How to Clean a Trex Composite Deck

How to Clean a Trex Composite Deck

Apr 04, 2024John Redihan

Clean Your Trex Composite Deck to Maximize Your Enjoyment of It

At washsafe.com, we understand that your deck is more than just an outdoor area – it's an extension of your home, a second living room where memories are made and cherished. Here on Cape Cod, where winters can feel arctic, we aim to make the most of our deck time, whether it's grilling, lounging, or entertaining guests. However, our coastal climate poses unique challenges, with salty air and humidity taking a toll on outdoor spaces. Through years of experience, we've honed eco-safe techniques to maintain the longevity of decks, ensuring they remain pristine without harming the surrounding environment.

Thanks to innovations in deck building, particularly from industry leader Trex Decking, owning, installing, and maintaining a deck has become more accessible than ever. Today, we're excited to share our insights on cleaning and maintaining Trex composite decks using Wash Safe's Eco-Friendly Composite Deck Cleaner, Spray & Clean. This revolutionary product effectively tackles spots and stains caused by mold spores, restoring and brightening Trex decks without resorting to harsh chemicals or bleach concentrations that can harm both the deck and its surroundings.

Spray & Clean Composite Deck Cleaner - awarded Best Composite Deck Cleaner by Home & Garden Magazine.

While we refrain from playing favorites with our products, it's hard to deny the efficacy of Spray & Clean. With its recent accolade from Better Home & Garden Magazine plus over 200 five-star reviews, it's a homeowner's go-to solution for addressing composite deck cleaning challenges. Designed to target mold stains deeply embedded within composite decking pores, Spray & Clean offers unparalleled cleaning power while remaining eco-friendly. You can easily purchase it at WashSafe.com, ensuring a hassle-free cleaning experience for your Trex deck.

Essential Components for Successful Cleaning

As with any cleaning project, success hinges on three key components: knowledge, equipment, and product. Here's what you'll need to achieve pristine results:

  • Gallon of Wash Safe Spray and Clean (refer to coverage chart)
  • Garden-style pump sprayer
  • Goggles
  • Gloves
  • Scrub brush (optional)
  • Pressure washer (optional)

Determining Coverage

To calculate the amount of Spray & Clean required, consider that each gallon of diluted product can clean 250 square feet. The dilution ratio may vary based on factors such as decking condition, age, and brand. Refer to our coverage chart to determine the appropriate ratio for your cleaning needs, ensuring optimal results without waste.

Composite Deck Cleaning Instructions

Follow these simple steps to effectively clean your Trex composite deck:

  1. Determine the appropriate dilution ratio for your cleaning needs and mix Spray & Clean with water, preferably warm or hot.
  2. Fill a garden-style pump sprayer with the diluted solution and saturate the stained decking, allowing the product to penetrate and dissolve stains upon contact.
  3. Once the cleaning process is complete, rinse the deck thoroughly with water. For stubborn stains, consider reapplying the solution and allowing it to soak for an extended period before rinsing.

Maintaining a Pristine Composite Deck

After the initial cleaning, it's essential to implement a routine maintenance schedule to keep your Trex deck looking its best. Dilute Spray & Clean with water in a 4:1 ratio and apply it to the deck every 60 days or as needed during the season. Alternatively, spray the deck before an impending rainstorm to facilitate a natural rinse.

Avoiding Common Cleaning Pitfalls

While bleach may seem like a quick fix for surface stains, it can have detrimental effects on both your deck and surrounding landscape. Bleach lacks the surfactants present in Spray & Clean, making it ineffective against deep-set mold stains. Moreover, its overuse can harm vegetation and disrupt the ecosystem.

Similarly, homemade solutions like vinegar may offer a budget-friendly alternative, but they often fall short in addressing stubborn stains. Professional-grade products like Spray & Clean are specifically formulated to penetrate composite decking pores, ensuring comprehensive cleaning without the need for harsh scrubbing.

Final Thoughts on Deck Maintenance

While pressure washing can be effective in certain situations, it's not always necessary for cleaning Trex composite decks. Spray & Clean's innovative formula eliminates the need for intensive pressure washing, saving you time and effort. Additionally, regular maintenance and timely cleaning can prolong the lifespan of your Trex deck, preserving its beauty for years to come.

When planning your cleaning regimen, aim to work during cooler hours to avoid direct sunlight and minimize the risk of heat-related damage. Spring and early fall provide optimal conditions for deck maintenance, ensuring optimal results with minimal environmental impact. So, pour yourself a cup of coffee, cue up your favorite tunes, and embark on the journey to a cleaner, brighter Trex composite deck.

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