Many homeowners who want their gardens to seem top-notch have adopted the
Trex decking fad over the years.
You undoubtedly adore your Trex decking for a variety of reasons if you have one.
This substance resembles a wooden deck in terms of appearance, durability, and ease of maintenance.
But in order to keep it looking wonderful, you still need to clean it sometimes, just like you would with any other material.
While it may withstand the elements for a longer period of time than wood, this does not mean that it cannot be harmed or contaminated by weathering elements.
In this article, we will show you exactly how to clean your Trex decking without causing any damage.
Here are some foolproof ways to keep your decking looking as fresh as ever.
So, let’s get into it.
What Is A Trex Decking (And What Is It Made Of)?
As the name suggests, Trex decking is a particular style of composite decking manufactured by the company Trex.
It is essentially a wood-like substitute with a few significant enhancements.
The decks from Trex are marketed as being eco-friendly, as well as being extremely durable.
The company asserts that it will keep its color even after being subjected to the elements and the sun for a long time.
Additionally, the substance can be manufactured to resemble many types of wood, including cedar and redwood.
Although there is a physical resemblance, this material is far simpler to maintain than wood because it takes wood up to 25 years to succumb to destructive elements like the weather.
The biggest drawback from getting a Trex decking over your typical wooden decking is the price, which is quite a bit more expensive.
However, when taking the amount of money you may spend refurbishing a wooden deck over the years, the price may be worth it in the long while.
How To Clean Trex Decking
If you have your own Trex decking, and it’s gotten a little dirty over the past few months, you may be wondering how you can get it back to its original appearance.
You may be worrying if certain chemicals and/or power tools may damage the material.
Below, we have listed 3 simple ways to clean your Trex decking, allowing it to return to how it did when it was originally built.
Removing Basic Spills From Trex Decking
Removing some basic spills and debris from your decking is fairly simple, and can be done very quickly and smoothly to restore the original appearance.
- First, use a hose pipe to clear the decking. While this won’t remove some of the more stubborn stains, it will clear the deck of debris.
- Fill a bucket with warm water, and stir in 2 tablespoons of dish soap. It's crucial to use dish soap without ammonia, so it won't discolor your deck or react with any other cleaning agents you could use.
- Using the soapy water, gently scrub at the more stubborn stains remaining after you used the hose pipe.
- Finally, use the hose pipe again to clear away the remaining debris.
Removing Deep Stains From Trex Decking
Compared to basic spills, those deeper, more stubborn stains can be a little more difficult to remove from your decking.
However, once again, this is definitely not impossible; it just may require a little more elbow grease.
- Purchase a cleaning product that is specific to your deck type, which is the Trex decking. Never use a wood cleaner, as this will affect the quality of your Trex deck.
- To prepare, use a brush or a broom to clear all the loose debris from the deck. Make sure the deck is completely clear before continuing.
- Grab a spray bottle, and mix together your chosen cleaning product and some water. Check the instructions for the cleaning product to work out exact measurements.
- Spray the mixture onto the entire surface of the deck. Leave it to sit for around 15 minutes at the longest (again, you should check the recommended time for the specific product you’re using).
- Use a hose pipe to gently rinse away the cleaning product (if you need to clean velcro, find out how here).
- Finally, gently scrub away at the more stubborn stains to ensure that they disappear. Repeat the process if some stains remain.
Removing Mold From Trex Decking
As you are likely already aware, mold can be a stubborn factor to deal with when trying to clean outdoor equipment.
However, it’s not impossible to remove. In fact, it doesn’t even need to be difficult.
- Use a hose pipe to clear the deck beforehand, ensuring that it is completely clear of loose debris and dirt.
- Mix together 2 parts vinegar and 1 part water in a bucket, or your chosen container. Then, stir the components together thoroughly.
- Pour the vinegar-water mixture directly onto the mold, making sure that every affected area has been completely saturated.
- Once the deck has been covered, use some baking soda to sprinkle over the damp areas. The affected regions should begin to bubble and foam due to the reaction.
- Let the mixture sit for around 15-20 minutes, before gently scrubbing at the affected moldy areas. The mold should lift quite easily.
- To finish, rinse the entire deck with the hose pipe. If mold remains, repeat this method from the start until you reach your desired result.
Final Thoughts
Trex decks are well-liked because they involve minimal upkeep compared to wood decks and seem to be generally low-maintenance.
Nevertheless, no outside equipment is entirely maintenance-free.
On composite decks, debris, filth, and mold can still accumulate, therefore they need to be cleaned on a regular basis to keep this from happening.
The dirt that accumulates on Trex decks may be cleaned off with the proper supplies, preserving the new appearance of your deck for many years, and you can do so by following our advice above.
We hope you found this article helpful.
Hi I’m Adrienne Carrie Hubbard. I believe a rich life comes not from the things you have, but the things you do; the experiences you create and the people you meet along the way. Thanks for hanging out!