This post was updated on March 21, 2024
Our content is based on our history as wood restoration contractors and actual hands-on testing all designed to present you with the top product choices. If you purchase through any of our links, it could result in us earning a commission or sale. See here for more info about us.
The Best Deck Cleaners in 2024: Expert Reviewed
See our Deck Stain Facts section with over 150 simple Q&A articles that answer all the questions that you have regarding deck staining and prepping.
Click to Read More#1 Best Deck Cleaner | #2 Best Deck Cleaner | #3 Best Deck Cleaner | Honorable Mention |
How Wood Deck Cleaners Works
Exterior wood and deck cleaners are designed to clean and prep the wood prior to the application of wood stain. These cleaners come in many different concentrates with different ingredients. The main purpose of deck cleaners is to remove contaminants such as dirt, oxidation (graying), mold, algae, and, in some cases, deteriorated stain that has failed. However, deck cleaners are not designed to remove old stains; you would need a deck stain stripper for this. Deck cleaners are typically made up of caustic soaps that will aid in the scrubbing or pressure-washing of your wood during the prepping process. Most deck cleaners will raise the pH of the wood, so you’ll want to follow up by using an acidic deck brightener to balance it out, leaving the wood in a neutral state.
Types of Wood Deck Cleaners in 2024
Oxygenated Deck Cleaner
Oxygenated deck cleaners have really taken hold in the past 10 years. These cleaners contain the active ingredient sodium percarbonate. This is an EPA-registered ingredient for mold and mildew removal. Deck cleaners that contain this ingredient will also contain additional surfactants that will boost the overall effectiveness when cleaning exterior wood. These cleaners come in powdered concentrates that are mixed with water and then applied to the wood’s surface. They’re best applied with a garden pump sprayer and then scrubbed or lightly pressure-washed off.
- Pros: Environmentally safe and effective cleaner; registered for mold removal by the EPA; very cost-effective; excellent at removing contaminants
- Cons: Must be mixed with water to the desired concentration; only active for 30 minutes; may need warm water for the best results
- Examples: Restore-A-Deck kits, Defy Wood Deck Cleaner, Gemini Restore Kit, EFC-38
Bleach-Based Deck Cleaner
Many of the older deck cleaners contained the active ingredient sodium hypochlorite, the main ingredient in bleach. These deck cleaners will “whiten” the wood, and they also contain surfactants that help to remove dirt and grime. Bleach-based cleaners have recently been found to damage the wood’s lignin, which helps bind together the cellular structure of the wood.
- Pros: Premixed in liquid form; excellent mold and algae remover
- Cons: May cause damage to the wood cells; average cleaner
- Examples: Olympic deck cleaner, Clorox deck cleaners, Cabot wood cleaner
What Is the Best Cleaner for Wood Decks?
Our research has narrowed the field to four top deck cleaning solutions:
- Restore-A-Deck cleaner and brightener kit
- Gemini Restore cleaner kit
- Defy Wood Cleaner
- Woodrich EFC-38 wood cleaner
In general, we really like oxygenated deck cleaners: They do a great job, and they tend to be less expensive. Read our reviews to find the best deck cleaner to make your deck shine!
The Top-Rated Wood Deck Cleaners
1. Restore-A-Deck Cleaner and Brightener Kit
Restore-A-Deck is the first manufacturer on the market to offer both a deck cleaner and a deck brightener in the same kit. Restore-A-Deck wood deck cleaner comes in a powdered concentrated formula. Each 2-pound container makes 5 liquid gallons. Simply pour each product into a 5-gallon container and add water to dissolve the powdered concentrate.
