what is the best product to clean a deck

What is the best wooden deck cleaner?

Method 2 Method 2 of 3: Cleaning the Deck with a Scrub Brush or Broom

1. Pour the cleaning solution in a bucket. You can use white distilled vinegar and water to create an all natural cleaning solution for the deck.
2. Dip a broom or scrub brush in the bucket. Use a broom with clean bristles or a scrub brush with a long handle.
3. Scrub the deck in the direction of the wood grain. ...
4. Rinse off the cleaning solution. ...

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What is the best deck cleaning product?

• Non-Skid Cleaner: This is the most popular type of boat deck cleaner. ...
• Shampoo Cleaner: It is a general cleaner and produces a lot of foam, similar to the shampoo you use for your hair. ...
• Multipurpose Cleaner: If you are looking for versatility, then this is the best option. ...

What is the best product to protect a new wood deck?

Tinted sealers (also called translucent or transparent stain) are like a clear sealer with some colorant added. This is the most common product used on most decks, since it provides good protection against graying and cracking while allowing the natural grain of the wood to show through.

What's the best wood for decks?

Best Types of Wood for a Deck Cedar. Cedar resists moisture, rot, and insect infestation, and offers more durability than many other types of wood. Redwood. Redwood, another premium deck wood, is easy to work with, naturally decay- and insect-resistant, and rugged enough to avoid warping, checking, and splitting. Douglas fir. ... Southern yellow pine. ...

What should I clean my deck with?

To clean your deck, combine 1 cup vinegar with 1-gallon water. Sprinkle baking soda on any mildewed wood and use the vinegar and warm water to scrub over all the boards. Borate is also a natural cleaner and versatile for indoor or outdoor cleaning. Use a ratio of one cup of Borax to one gallon of water.

What is the best cleaner for pressure treated wood?

Soap and water do a great job of cleaning pressure treated wood. It is also a simple, cheap method that anyone can do at home. Mix some dish soap with water in a bucket and then you can use an old mop or broom to scrub the decking. You shouldn't need to scrub hard or for very long periods of time.

How do you clean a dirty wood deck?

0:322:11How To Clean A Wood Deck - The Easy Way - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSimple dish soap concentrate. It don't water it down use a concentrated spray it all over thoseMoreSimple dish soap concentrate. It don't water it down use a concentrated spray it all over those steps. And start scrubbing it with a hard brush. Like a mop with a handle.

What is the best deck cleaner to use before staining?

Olympic Deck Cleaner is a ready-to-use formula that combats stains, mold and mildew. It's the first step in preparing decks for staining. Plus, it works on non-wood surfaces like concrete and composite decking. Just apply to your deck, let sit for 10 minutes and rinse.

Can I use Simple Green to clean my deck?

Simple Green Deck and Fence Cleaner is ideal for both manual and pressure washing your entire deck, lifting dirt, grease and sap from wood and composite surfaces. If using a pressure washer, avoid using a maximum pressure setting, as too much force can damage the wood fibers.

How do I clean and brighten my deck?

0:273:12How to Clean and Brighten a Deck - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSolution by holding a nozzle a couple of feet from the surface. And moving it steadily from side toMoreSolution by holding a nozzle a couple of feet from the surface. And moving it steadily from side to side. The idea is to wet the deck thoroughly. And not let it dry. Out.

Can I use Dawn dish soap to wash my deck?

Liquid dish soap (ammonia-free) is safe for use on cleaning your deck when mixed with a little warm water.

How do I get green algae off my wood deck?

White distilled vinegar: White vinegar is a popular natural cleaner that can be used both inside and outside. Simply combine one gallon of water with one cup of white vinegar and scrub the deck with the solution to remove algae, mold, and mildew.

Will bleach damage wood deck?

Cleaners containing chlorine bleach are commonly used to clean decks but they are not recommended for cleaning treated wood. Excessive use of chlorine bleach containing cleaners (sodium hypochlorite or calcium hypochlorite) can damage treated wood leaving it with an unnatural whitewashed appearance.

Do I need to power wash my deck before staining?

