Trex decks are popular because they are relatively low-maintenance and require less care than wood decks.There is no outdoor product that is free of maintenance.Periodic cleaning is required to prevent the build-up of dirt, mold, and grime on the decks.Dirt, food, grease, oil, and mold build up on Trex and can be removed with the right ingredients.
Step 1: The deck has a hose on it.
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 needed 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 any other chemicals you may use for cleaning.
Step 3: Use a soft bristle brush to scrub the deck.
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.The soft bristles of 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 with a hose.
One final rinse from your hose is all you need to complete the job.To avoid staining the deck, remove all suds and bubbles.There is a sticky film on your deck.This could cause a stain on the deck, as well as attracting more dust and debris.It's a good idea to do a thorough rinse.
Step 5: Every 6 months, you should repeat this clean.
A semi-annual clean takes care of the dirt and debris on your deck.The 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.Don't allow food spills to sit.Carry out a clean as soon as possible after you pick up the food.You can clean your deck the same way after you pick up all the food.
Step 7: The stained Trex requires a deck cleaner.
If there are stains on the deck, you can use a specialized cleaning fluid.If you want to use a cleaning fluid that contains sodium hypochlorite, find an approved one.You can find them on the internet or at outdoor stores.Wood cleaners that aren't approved for Trex should not be used.If you use unauthorized chemicals, you could void your warranty.If you don't know what to use, contact the manufacturer or installation of your deck and ask for a recommendation.
Step 8: Take care of your deck.
All 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.If the deck's grid pattern has accumulated dust or debris, use a smaller brush to clean it all out.
Step 9: The cleaner needs to be put in the spray.
The specific mixture of cleaning fluids and water varies depending on which product you use.Follow the directions on the product.In the spray you'll be using, mix the water and cleaner.You could use a hand pump sprayer.You can pour water and cleaning fluid into the large tank of this tool.It's a good idea to pump it several times before spraying.The pressure washer may have a compartment for liquid cleaner.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 will be sprayed with the cleaning mixture.
Even if 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.If you're using a pressure washer, keep the nozzle moving.
Step 11: The cleaner should be allowed to sit as long as he wants.
The length of time for cleaning products to sit on the deck varies depending on which cleaner you're using.Carefully read the instructions and allow the cleaner to rest.You are usually told to wait several minutes, ranging from 3 to 15 minutes.
Step 12: The deck should 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 your pressure washer or garden hose.All the suds flow off your deck if you angle your spray.If it sits on your deck, it will stain it, so don't let it pool in one area.
Step 13: There are areas that are stained.
If a full surface clean hasn't gotten rid of all stains, you can use the cleaning fluid and water mixture as a spot cleaner.The cleaning solution should be put in a bucket.Then use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the stained area.After you're done, rinse 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 washed with a hose.
There are areas where mold is forming.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: You can mix 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.Shake the solution to mix it together.If you use 1 US quart of water, then use 2 US quarts of vinegar.
Step 16: The solution needs to 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.The solution should be poured directly onto the mold.Depending on how much mold is on your deck, you may have to mix more of your solution to complete the job.
Step 17: Baking soda can be put onto the area.
Baking soda should be applied to every place you put the mixture.When you see the baking soda start reacting, spread it.You will know when bubbles and foam form.When you apply the baking soda, the mixture will start bubbling and foaming.This is a harmless reaction.
Step 18: Put the mixture in a container for 20 minutes.
It takes some time for this solution to break down mold.Allow a few minutes for the solution to work.This time, 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.Allow enough time for the solution to work, but not so much that you ruin your deck.
Step 19: Use a soft bristles brush to clean 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 washed.
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.