- Manufacturer: Restore-A-Deck
- Product Type: Powdered concentrate kit containing deck cleaner and deck brightener
- Available Sizes: 2-pound container (makes 5 gallons)
- Consumer Rating:
- DeckStainHelp.com Rating: 9.0/10
- Purchase on Amazon Here: Restore-A-Deck Cleaner Prep Kit
- Purchase Direct for Less Here: Restore-A-Deck Cleaner Prep Kit
2. Gemini Restore Cleaner Kit
Gemini’s Restore cleaner and brightener system is a powerful, “eco-friendly” two-part restoration system. It’s a 100% biodegradable concentrated powder formula that can prep wood surfaces for re-coating with a wood or deck stain and restore weathered gray wood to its natural color. Restore-A-Deck private-labels this for Gemini.
- Where to Buy: Gemini Restore Cleaner Kit
- Product Type: Powdered concentrate kit containing deck cleaner and deck brightener
- Available Sizes: 2-pound container (makes 5 gallons)
- Consumer Rating:
- DeckStainHelp.com Rating: 9.0/10
- Purchase Direct for Less Here: Gemini Restore-A-Deck Kit
3. Defy Wood Cleaner
Defy Wood Cleaner is a safe alternative to chlorine bleach-based cleaners. Defy Wood Cleaner is highly effective at removing general dirt, grime, and UV graying while restoring the wood’s natural color tones. It’s an environmentally safe, powdered, oxygen-based concentrate that makes 5 liquid gallons per container.
- Where to Buy: Defy Wood Cleaner
- Product Type: Powdered concentrate
- Available Sizes: 2-pound container (makes 5 gallons)
- Consumer Rating:
- DeckStainHelp.com Rating: 8.5/10
- Purchase on Amazon Here: Defy Wood Cleaner
- Purchase Direct for Less Here: Defy Wood Deck Cleaner
Honorable Mention for Mildew Cleaner and Preventer for Decks
RAD Guard RTU (Ready-To-Use formula) is a no-rinse cleaner and preventative that is safe and effective for removing and preventing stains caused by mold, mildew, and algae on exterior surfaces and exterior wood or deck stain coatings.
Pro Tip: RAD Guard RTU is not used for prepping wood for wood or deck stain application. The primary goal is to remove mildew or algae stains and prevent mildew and algae stains from returning.
- Where to Buy: Restore-A-Deck
- Product Type: Mildew and Algae Cleaner and Preventer
- Available Sizes: 1 Gallon
- Consumer Rating:
- DeckStainHelp.com Rating: 9.5/10
- Purchase Direct for Less Here: Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain
Common Questions About Wood Deck Cleaner
Do I need a Deck Cleaner?
Yes! It’s highly recommended to use a deck cleaning solution to quickly remove dirt and stains while prepping your wood deck for a new coat of deck stain or sealant. Deck cleaners prep your deck surface so it’s clean, undamaged, and in the best possible condition for your next step. Deck Cleaners are more effective and safer than general cleaner options like TSP or Bleach.
Should I Pressure-Wash or Use Deck Cleaner?
It’s actually a good idea to do both. You’ll definitely want to use a good deck-cleaning solution, but you can also speed up the process by using a pressure washer to clean the solution off of the deck once it’s done working. Be sure to use low pressure, though: Keep it at 1,600 psi or less to avoid damaging the wood.
Is Deck Cleaner Better Than Bleach?
Yes: Bleach can do a decent job of cleaning off dirt, mold, and mildew, but it can cause long-term damage to the wood. A proper wood deck cleaner is a better option for homeowners looking to keep their wood deck healthy and clean before applying a new layer of stain or wood seal.
Does Deck Cleaner Remove Mold?
Oxygenated deck cleaners are great at removing mold and mildew that have formed on your wood deck when used in combination with a deck brush. You’ll have to scrub it into the wood a bit to make sure all of the mold has been removed before you move on to the next step, but deck wash can be quite effective in getting rid of mold without damaging the wood.
Three year old pressure treated pine deck, first cleaning and staining. Followed the steps but had to end up sanding the furries off. Twp semi solid, restore a deck cleaner and brightener, applied the first coat of the stain and six boards or so did not soak in like the rest of the deck. Darker color and tacky to the touch. Waiting to see what to do before the second coat. Help!
