Mildew grows on almost anything. The reson mildew did not grow on your treated lumber is because of the added chemicals. If you go to the Trex website they explain how to simply clean your deck. Some people dont feel they need to clean their deck as well as some people dont vacume their carpeting. I love my Trex deck because all I do is wash it 2-3 times a year. I vacume my carpet at least once a week and that is indoors.