Guide

Resources

• Trex: Frequently Asked Questions