How to Clean a Trex® Deck

DIRT AND DEBRIS

The affected area should be sprayed off with a hose to remove surface debris. Use warm soapy water and a soft bristle brush to remove dirt and debris from the embossing pattern.

USING A PRESSURE WASHER (GENERAL CLEANING ISSUES)

A pressure washer with no greater than 3100 psi** that has a fan attachment/adjustment and soap dispenser may be used to remove dirt or mud. Spray deck with 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-in (203 mm) from the decking surface. RINSE THOROUGHLY. If dirty water from cleaning is left to dry, a film will remain on the decking surface.

ISSUES WITH CONCRETE, CEMENT, MORTAR, OR STUCCO DUST

When working with cement, concrete, mortar, or stucco, protect the decking as much as possible in order to not get dust particles on the decking surface. These particles, once they get hot or wet, can cause a reaction on the decking surface and are very difficult to remove. If particles get on the decking surface, Trex recommends using Sakrete™ Concrete Dissolver (www.sakrete.com/products/concrete-dissolver). BE SURE TO FOLLOW MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS.

HARD WATER STAINING

Hard water is water with high amounts of mineral deposits like lime, silica and calcium. When the water dries, deposits are left behind, leaving unsightly spots on surfaces. This is not a defect of Trex products but an issue with the water itself. Generally, these deposits can be cleaned with white vinegar on decking surfaces. Rinsing is required, so care should be taken to not use hard water for this purpose. If hard water must be used, dry with a cloth or use a blower to dry surfaces. In some cases a deck brightener product may also be used to help clean hard water stains.

CHALK LINES

Most coloured chalks are permanent and may discolour the surface. Use only Irwin Strait-Line® Dust-Off Marking Chalk (purple), available at www.Irwin.com.

TANNINS DUE TO DEBRIS

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.

MOULD AND MILDEW

If debris such as pollen and dirt is allowed to remain on the deck surface, mould 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 mould.

MAINTAINING TRANSCEND AND SELECT RAILING

NEVER use acetone or other solvents on Trex Transcend and Select railing to maintain the beauty of the surface. For colour transfer issues (from attachment of baluster spacer), use Mr. Clean®, Magic Eraser® Original or Magic Eraser® Extra Power to help remove this.**** For small surface scratches, marks or scuffs, use Dupli-Colour Scratch Seal™ Clear Sealer Pen.*****

TREX AND STATIC ELECTRICITY

While this is not common, static electricity can occur on walking surfaces in dry climates or in areas where dry winds and dust-borne particles lay on the decking surfaces. Static electricity can build up on occupants walking across any composite decking surface, including Trex, then produce a small static shock if they touch a grounded metal surface such as railing, door, etc.

This condition can be decreased greatly with the use of a product call ACL Staticide®. Two products tested were General Purpose Staticide® and Heavy Duty Staticide®. Both are effective in greatly reducing static electricity on Trex decking surfaces. Apply full strength, using a mop on a dry decking surface, and allow to dry; no rinsing or diluting needed. Products are non-toxic, non-flammable, non-staining (will not change the colour of decking surface), completely biodegradable, and safe to use. Product is water-based and may require a second application after rain or other weather conditions. Over a period of time, the effect of static will dissipate naturally on the decking surface.

See link for more information on product:
www.aclstaticide.com/antistatic_coatings.html

RUBBER MATS

Use caution when using rubber-backed mats (i.e. welcome mats, etc.) as these may contain substances that can sometimes discolour or lighten the decking surface.

JOB SITE STORAGE

Store decking on a flat level surface and ALWAYS use proper supports (dunnage). DO NOT store directly on the ground. When stacking decking bundles, supports (dunnage) should start approximately 8-in (203 mm) from each end and be spaced approximately 2-ft (0.61m) on centre. In addition, supports (dunnage) should line up vertically/perpendicular to the decking product. Adjust support blocks (dunnage) accordingly if bundles are loose. For Select decking, Enhance decking, and 1x12 and 1x8 products, the maximum stack height is 12 bundles. For all other decking products maximum stack height is 14 bundles (IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT PROPER DUNNAGE SPACING MUST BE IN PLACE FOR THESE HEIGHTS). When stacking multiple bundles, ensure that dunnage lines up vertically down through each stack. ALWAYS cover decking products on site until ready to be installed.