How to Clean Trex Decking
Whether a quick spot clean or an annual deep dive into scrubbing, keeping your Trex composite deck boards in their best shape will increase your deck's longevity and protect your investment for years to come!
The Trex Transcend, Trex Select, and Trex Enhance decking lines follow the same maintenance recommendations per the manufacturer. This way deck board patterns with mixing and matching patterns can be treated the same.
How to Clean Trex Composite Decking
Read more below to find out the simple steps you can take to help your Trex decking looking its best for decades to come.
Keep Trex Composite Decking Clean
Common Dirt and Debris
Use your household broom, not a shop or garage broom, to sweep away any loose effects from the deck board surface. If needed, use a garden hose to rinse away any remaining bits. Use warm soapy water and a soft bristle brush to remove dirt and debris from the deck board grain pattern.
Can I Use a Pressure Washer?
It's not recommended to use a pressure washer on Trex composite decking as accidents may cause dents or scratches.
If necessary, however, a pressure washer may be used at a level or 3100 psi or less and must feature a fan-noes setting. Spray your Trex decking with common dishwashing soap, then follow by gently scrubbing each deck board with a soft bristle brush. Spray/rinse each individual deck board using a fan tip no closer than 8 inches away from the board surface. Rinse the deck board thoroughly to prevent spots or film.
Dust Particles from Concrete, Cement, or Stucco Dust
If adding the look of stone to your home or patio, certain debris may attach itself to your Trex deck boards. Dust particles from elements such as cement, concrete, mortar, or stucco once heated or wet, can cause a chemical reaction on the board surface which is difficult to remove. Trex recommends using Sakrete™ Concrete Dissolver to safely remove the bits. You can purchase this cleaner here.
Hard Water Stains
Hard water can leave spots due to mineral deposits such as lime, silica and calcium. These water spots can be cleaned with simple white vinegar on decking surfaces. The vinegar should be allowed to sit for 15-20 minutes and then rinsed away with non-hard water. If hard water must be used to rinse, dry with a cloth or use a blower to dry surfaces.
Tannins and Natural Stains
Remove all debris from the deck using a hose or broom. Once the deck surface is dry, apply a deck “brightener"* to the deck as directed by the manufacturer. Deck Brighteners contain oxalic acid, which will also remove tannins.
Ice and Snow
A plastic shovel may be used to remove snow from the deck. Use calcium chloride or rock salt to melt the snow and ice from the deck surface.
Oil, Grease, and Food
All food spills should be removed as soon as possible. The surface must be cleaned within seven days to maintain the stain warranty. To remove, spray off with a hose and use warm, soapy water and a soft bristle brush to remove spills from the embossing pattern.
Mold and Mildew
If debris such as pollen and dirt is allowed to remain on the deck surface, mold can feed on the biofilm. Using a hose and warm, soapy water with a soft bristle brush is recommended to remove the food source and mold.
Doormats, Rubber Mats, Welcome Mats - Oh My!
Rubber-backed mats can sometimes contain substances that can discolor or lighten the decking surface if left too long especially in rainy weather or direct sunlight. Check frequently and remove if an issue arises.
Watch this quick video to find out how to clean your composite deck boards for a beautiful backyard space:
Browse more deck design and railing style notes to upgrade your backyard space and deck in the DecksDirect Railing Style Guide. The easiest way to learn if your home is more suited for a classic aluminum deck railing or a strong, composite railing line.