Cleaning composite decking

How to clean composite decking and how to cut composite decking guide available here!

Best way to clean composite decking

Your deck is most likely outside and therefore obviously going to get a little dirty from time to time, so we have outlined some cleaning solutions below to any problem that may occur, to ensure your  composite decking remains beautiful.

Dirt and Debris

To remove dirt and debris, first you should wash away the debris using a hosepipe (the more powerful the better), this will remove surface debris. Then you should use a bucket of hot soapy water and using a soft bristle brush to remove debris from inside the grooves.

Mould and Mildew

If debris such as pollen and dirt is left to sit on the deck’s surface, mould starts to feed and grow on the biofilm. Using a hosepipe and warm, soapy water with a soft bristle brush is recommended to remove any mould or mildew.

Ice and Snow

The best way to remove snow from the deck is simply to shovel or sweep it off.

You can then use suitable products to melt any left behind snow away from the deck surface if you wish. However depending on your deck material it may have a negative impact on the colour, texture or strength of the deck. Always check that what you are considering applying to your composite deck is suitable for your specific deck type – we recommend staying clear of anything acidic or abrasive.

Oil, Grease and Food

In this situation it is always best to act fast, this way there is less chance of oils setting in. Leaving it on the deck to stick or stain may affect any warranties that your decking has.

Using a dishcloth, apply washing up liquid to the affected area and gently rub in circular motions. The surfactant properties in the washing up liquid will break down the bonds in the oil. You should then rinse and repeat the first step 2-3 times until all residue is removed.

Candle Wax

If candle wax falls onto your deck, lay a clean cloth over the wax spot and gently press down with an iron that’s on a synthetic setting. The heat from the iron will cause the wax to melt and will be absorbed by the cloth. Turn the cloth to a dry, clean area and repeat until all the wax is removed.

To maintain the beauty of the surface, NEVER use acetone or other abrasive solvents on Trex Transcend or Select

How to cut composite decking?

We advise installers that Trex can be cut just like timber. As an installer you can create intricate shapes, profiles and various patterns with Trex. The majority of installations do not need any special tools however, for the best results use carbide tipped blades and router bits.

When using a miter saw, we recommend a 25,4 cm - 30,5 cm saw blade with 40 teeth or more. When cutting Trex Transcend® railing, we recommend using a 60-tooth carbidetipped blade. (These are not recommended for cutting Trex Elevations®.)

Can you paint composite decking?

We would not recommend painting composite decking.

In essence you can paint your composite decking. However, composite decking such as Trex is available in a range of stunning colours to match the theme of your garden and isn’t designed to be painted. The colour of residential Trex composite decking is guaranteed for 25 years unlike timber decking.

Check out our Trex composite decking range