Fence Care
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about Trex Fencing products, installation, care, and more.
Low maintenance by design
Keeping your Trex fence looking its best.
Trex Fencing is manufactured to significantly reduce maintenance by eliminating the need for staining and painting — and because Trex won’t rot, splinter, or warp, like any outdoor material, it may require periodic cleaning. We recommend a basic cleaning with a composite deck cleaner or a combination of soap, hot water, and a soft bristle brush. Ideal times to clean are just after installation, and then on a semi-annual basis — typically spring and fall.
No staining or painting needed
Trex composite maintains its color and finish without the annual maintenance wood requires.
Soap & water is all it takes
Routine cleaning requires nothing more than warm soapy water and a soft-bristle brush.
Covered by 25-year warranty
Proper care and cleaning is a condition of the warranty. Pressure washing voids coverage.
Care & Cleaning Guide
Common problems & solutions
Reference this table for specific stain types, discolorations, and maintenance situations you may encounter.
| problem | solution |
|---|---|
|
Dirt & Debris |
Clean the fence 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. As an alternative to regular chalk, use either baby powder or a product such as Irwin Strait-Line Dust-Off marking chalk (available at irwin.com). White chalk and baby powder can be easily cleaned. |
|
Board Printing |
The printing on the side of Trex fencing boards is required by building codes. With careful installation, most printing can be hidden. Visible printing can be lightened with a product containing oxalic or phosphoric acid (Deck Brightener). Note: these products will lighten the board surface. |
|
Tannin Leaching |
Tannin leaching occurs in Trex and all wood-based products naturally. Allow at least 12 weeks of normal weathering. This process may be hastened through the use of a product containing oxalic or phosphoric acid (Deck Brightener). |
|
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 (Deck Brightener). |
|
Rust & Dirt Stains |
Use a Deck Brightener to lighten or remove rust or dirt stains. The product may need to sit on the stain for 10–15 minutes. Note: these products will lighten the board surface. |
|
Oil & Grease Stains |
Rinse the stain with hot water as soon as possible. For remaining staining, use Pour-N-Restore (or similar) as directed. Test in a small area first — this product may remove some of the colorant from the fencing surface. |
|
Mold & Mildew |
If your area is prone to mold and mildew, semi-annual cleaning (spring and fall) is important to prevent build-up. Use a white vinegar solution (equal parts water and vinegar) or a cleaner containing sodium hypochlorite and detergent. Scrub with a soft bristle brush and rinse thoroughly. See the Mold & Mildew section below for full details. |
|
Graffiti & Paint |
Trex can be painted. For graffiti removal, use a gel-based remover rated safe for composites. Apply in small sections, let sit 5–10 minutes, then gently lift with a soft-bristle brush. Do not use acetone, lacquer thinner, or metal tools. |
|
Pressure Washing |
Not recommended. Trex does not recommend use of a pressure washer. A pressure washer with greater than 1,500 PSI and/or applied closer than 12″ from the surface could damage the fence and will void the warranty. |
|
Sanding |
Not recommended. Trex does not recommend sanding. Sanding will change the appearance of the composite surface and will void the warranty. |
Warranty note on bleach and acid products
Use of products containing bleach or acid will lighten the surface of Trex composite. Test in an inconspicuous area to determine if lightening is acceptable to you before applying to the full fence.
in-depth guide
Removing mold & mildew
Why mold grows on composite fencing
Mold and mildew do not feed on Trex composite itself — but microscopic organic materials such as grass clippings, pollen, and debris can settle on the fence surface and provide a food source. In warm, humid climates, these organisms can attach to the fence and cause discoloration.
Start with the environment
Before cleaning, evaluate what you can do to reduce regrowth. Trim back bushes and landscaping that shade the fence, improve air circulation around the base, and clean up organic debris that accumulates nearby. Eliminating the mold’s food source is the most effective long-term solution.
Cleaning steps
- Start with warm soapy water and a soft-bristle brush. Scrub thoroughly — mold grows into the pores of the composite surface.
- If soapy water is not effective, try a white vinegar solution: fill a spray bottle with equal parts water and white vinegar. Spray the affected area and scrub with a soft brush. Let the solution sit for one hour before rinsing.
- For persistent mold, use a cleaner containing sodium hypochlorite (bleach) and detergent. Test in an inconspicuous area first — bleach will lighten the composite surface.
- Protect nearby plants with plastic sheeting when applying vinegar or bleach solutions, as acid can be harmful to sensitive vegetation.
Semi-annual cleaning
In mold-prone climates, clean your fence semi-annually — once in spring and once in fall. This prevents the build-up of pollen and organic debris before it can attract mold growth.
quick reference
Mold removal in order of severity
- Soap & water — warm water and dish soap with a soft-bristle brush
- White vinegar solution — equal parts water and white vinegar, spray and scrub, let sit 1 hour
- Composite deck cleaner — product containing sodium hypochlorite. Test in small area first.
- Reduce regrowth — trim vegetation, improve airflow, remove organic debris around fence base
Warranty note on bleach and acid products
Pressure washing above 1,500 PSI or closer than 12″ from the surface will damage the composite and void the warranty. Always use a garden hose for rinsing.
painting & staining
Can I paint or stain my Trex fence?
Yes — Trex Fencing can be painted or stained. Paints and stains on Trex composite can last as long or longer than on wood because Trex absorbs minimal moisture, so the finish will not chip or split to the degree it does on a wood fence.
Before you paint
- Clean the fence surface thoroughly to remove all dirt, grime, and mold/mildew before applying any coating
- Do not paint over mold or mildew — clean first
- Test the paint or stain on a small, less-visible area first to verify results
- Follow the paint or stain manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying times
Why you might paint
Most homeowners choose Trex Fencing for its factory colors and zero-maintenance finish. However, some choose to paint for a custom color or to refresh an older fence. Paint can extend the life and appearance of an older fence surface.
After painting
Review the paint or stain manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before cleaning a painted fence. General Trex care guidelines still apply — avoid pressure washing and abrasive cleaners.
quick reference
Mold removal in order of severity
- Soap & water — warm water and dish soap with a soft-bristle brush
- White vinegar solution — equal parts water and white vinegar, spray and scrub, let sit 1 hour
- Composite deck cleaner — product containing sodium hypochlorite. Test in small area first.
- Reduce regrowth — trim vegetation, improve airflow, remove organic debris around fence base
Have a cleaning question? Our team has been supporting Trex Fencing owners since 2005. Call us Monday–Friday at 1-866-656-7298 or contact us online. Warranty claims can be filed on our warranty claim page.
related resources
What else do you need?
25-Year Warranty
Full warranty terms, proration schedule, and how to file a claim.
Installation guides
Step-by-step guides and videos for every Trex Fencing system.
FAQs
Answers to the most common care, maintenance, and product questions.