Trex decks are popular because they are relatively low maintenance and require less care than wood decks.There is no outdoor product that is maintenance free.Periodic cleaning is required to prevent the build up of dirt, grime, and mold on the decks.You can remove the dirt, food, grease, oil, and mold that builds up on Trex with the right ingredients.
Step 1: Use a hose to spray the deck.
Dust, dirt, and debris that is piled on the deck should flow off with a good rinse.The debris will be caked on after this.There is power behind the spray if the hose nozzle is set to spray.This can help remove debris.If you use a power washer instead of a garden hose, the model should be less than 3,100 psi to avoid damaging the deck.
Step 2: For caked-on debris, mix a soap and water solution.
A soapy mixture is used to scrub the ridges and patterns on the deck.Put warm water in the bucket.Then mix in some ammonia-free dish soap.If you shake the mixture, it will form suds.If you use ammonia-free dish soap, it will not stain your deck or react with other chemicals you may use for cleaning.
Step 3: The deck needs to be scrubbed with a soft bristle brush.
Start scrubbing the ridges and patterns on your deck by dipping the brush in your soapy mixture.Dust and debris can hide in these areas, so focus on them.The broom will make cleaning the deck much easier on your back.The size of your deck may affect the amount of soap solution you have to mix.If left unaddressed, caked-on debris will form stains.
Step 4: The deck should be washed thoroughly with a hose.
One final rinse from your hose is all you need to complete the job.To avoid staining the deck, remove suds and bubbles.There is a sticky film on your deck.Dust and debris can be attracted to the deck by this stain.It's a good idea to do a thorough rinse.
Step 5: This clean should be done every 6 months.
A semi-annual clean takes care of the dirt and debris on your deck.A regular cleaning cycle helps prevent stains from forming.
Step 6: Food spills should be cleaned as soon as possible.
The oil and grease in food can stain the deck.Food spills should not be allowed to sit.Pick up the food and clean it right away.You can clean your deck the same way after picking up all the food.
Step 7: There is a deck cleaner for stained Trex.
If there are stains on the deck, you can use a specialized cleaning fluid.You should find a cleaning fluid that is approved for use on the deck.You can find them at outdoor stores or on the internet.Wood cleaners that are not approved for Trex should not be used.If you use unauthorized chemicals, you could void your warranty and cause permanent damage to your deck.If you don't know what to use, contact the manufacturer or installr of your deck and ask for a recommendation.
Step 8: You should sweep your deck.
The cleaning fluid makes contact with the deck if the dirt and debris is removed.There is no need for specialized bristles when using a normal broom.Use a smaller brush to clean the deck's grid pattern of dust and debris.
Step 9: Put the cleaner in the spray.
The specific mixture of cleaning fluids and water varies depending on which product you use.Follow the directions on the product carefully.In the spray you'll be using, mix the water and cleaner.A hand pump sprayer is easy to use.You can pour water and cleaning fluid into this tool, because it has a large tank.It's a good idea to pump it several times before spraying.It is possible that the pressure washer has a compartment where liquid cleaner goes.Put the cleaner in here and connect the pressure washer to a hose.The pressure washer should be on a low setting.
Step 10: The deck has a cleaning mixture on it.
Even if just a few spots are affected by the stains, cover the entire deck with a sweeping motion.The deck will have an even color if you only apply it to one spot.You should see suds when you apply the cleaner.If you don't see suds, make sure your power washer is working and use the right mixture.Keep the nozzle moving to avoid damaging the deck.
Step 11: The cleaner should be allowed to sit for as long as necessary.
The length of time for cleaning products to sit on the deck varies depending on which cleaner you're using.Allow the cleaner to rest after reading all the instructions.You are usually told to wait several minutes, ranging from 3 to 15 minutes.
Step 12: The deck needs to be cleaned.
To avoid streaks or a sticky film, rinse the deck thoroughly after giving the cleaner enough time to soak in.No cleaning fluid is in the pressure washer or garden hose.All the suds flow off your deck if you angle your spray.If it sits on your deck, it could stain it, so don't let it pool in one area.
Step 13: There are areas that are stained.
Cleaning fluid and water mixture can be used as a spot cleaner if a full surface clean hasn't gotten rid of all stains.The cleaning solution should be put in a bucket.After dipping the brush into the mixture, scrub the stained area.After you're done, wash thoroughly.You should be careful with how hard you scrub.It is possible to wear away the surface of the deck with heavy scrubbing.
Step 14: The area should be pre-washed with a hose.
The areas where mold is forming should be the focus.The pressure from a hose or power washer will remove some of the surface mold.If you use a power washer instead of a garden hose, the model should be less than 3,100 psi to avoid damaging the deck.
Step 15: A solution of water and vinegar.
To make this mixture, use 2 parts vinegar to 1 part water.Measure out your liquid and put it in a bucket.If you shake the solution, it will mix together.If you use 1 US quart of water, use 2 US quarts of vinegar.
Step 16: The solution should be poured over the mold.
Make sure you don't miss any mold that might be hiding in the ridges on the deck by soaking the entire area.This solution should be poured directly onto the mold.Depending on the amount of mold on your deck, you may have to mix more of your solution to complete the job.
Step 17: Baking soda can be put on the area.
Baking soda can be applied to every place you put the mixture.You can spread the baking soda until it starts reacting.You will know when bubbles and foam form.When you apply the baking soda, it will start bubbling and foaming.This is a harmless reaction.
Step 18: Allow the mixture to sit for 20 minutes.
It takes some time for this solution to break down mold.Allow a few minutes for the solution to work.The mixture reacts with the mold so it comes off easily.If you wait 20 minutes, the chemicals in the vinegar and baking soda could ruin the deck.You shouldn't ruin your deck if you allow enough time for the solution to work.
Step 19: Use a soft bristles brush to scrub the area.
After the solution has broken down the mold, scrubbing should be done.Use a circular pattern to capture the remaining mold.The deck has ridges and patterns.The mold likes hiding in these folds.
Step 20: The area should be thoroughly cleaned.
The solution can stain your deck if left alone.Remove any remaining cleaning solution or mold.A thorough rinse will remove food sources for mold.More mold can be prevented in the future.