There is a common misconception that just pressure washing a deck prior to staining is all you need to do in order to prep your deck for stain. Pressure washing can help, but if you want your stain to last, using a good deck cleaner and brightener on the deck prior to pressure washing will provide you the best result.

Should I power wash my deck?

If you have timber deck boards, a power washer's pressure may cause splintering and damage to the timber fibers. If the timber surface already has some splintering, pressure washing will only exacerbate the issue.

Is OxiClean good for cleaning decks?

OxiClean is safe to use on decks. OxiClean is a safe alternative to chemical-based bleach products, as the item is comprised of oxygen bleach that uses oxygen ions to fuel its cleaning power.

How do you keep pressure-treated wood looking new?

ULTRAVIOLET PROTECTION If you're looking to maintain the original color of pressure-treated wood longer, you will need to not only clean your deck periodically, but also apply a water-repellent finish with an ultraviolet stabilizer. The stabilizer will not prevent eventual discoloration, but will slow the process.

How do you remove mold and mildew from treated wood?

A diluted solution of soap and water with a stiff brush will remove mildew and dirt. Wash away the dirt with a hose or a very low setting (below 500 psi) on a pressure washer.

How do you clean a pressure-treated wood fence?

How to Clean a Wood FenceWet. Use a 25-degree tip on your pressure washer to rinse a few boards of your fence at a low setting. ... Prepare pressure washer. ... Apply Simple Green. ... Scrub stained areas. ... Let it sit. ... Flush pressure washer. ... Rinse. ... Repeat until clean.

Is it OK to pressure wash treated wood?

Decks made from South American hardwoods, such as ipe, cumaru, and tigerwood, will hold up to a power wash just fine. Those made of pressure-treated wood—typically Southern yellow pine, a soft wood— are generally okay, too, assuming you don't hold the nozzle too close.

Updated 2022 – Best Deck Cleaners

Please read this article and post any questions you have in the comment area below our article.

Wood and Deck Cleaners in 2022

Exterior wood and deck cleaners are designed to clean and prep your exterior wood prior to an application of a wood stain. These cleaners come in many different concentrates with different ingredients.

The Top-Rated Wood Deck Cleaners

Restore-A-Deck is the first product on the market that offers both a Step 1 Deck Cleaner and a Step 2 Deck Brightener in the same kit. Restore-A-Deck comes in a powdered concentrated formula. Each 2 lb container makes 5 liquid gallons. Simply pour each into a five-gallon container and add water to dissolve the powder concentrate.

Oxygenated Deck Cleaners

Oxygenated based deck cleaners have really taken hold in the last 10 years. These cleaners contain the active ingredient Sodium Percarbonate. This is a registered ingredient by the EPA for mold and mildew removal.

Bleach Based Deck Cleaners

Many of the older deck cleaners contained the active ingredient called Sodium Hypochlorite or what is commonly known as “bleach”. These deck cleaners will contain bleach that “whiten” the wood and some additional soapy surfactants that will aid in the cleaning of dirt and grime.

DeckStainHelp.com Best Deck Cleaner Suggestions

We really like the “Oxygenated” Deck Cleaners. Since they come in a powdered form they are much less expensive. When you have the combination of Sodium Percarbonate and the proper surfactants, your cleaning will be easier and the end result will be hard to beat.

What is the best decking cleaner?

If you have a tough job on your hands, such as moss or mould growth, a strong solution such as the Pro-Kleen Simply Spray & Walk Away, will do a good job at eradicating it quickly and efficiently. This is rated our best decking cleaner you can buy.

How often should I clean my deck?

Ideally, you should clean your deck every year, preferably in spring, to clear any mould and algae that would've built up during winter. If you're finding yourself needing to clean your deck more than once a year, though, then it might be time to switch up your decking cleaner, as it shouldn't be applied too frequently.

Is pressure washing decking bad for aquatic life?

Harmful to aquatic life. If you use a pressure washer to clean your decking but need a little something extra to help remove that stubborn dirt, then this decking cleaner should do the trick. It’s designed for heavy duty cleaning and should remove pretty much any grease, dirt and grime.

Is it safe to use a jet washer on decking?

