Should You Power Wash Trex Decking?

Trex is easily the most well-known name for composite decking that we install. The name is now synonymous with all kinds of composite decking. When asked to design the new composite deck, the most common thing that clients ask for is a Trex deck. Trex is a great manufacturer that comes with an excellent warranty and a large selection of fantastic products. But what about long-term maintenance and durability? How do you keep your fresh Trex decking looking as new? Are you able to power wash Trex? What kinds of cleaners are suitable for use on it? And what is the best option for more seasoned Trex decking?

How To Use A Power Washer On A New Trex Deck

Before we dive too deeply into the story, we suggest that you contact Trex and/or your Trex dealer prior to cleaning your deck with power washers to ensure that it's safe for your specific decking. Trex constantly comes out with new products, and they may also make changes to the older models. If in doubt, be on the secure side and double-check.

When you are using pressure washers to clean a Trex Deck, make sure you use an air tip and lower pressure. The pressure that is too high can damage all surfaces, including decking. If you harm your deck by using high pressure, it's irreparable and can void your warranty, so make sure the pressure is at a minimum. We recommend keeping it in the 500 to 600 PSI range.

If you require more pressure, gradually increase it and take a test sample. We like to try more pressure on a scrap part of the decking first to see how the pressure will affect the decking.

Below are some easy steps to help you properly pressure wash a brand newly constructed Trex deck.

1. Make sure you use a washer that has a fan attachment and pressures of 1500 PSI. (Trex claims you could use up to 3100; however, we have never gone to that level.)

2. The deck should be cleaned with basic soap and water, then scrub the deck with the bristles of a soft brush. This helps to loosen stuck-on dirt and grime, which is later washed away by applying pressure. Use only commercially approved cleaners when soap and water don't work.

3. Get rid of the dirt, mildew, mold, and grime using the pressure washer following your clean and scrub. The nozzle must be kept at least eight inches from the deck at all times.

4. Clean the deck following this. Do not leave dirty water on the deck.

If you keep the nozzle too tightly or apply too much pressure, you may damage the deck.

If you do not remove any residue or dirty water, it may cause fade and/or discoloration.

When Not To Use A Pressure Washer On Trex

Unfortunately, not all versions of Trex are safe to wash. It's crucial to identify the generation of Trex you're working with prior to applying a pressure washer to your deck. The older Trex models could be damaged even with low pressure.

This is the list of Trex models that aren't suitable for pressure washers.

• Accents
• Origins
• Brasilia
• Profiles
• Contours

The use of a power washer with these earlier versions of Trex is not advised as it could cause damage. Utilizing the power washer on these earlier generations of Trex could cause the warranty to be void. If you aren't sure which kind of Trex you own, then avoid using a power washer.