Do not add more. When doing a second coat, it has to be wet on wet.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/deck-stain-instructions-for-wet-on-wet/
You cannot apply a swcond coat of the TWP once the first coat has dried.
California
Lots of sun, though partial oak shade.
Redwood, circa 1990’s, good condition
No apparent mold or mildew
September 2020, after stripping and neutralizing old red stain we did not like (alkyd and various oil), With your advice I chose TWP 1500 clear transparent and liked the natural tone. It turned dull and gray after a year or two.
I anticipate either Restore A Deck two step vs. stripping plus neutralizing. Then more TWP 1500 (I have 1-2 gallons left in the 5 gal can). I would also consider a cedar tint since that should give me a little more sun protection.
I intend to leave rails as-is this time and only do the 950 sq. ft. floor. Never impressed that my now-leaking pressure washer did any more than hose nozzle unless I got so close as to damage wood, so I am inclined to use scrubbing brush and hose nozzle during prep. Water is scarce here, but I don’t see any way to conserve water on this job.
How to load pictures?
Click the uplaod icon to load pics. You do need a colored stain for UV protection:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/will-a-clear-sealer-prevent-graying-on-deck/
Which type stain to use, water based or oil based and why
Hi Bob,
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/water-based-vs-oil-based-deck-stains/
Please see this article and answer the questions at the bottom for better advice.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
I am trying to clean up a cedar (I think) gazebo. It is nearly 30 years old and is structurally sound. I’ve used Behr All-in-One Wood Cleaner, pressure washing, and elbow grease with a brush. But many white streaks remain on the underside of the roof. How can I remove those streaks? Or will a stain cover them up? If so, what stain would you recommend? Thank you very much!
Those are bleach runs. Stain will not cover it. You could try to even it out by adding more bleach but not sure if that will work.
Thank you very much for this quick response, Scott. I’m impressed that you’ve been answering such questions on this site for ten years now!
Welcome!
Would you recommend I try chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach? What is the best dilution to use? How long should I leave it on the wood before washing it off? Thank you, Scott!
Chlorine. 1 part bleach to 4 parts water to start. Take precautions with yourself and surrounding areas.
Thank you very much, Scott!
I see here your reply to Jack, in particular, you rec. using TWP or Armstrong Clark stains, both seem to be oil based.
From what I’m reading in other places here and on other sites, oil based stains can harbor mold spores/growth due to the resin or linseed in the oil based stains.
So, is it best to use an oil or water based stain ?
Also, we’re dealing with replacing rotten wood on a back deck that apparently is caused by mold getting hold of it and spreading like a cancer, if you will.
What is the best way to “KILL” and prevent the mold on wood sections of this deck we choose not to replace ?
Clorox, vinegar, oxiclean, copper green or what ?
Have tried so many products and still have a problem, also see where Clorox is not good for the lignin of the wood but just trying to get this right, once and for all.
Totally frustrated with our very large PITA back deck that we have to keep replacing wood on.
The older part of the deck ( side vs back ) was made from lumber when arsenic was used in the treatment process, it faired better by a long shot ( no mold ) than the newer wood ( back deck) without arsenic.
However, am having to replace it also now …with the non arsenic wood …due to sun/heat damage over 21 years . Don’t want mold problems with it too going forward !
Quality oil-based stain will have mildewcides in it to prevent mildew. Water-based stains though will not promote mildew growth. Look at the Restore A Deck Stains for this.
thank you so much!
So what about a good product to KILL mold spores?
Have tried everything I can think of; concrobium, white vinegar, oxiclean, rmr 141, and to small extent, clorox . ( now trying copper green due to the other products not working in this instance ) Also using Grace Vycor on the joist.
What would be the best way to proceed with the restore a deck products on new/old wood mingled on the deck flooring and railing components?