There is no need to scrub the decking or use a jet washer as it is potent enough to work on its own. You can also have peace of mind that this decking cleaner isn’t harmful to aquatic life, and it is biodegradable so it’s safe for children, pets and the environment, too. (Image credit: Amazon) 4.

Is it safe to use deck cleaner?

This decking cleaner is one of the safest decking cleaning products on the market: it won't harm either your pets or the wildlife that may visit your garden. It's also super concentrated, to be diluted at a 1:16 ratio, which makes it fairly economical to use.

Can moss damage decking?

Mould or moss needn't destroy your decking's good looks; it can be easily treated with a spray cleaner like this one. This deck wash is low-maintenance and non-acidic, it won’t damage your decking in the cleaning process.

Can you spread and leave deck paint?

Most you simple spread and leave, though some products will need a bit of scrubbing. Scroll on to see our top choices, then check out our buying guides to the best decking paints to complete the look.

What is the best way to kill mold on a deck?

Good deck sealers, like deck paints, may include mildewcides, which are chemicals that kill fungal spores. In damp climates, the growth of mold or mildew on wooden decks can be frustrating because the white or black splotches are unsightly and difficult to eliminate. If you live in a rainy or high-humidity climate, look for a sealer that fights fungus as well as moisture.

What is deck stain?

Stain is beneficial for evening out splotchy color while maintaining the beauty of natural wood grain. Deck stain imparts a natural-looking wood color, but depending on the opacity, it can provide just a hint of color or it can completely obscure the wood grain, like a paint.

How long does it take for a deck sealer to break down?

These ingredients tend to break down fairly quickly, however. This can occur even within a few months in a scorching and sunny climate. While deck sealers vary in durability, consider reapplying a simple, water-based sealer each year before summer sets in to ensure optimal UV protection.

How long does it take for oil based sealer to dry?

Oil-based sealers: An oil-based sealer usually dries to the touch within 4 to 12 hours, and users can apply a second coat in about 24 hours. Some newer oil-based sealers contain quick-dry additives that may shorten dry and recoat time. Cure time can be up to 72 hours.

Why is it important to seal decking?

The best deck sealer protects from damage due to rot and unsightly mold or mildew while still allowing the wood’s natural grain and color to show.

How much VOC is in a deck sealer?

Low-VOC: Deck sealers labeled “low-VOC” contain less than 50 grams per liter (g/L) of VOCs. Compare that to some high-VOC sealers that may contain as much as 300 g/L.

Why seal a deck?

Deck sealer helps protect the wood from the damaging effects of moisture, including rain, snow, humidity, and sprinkler runoff.

What is the best way to clean algae off a deck?

Baking Soda, Vinegar and Dish Soap. ThamKC / Getty Images. Everyone's favorite natural cleaners can be used on the outdoor deck to tackle mildew and algae. Here's the recipe: Box of baking soda. 1 cup of vinegar. 2 Tablespoons (T) of mild dishwashing liquid/soap (not the stuff for your dishwasher) 1 gallon of water.

What is the best cleaner for mold?

Tri Sodium Phosphate or TSP. Courtesy of Amazon. TSP, or trisodium phosphate, is a powder-based cleaner that is one of the best at killing mold and mildew. However, TSP is not considered an especially environmental choice and has all kinds of precautions on the back of its box.

Does Karcher do driveway cleaning?

Before you get too excited, the Karcher Deck and Driveway Cleaner is not a machine that will do the job for you, like a robotic pool cleaner. This attaches to a Karcher pressure washer and will save you time by cleaning an 11-inch-wide path with each pass. Other attributes:

Is chlorine good for swimming pools?

It's not the most environmental choice , but chlorine does a good job of tackling standing water, mold and mildew (if you have a swimming pool, you get it). Read directions and labels, use gloves and masks, and only with proper ventilation.

Can you raze a deck?

Sure, you could raze the deck completely, getting rid of all of that moldy, mildewed wood, recycling it and making it someone else's problem, and then start all over again by building a new one. But that's not always possible, nor is it the best or most feasible choice.

Can bleach stain cedar?

Bleach can stain or fade certain types of wood, like cedar. Research your particular wood before applying.

Is bleach cleaner safe for decks?

