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Cleaning Guide

All exterior building materials require cleaning. We recommend basic cleaning with a composite deck cleaner or a combination of soap, hot water, and a soft bristle brush at the time of installation, and semi-annually (typically Spring and Fall) after the installation. This will help to maintain the beauty of Trex decking, fencing, railing, and outdoor trim.

PROBLEM SOLUTION
Dirt and Debris  Clean deck to remove dirt and debris. Soap, hot water and a soft bristle brush are all that is needed. 
Chalk Markings  All colored chalk lines are permanent except white. We suggest using white chalk or baby powder. Scrubbing the area with hot soapy water with bleach may dislodge some of the chalk.
Visible Mill Markings  The mill markings on the side of Trex decking boards are required by building codes. With careful installation, most mill markings can be hidden. Visible mill markings can be lightened with acetone.
Water Spots/Leaf Staining Tannin leaching occurs in Trex and all wood based products naturally. Allow for at least 16 weeks of normal weathering. This process may be hastened through the use of a product containing oxalic or phosphoric acid commonly known as a Deck Brightener.
Pigment Staining  During the weathering process, a small amount of surface pigmentation may wash off of the Trex surface, which may discolor neighboring surfaces. Remove with common rust cleaner.
Ice and Snow  Calcium chloride or rock salt, available in many home centers, will melt ice on Trex decking. Rinse off when first practical.
Scuffs & Abrasions  Will fade or disappear naturally after 12-16 weeks of weathering. This can be accelerated with a bleach-based deck wash followed by weathering.
Rust Stains, Ground-In Dirt and Grime Use a cleaning product containing oxalic or phosphoric acid base to lighten or remove the rust or dirt. Product may need to sit on stain 10-15 minutes.
Oil and Grease Stains  Scrub in a household-degreasing agent as soon as the stain occurs. Rinse with hot water. For more severe stains call 1-800-BUY-TREX.
Berries and Wine Stains  Mix bleach into hot water according to the bleach-packaging label. Scrub the stain lightly and rinse thoroughly. The stain may not disappear entirely.
Ink Stains  Inks may be permanent. However, the stain may be lightened by scrubbing with hot soapy water. Rinse thoroughly.
Pressure Washer  Trex does not recommend the use of a pressure washer. The use of a pressure washer with a greater than 1,500 PSI and/or applied closer than 10" from the deck surface could damage the decking surface and result in a loss of warranty coverage.
Mold Use conventional deck washes or cleaners that contain sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and detergent (refer to Mold Technical Bulletin).

Periodic cleaning (Spring and Fall) of your deck, even if it appears clean, is important to prevent the build-up of pollen/debris that can cause mold.
Sanding  Trex does not recommend sanding. Sanding will change the appearance of the surface of Trex material.

FAQs

Wood doesn't have a warranty like this.

Green is our favorite color