The pressure washer is borrowed for the afternoon. That creates a powerful urge to clean everything before returning it. An unidentified composite deck deserves a slower introduction.
Newer instructions may describe a different surface
Trex separates care instructions by generation. Find an invoice, leftover board, identifying mark, or supplier record before choosing a method. The label 'composite' does not identify a cleaning specification.
Try a small, gentle cleaning area first
Clear loose debris, then use the cleaning method approved for that board. Let the test area dry before judging it. A wet surface can hide pale tracks and changes in texture. If previous cleaning has already scarred the face, ask the manufacturer about realistic repair options before making a second pass.
Before the next step
- Identify the board before renting equipment.
- Read the permitted cleaner, tool, and technique together.
- Protect nearby planting and follow cleaner handling instructions.
The goal is a clean deck with its surface intact. A dramatic before-and-after stripe is not proof that the method is kind to the material.