How To Clean Trex Decking

How To Clean Composite Decking

By properly sealing or staining composite decking, you could get several years of use out of it before you need to clean it again. If you decide not to seal the deck, you will most likely need to plan on cleaning it again every year or so. Follow these simple steps to clean mold on composite decking (cleaning Trex®). If your deck is constructed of older composite decking (installed prior to mid-2000), then you probably know what a big problem unsightly mildew growth has become. When choosing a professional to power wash your deck, don’t just choose someone from your local power washing company—choose someone who specifically has experience power washing decks.

Decking & Railing Duos

He or she should use a relatively low pressure-setting and a wide fan, with the power washer held at least two feet off the ground. This can be a good way to deep clean your deck and get embedded dirt out, but you don’t want to have a professional power wash your deck too frequently . For the most part, you can clean your deck on a regular basis without using a power washer.

• Simply scrub the solution into the decking one section at a time and rinse.
• The best part of composites is that, with the exception of food stains, you only have to clean your deck for aesthetic reasons.
• I really like what I read about your products.
• Should I seal the new deck boards with clear Defy Sealer before installed and avoid the past issues of black mildew/algae build up or is it necessary with newer Trex composites?

The Composite Deck Cleaning Process

Wood decks are especially vulnerable to power washing, because the pressure exerted by the power washer can lead to splintering. If there is any area on the deck where the wood is already beginning to split apart, power washing it will exacerbate the problem and cause the split area to expand. While you may be tempted to wait until your next routine cleaning to remove the food, it should be done immediately or else staining might result. Make sure you're extra careful when pressure washing.This material is softer than natural wood and therefore can be etched more easily. Once it has been damaged, other issues such as chipping, sun damage and mold staining of the interior plastic can arise.

How To Extend The Life Of Your Deck

Avoid this costly mistake by choosing a non-toxic, sodium percarbonate based cleaner. If this is the first time you have cleaned your deck it’s possible that there are deep set mold stains that the solution didn’t reach. They may rise to the surface at some point and need cleaning again.

Design & Price

Fiberon – This type of decking can be pressure washed at a foot distance or more with a wide fan-tip nozzle while moving in the direction of the grain. The manufacturer states that a pressure washer should not be used when mold or mildew are on the surface. That said, if you follow the recommended instructions for cleaning your composite deck, you can expect it to stay looking great for years. It's generally suggested that you use a power washer to clean a composite deck. Be sure to check with your deck's manufacturer or installer to determine the recommended tip to and pressure setting to use.

But, the pressure washer cannot be greater than 3100 psi or it could damage the decking, which would void the Trex warranty. To clean with a pressure washer, first spray your deck with commercial pressure washer soap. (Buy some now on Amazon.) Next, scrub each board with a soft-bristle brush. Finally, rinse each board thoroughly, using a pressure washer fan tip that’s no closer than eight inches from the surface.

Be very careful so that you use only ammonia free dish soap. Otherwise, if ammonia is mixed with bleach, it can create toxic fumes. Once you’ve blended your mixture, swab it on your deck and rinse it clean with water. Keep a safe distance between the power washer and the deck surface. We recommend staying a minimum of 6” away from the surface. This should be enough to remove any dirt without damaging the composite decking.