Trex decking is renowned for its durability and low maintenance, but even this high-quality material requires occasional cleaning to keep it looking its best. If you’re wondering how to clean Trex decking, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to maintain your deck, ensuring it remains beautiful and functional for years to come.
Regular Cleaning for Dirt and Debris
Trex decking is designed to resist dirt and grime, but outdoor elements can still accumulate on the surface. Regular cleaning is key to maintaining your deck’s appearance.
Steps to Clean Dirt and Debris:
- Remove Loose Debris: Use a broom or leaf blower to clear away leaves, dirt, and other debris.
- Rinse with Water: Spray down the deck with a hose to wash away any remaining particles.
- Scrub with Mild Soap: For tougher grime, mix mild dish soap in a bucket of water. Scrub the deck with a soft-bristle brush, focusing on the grooves between the boards.
- Rinse Thoroughly: After scrubbing, rinse the deck thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
Using a Pressure Washer on Trex Decking
Power washing can be an effective way to clean Trex decking, but it must be done carefully to avoid damage.
Power Washing Tips:
- Use Low Pressure: Keep the pressure under 3100 PSI with a fan tip attachment to prevent damage to the boards.
- Apply Soap First: Spray the deck with soap using the pressure washer’s soap dispenser, then scrub gently with a soft brush.
- Maintain Distance: Hold the nozzle at least 8 inches from the deck surface to avoid gouging the boards.
- Rinse and Repeat: Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap, ensuring no residue remains that could cause a film.
Addressing Stains and Spills
While Trex decking is resistant to stains, spills can still occur, especially from food, grease, or oil.
How to Clean Stains:
- Act Quickly: For best results, clean spills as soon as possible. Trex offers a 25-year stain warranty, but timely cleaning is crucial.
- Soapy Water Solution: Spray the affected area with water, then use a soapy water solution and a soft brush to scrub the stain.
- Rinse Off: Rinse the area thoroughly with water.
Removing Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew can occasionally appear on Trex decking, particularly in shaded or damp areas.
How to Clean Mold and Mildew:
- Use a Soap Solution: Apply a mixture of mild dish soap and water directly to the affected area.
- Scrub Gently: Use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the mold or mildew.
- Rinse Completely: Rinse the area thoroughly with water to remove all cleaning solution and loosened mold.
Dealing with Concrete, Cement, Mortar, or Stucco Dust
When working near Trex decking, it’s crucial to protect the surface from dust particles that can cause damage when they become wet or heated.
How to Clean Concrete, Cement, Mortar, or Stucco Dust:
- Protect the Deck: Cover the deck while working with these materials to prevent dust from settling.
- Use Concrete Dissolver: If dust does settle on the deck, use Sakrete™ Concrete Dissolver and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to clean the surface.
Handling Hard Water Stains
Hard water can leave unsightly spots on your Trex deck due to mineral deposits.
How to Remove Hard Water Stains:
- Clean with White Vinegar: Apply white vinegar to the affected area to break down the mineral deposits.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse with clean water to remove the vinegar and loosened deposits.
Winter Care for Trex Decking
In cold climates, snow and ice can accumulate on Trex decking. Proper care during winter is essential to prevent damage.
How to Handle Snow and Ice:
- Use a Plastic Shovel: Only use a plastic-tipped shovel to remove snow, as metal edges can scratch the surface.
- Use Calcium Chloride or Rock Salt: These can melt ice on the deck without damaging the surface.
Managing Static Electricity on Trex Decking
Static electricity can sometimes occur on Trex decking, particularly in dry climates.
How to Reduce Static Electricity:
- Apply Staticide: Use ACL Staticide® to reduce static buildup. Apply the product with a mop on a dry deck surface and let it dry completely.
What Not to Do When Cleaning Trex Decking
Avoiding certain practices will help maintain the integrity of your Trex deck.
Things to Avoid:
- No Harsh Chemicals: Do not use bleach, acid, or other harsh chemicals, as they can discolor or damage the deck.
- No Metal Shovels: Avoid using metal shovels for snow removal to prevent scratches.
- No Sanding: Sanding Trex decking is not recommended, as it will alter the deck’s surface appearance.
Additional Trex Decking Care Tips
Maintaining your Trex deck’s appearance requires regular care and attention. Here are some additional tips:
Maintenance Tips:
- Chalk Lines: Use only Irwin Strait-Line® Dust-Off Marking Chalk (purple) to avoid discoloration.
- Deck Brighteners: Use a deck brightener to remove tough stains and tannins that can make your deck look worn.
- Older Trex Generations: For older Trex generations installed before 2009, a semi-annual cleaning with a composite deck cleaner is recommended to prevent mold growth.
Final Tips for Maintaining Your Trex Deck
Keeping your Trex deck clean is relatively simple with the right practices.
Maintenance Tips:
- Regular Cleaning: Regularly remove dirt, debris, and stains to prevent buildup.
- Proper Tools: Use the right tools and cleaning solutions recommended by Trex to avoid damaging your deck.
- Seasonal Care: Adjust your cleaning routine based on the season to address specific challenges like snow or pollen.
By following this guide on how to clean Trex decking, you can ensure that your deck remains a beautiful and durable outdoor space for years to come. Regular cleaning, proper maintenance, and avoiding harmful practices will keep your Trex decking looking new and performing at its best.
For top-quality Trex products and expert advice, visit Premium Decking Supply.
