How to Pressure Wash a Trex Deck
Trex decking is a less-expensive alternative to solid wood decking. It's a composite decking that is durable and long-lasting, but -- just like solid wood -- it must be cared for properly to maintain its appearance. Your Trex deck will get dirty over time and must be cleaned. Using a pressure washer is a quick and effective way to restore the appearance of your Trex decking. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Clear off the deck. Remove furniture, plants, decorations and any other items from the deck. Use a broom to sweep loose dirt and debris from the deck.
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Use a 1,500 psi power washer with a fan tip. If you don't own a pressure washer, you can rent one from most equipment supply stores. Read the handbook that comes with the pressure washer. Although general usage is the same, specific instructions will be given for turning on and using that particular model.
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Work from the back of the deck (where it meets the house) toward the front. Turn the pressure washer on and position the fan tip a minimum of 4 inches away from the surface of the deck. Hold down the trigger to make the water come out.
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Move the nozzle slowly in a horizontal sweeping motion from one side of the deck to the other. Start on the next row, overlapping your strokes with the water, working in the same manner from side to side. Continue this "typewriter" fashion of pressure washing the deck until the entire surface has been cleaned.
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Spray down the rails and spindles, if you have them on your Trex decking. Use a back and forth motion just as you did on the surface of the deck, and hold the nozzle 4 inches from this part of the decking. Once you are done, let the entire deck air-dry completely.
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Tips & Warnings
If your Trex decking is really dirty, scrub it with a soft-bristled scrub brush and warm, soapy water prior to pressure washing. Scrub a section of the deck with the soapy water, then rinse it with the pressure washer. Work in sections so the soap doesn't have time to dry onto the surface before you can rinse it off. Go over the entire deck a second time with the pressure washer once you have scrubbed and rinsed it all to make sure there are no streaks or traces of soap.
