Use and Care Manual

58
Trex
®
Decking & Railing General Care and Cleaning Guide
(Composite & PVC)
*Use of products containing bleach or acid will lighten the surface of Trex. Use in an inconspicuouse area to determine if lightening is ascetically unpleasing to
you. Neither product will affect the structural integrity of Trex.
Note: Trex does not recommend the placement of rubber or vinyl materials such as those found in grill mats, rubber-backed welcome mats, vinyl or PVC potted
containers, etc., on the surface of Trex Escapes® for extended periods of time. This is due to the presence of additives in the rubber and PVC products that have a
tendency to migrate from these materials to Trex Escapes over time, resulting in discoloration of the surface.
All exterior building materials require cleaning. Trex recommends basic cleaning with soap and hot water or a commercially
available deck cleaner twice a year. This will help maintain the beauty of Trex decking, fencing, railing, and trim.
Solution
Dirt and Debris
Clean deck to remove dirt and debris. Soap and hot water is all that is needed.
Chalk Markings
Most colored chalk lines are permanent. For Trex use either baby powder or Irwin Strait-
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detail.jhtml?prodId=IrwinProd210003
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 &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 & 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 & Grime & 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 & Grease Stains
Rinse the stain with hot water as soon as possible. Use Pour-N-Restore www.pour-n-
restore.com as directed for any remaining stain (test in a small area first as this may remove
some of the colorant from the decking surface).
Mold & Mildew
Semi-annual (spring and fall) cleaning of your deck is important to prevent the buildup 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 Mold Technical Bulletin on www.trex.com for specific
recommendations). *
Pressure Washer
Trex Company does not recommend the use of a pressure washer. The use of a pressure
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could damage the decking surface and result in a loss of warranty coverage.
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.
TREX
®
DECKING & RAILING - CARE AND CLEANING GUIDE (COMPOSITE & PVC)
Note: Trex Escapes can be effectively cleaned by using a hose and warm, soapy
water with a soft bristle brush.