All exterior building materials require cleaning. Generally, soap and water is all that is required
to clean Trex Transcend, Enhance and Select decking products. For additional information, see below.
TREX TRANSCEND
®
, TREX ENHANCE
®
AND
TREX SELECT
®
DECKING CARE AND CLEANING GUIDE
PROBLEM
SOLUTION
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 colored chalks are permanent and may discolor 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.
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.