Oxygen Bleach Cleaner. Courtesy of Amazon. Oxygen bleach products are supposed to be safer for the environment. They may not tackle stubborn mold and algae that has set into wood decks, but if used more frequently, that mildew and algae shouldn't build up quite so often.

What is the best stain for a deck?

Are sealers and stains the same thing? 1 Clear sealers are perfectly clear. They do not include stain which allows the wood grain to show. 2 Semi-transparent sealers have a light tint. The wood grain will still show, but the tint covers imperfections and gives the deck a uniform appearance. 3 Solid (or opaque) stains almost always include a durable and long-lasting sealer. They cover like paint and completely hide the wood grain.

What is the best day to clean a deck?

The best day to clean your deck is on a cloudy one. The deck will be cool and the sun won’t evaporate the cleaner.You may want to cover plants growing by the deck before you get started. Use a paint roller or a stiff-bristled brush broom to apply the cleaner.

How do you seal a wood deck?

Deck sealers can be applied with a paintbrush, a roller, or a sprayer. Check the instructions on the product. If you roll the sealer on, you may need to follow up with a brush to make sure the sealer doesn’t puddle and coverage is even.

How often do I need to seal my deck?

To keep your wood deck in good condition, you’ll need to reapply sealer every year. To see if it’s time to re-seal your deck, just pour some water on the boards. If the water soaks into the wood, you need to reapply sealer. If the water beads up, the finish on your deck is fine.

Can I clean, seal, and stain my deck in one day?

Cleaning and sealing a deck is a two-day project. After washing your deck, it may need to dry thoroughly before applying a sealer. Once the sealer has been applied, it also needs to dry before you can use your deck. For some products, two coats are recommended. Read the instructions on the labels of the products you use, and allow plenty of time to do the job right.

How to use a wand to rinse a deck?

Turn on the water and practice using the wand for a minute. Squeeze the handle to start the water flow then adjust the stream of water by turning the dial at the top of the handle.Now begin rinsing the deck. Hold the wand about 6-12 inches above the surface of the deck so the water sprays a few feet in front of you.

Do clear sealers include stain?

Clear sealers are perfectly clear. They do not include stain which allows the wood grain to show. Semi-transparent sealers have a light tint. The wood grain will still show, but the tint covers imperfections and gives the deck a uniform appearance.

What is the best product to clean a cedar deck?

These products fall into two categories: cleaners and restorers. Among the leading makers are Thompson's, Wolman, and ZAR. Cleaners contain detergent and bleach and work best on dirt and mildew. Restorers contain oxalic acid and are ideal for removing tannin streaks and stains around nail- and screwheads in cedar and redwood decks. Both come in liquid and crystal form and cost about $15 for enough to make 5 gallons of solution (good for 750 to 1,000 square feet of deck area).

What is the best way to clean a deck?

Though you can mix your own with laundry detergent and bleach, a store-bought cleaner is best for very dirty or damaged wood.

How long does semi transparent deck finish last?

The more pigment the finish has, the better it is at blocking UV rays. That's why a semitransparent deck finish will last up to three years or more before another application is needed.

What is a clear sealer for decking?

Deck finishes fall into two categories: sealers and stains. Both are formulated to seal out the elements. As their name implies, clear sealers are nonpigmented finishes. Stains are available with a little pigmentation (referred to on the label as "tone"), semitransparent, and in solid colors. Unlike paints, which form a surface film, clear and pigmented finishes penetrate the wood and can stand up to foot traffic.

How much does a 20x20 deck cost?

Time, Cost and Materials. Most homeowners do the work themselves because they can save money. The materials for a 20x20-foot deck will run between $80 and $120, plus another $80 or so to rent a power washer for a day.

Why are clear deck finishes so popular?

Clear deck finishes are popular because they allow the natural grain of the wood to show through. And because they're transparent, you can't leave any lap marks during application, which is a common problem with pigmented finishes. But, they aren't as good at blocking UV rays.

Why is my deck cracking?

There are several culprits. Moisture swells the wood while the burning rays from the sun dry and shrink it, causing cracks and checks while also encouraging warping. Ultraviolet rays also discolor wood and accelerate wear by breaking down wood fibers.