Trex Cleaning Guide

All exterior building materials require cleaning. Trex recommends basic cleaning with a composite deck cleaner or a combination of soap, hot water, and a soft bristle brush at the time of installation, and semi‑annually (typically Spring and Fall) after the installation. This will help to maintain the beauty of Trex decking, fencing, and railing.

Trex Transcend™ Decking & Railing

• General Dirt and Debris

The affected area should be sprayed off with a hose to remove surface debris. Use warm, soapy water and a stiff‑bristle brush to remove dirt and debris from the embossing pattern.



• Chalk Lines

High permanence chalk lines may discolor the surface. Use only Irwin Strait‑line dust off marking chalk.



• Tannin Due to Debris

Remove all debris from 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 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/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 stiff‑bristle brush to remove spills from 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 stiff-bristle brush is recommended to remove the food source and mold.



• Pressure Washer

A 1500psi power washer may be used on Transcend™ shell surface to remove dirt and debris. Use a fan tip at least 4' away from the shell when using a power washer.



• Transcend™ Railing

Never use Acetone or other solvents on Trex Transcend™ railing to maintain the beauty of the surface.

Care for Other Trex Products

• Dirt and Debris

Clean deck to remove dirt and debris. Soap, hot water and a soft brush are all that is needed.



• Chalk Markings

Most colored chalk lines are permanent. For Trex use either baby powder or Irwin Strait‑Line dust‑off marking chalk.



• Visible Printing

The printing on the side of Trex decking boards are required by building codes. With careful installation, most printings can be hidden. Visible printings can be lightened with acetone.



• Water Spots, Leaf Staining and Wood Tannins

Tannin leaching occurs in Trex and all wood based products naturally. Allow for at least 12 weeks of normal weathering. This process may be hastened through the use of a product containing oxalic or phosphoric acid commonly known as Deck Brightener.*



• Ice and Snow

Calcium chloride or rock salt, available in many home centers, will melt ice on Trex decking. Rinse off when first practical. Use caution when removing snow or ice with a snow shovel, and never use a metal snow shovel on a Trex deck. A shovel may scratch the deck, which is not covered under warranty.



• Scuffs & Abrasions

Scuffs and abrasions can fade or disappear naturally after 12‑16 weeks of weathering. This can be accelerated with a product containing oxalic or phosphoric acid, also known as Deck Brightener.*



• Rust Stains, Ground‑In Dirt and Grime and Pigment Staining

Use a cleaning product containing oxalic or phosphoric acid base, also known as Deck Brightener to lighten or remove the rust or dirt. Product may need to sit on stain 10‑15 minutes before rinsing.*



• Oil and Grease Stains

Rinse the stain with hot water as soon as possible. Use Pour‑N‑Restore as directed for any remaining stain (test in a small area first as this may remove some of the colorant from the decking surface).

• Pressure Washer

Trex Company does not recommend the use of a pressure washer. The use of a pressure washer with a greater than 1,500 PSI and/or applied closer than 12“ from the deck surface could damage the decking surface and result in a loss of warranty coverage.

• Mold & Mildew

Semi‑annual (Spring and Fall) cleaning of your deck is important to prevent the build-up of pollen and other debris that can support the growth of mold. Use conventional deck washes or cleaners that contain sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and detergent (refer to the Mold Technical Bulletin for specific recommendations).*

• Sanding

Trex Company does not recommend sanding. Sanding will change the appearance of the surface of Trex material and will void the warranty.

• Disposal

Trex Decking and Railing products should be disposed with normal construction debris or household waste. Do not burn Trex products.

* Use of products containing bleach or acid will lighten the surface of Trex. Use in an inconspicuous area to determine if lightening is esthetically unpleasing to you. Neither product will affect the structural integrity of Trex.