TREX SIGNATURE ® , TRANSCEND ® , ENHANCE ® AND SELECT ® DECKING– Care and Cleaning Guide All exterior building materials require cleaning. Generally, soap and water is all that is required to clean all Trex Decking products. For Trex Signature decking, some cleaning agents or chemicals such as solvents, acids or plasticizers can damage the surface of Trex Signature decking. Examples may include insect repellents, sunscreen products, or degreasing cleaning agents. Always refer to manufacturing labels as well as contact Trex customer care to determine if a specific product is safe to use. Many products will contain warning information regarding damage to plastic and these such products should never be used on Trex Signature decking. Refer to Trex.com for cleaning recommendations for early generation decking products.
Problem
Solution
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.
Dirt and Debris
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. 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 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. Most colored chalks are permanent and may discolor the surface. Use only Irwin Strait-Line Dust-Off Marking Chalk (purple), DeWalt ® Blue Chalk, or DeWalt ® Orange High Visibility Chalk. 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.
Using a Pressure Washer (General Cleaning Issues )
Issues with Concrete, Cement, Mortar, or Stucco Dust
Hard Water Staining
Chalk Lines
Tannins Due to Debris
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.
Ice and Snow
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 (do not use a wire brush) to remove spills from the embossing pattern. 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 (do not use a wire brush) is recommended to remove the food source and mold.
Oil, Grease, and Food
Mold and Mildew
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NOTE: Construction methods are always improving. Please refer to www.trex.com for the most up-to-date installation requirements.
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