Is stripping, brightening, etc needed on the older wood we are keeping on the deck that has a water based stain on it ?
This is hard work, not to mention expensive !
Do you have pics of the issue that you can add?
Rich — I cleaned and brightened my redwood deck with Restore-A-Deck in early july. I have not stained it yet. Can I stain now, or should I re-brighten it?
Redo the prep fully.
Concerning deck cleaning, you recommend the oxygenated cleaners, and in the video you imply that the bleach-based cleaners change the pH of word. Therefore I’m wondering if when using the oxygenated cleaners, you would need to follow app with a brightener?
Yes, you have to brighten after using an oxygenated deck cleaner.
I dont know if people in general are aware that brightening is needed. At 50 I’m just learning about brightening. Most vids and Big Box store reps say clean and stain, and Home Depot has only a Teak brightener.
I used an acrylic deck stain which didn’t hold up well. A lot of the stain has pealed. I don’t want to use the same stain. What do you recommend to go over the top of the existing acrylic stain
You cannot go over it. It has to be removed first. Feel free to post some pictures for help.
Hello,
Is the Restore a Deck Cleaner OK to use if you only what to clean the deck and have no plans of re-staining this year?
Also, should a brightener be used after cleaning or is this only used when you have plans to re-stain?
I have a 2 year old cedar deck that I stained last year with Armstrong semi-transparent stain. Deck has got dirty/mildew over the winter and want to clean it up for this year.
Thanks for all your help!
No, only use deck prep products like the RAD when you plan on recoating.
What do you recommend for general cleaning of the deck if you are not re-staining/recoating?
Thanks.
Warm water and some dish soap.
Thank you for all of the help and information you provide!
You are welcome!
I have a new pressure treated deck. About a year old. What is the best product to put on it. We would like to see the grain. Going to clean it with rock solid rustled deck cleaner.
Use one of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Hi. I just finished prepping my deck with Restore-A-Deck 1 and 2. On Friday I will stain with TWP 100 (this will be the second time staining this deck. First one was two years ago.) My question is how should I get rid of bird poo dropped on the flat rail over these past 48 hours of drying. It’s not terrible, but present… Thank you
Wipe it off with a damp cloth a couple of hours before staining.
Okay! Thank you for the prompt reply!
How would you rate Thompson’s 3 and 1 wood cleaner for use on a new wood deck roughly 1.2 months old?
All Thompson’s products are cheaply made.
Earlier this season, I stained my new pressure treated deck with Cabot dark brown stain. However, over time, my dogs foot prints have left very definitive path marks in the areas of higher traffic. Like they’ve been absorbed into the stain. Thinking I need to wash the deck (looking for best product) but then thinking I need to sand and reapply another coat of stain to get rid of his prints. What about a sealant beyond that? Is there anything I can do that would protect the surface to point that any further paw print marks can just be rinsed away ?
You cannot seal over a deck stain. It will peel if you do. The only thing you can do is fully remove the Cabot and go with a better brand of stain.
Tell me A better stain that will not perform same way ?
Any of these brands: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/the-5-best-deck-stain-reviews-and-ratings/
Have you tried the Penofin cleaner and Brightner? Thoughts?
Yes, not fans.
I used Armstrong Clark product to stain my older mahogany deck — looks great and seems to be very protective. This year the pollen was horrible. I can’t seem to rinse it off the deck (used a dark colored stain). Any suggestions of products to use with garden hose to clean off pollen?
Use water only as deck cleaners should only be used when you plan to reapply with the same color and stain brand.
Water is not removing pollen. Tried already. Dawn dishwashing soap or vinegar?
Anything too aggressive and it will remove the stain as well. Try some warm water and a little bit of dish soap.
I plan to stain an old deck (that has never been stained) using Armstrong Clark semi-solid stain. I will be cleaning with a powerful pressure washer. Is it absolutely necessary to use both a cleaner and a brightener? Or could I get by with one product? If so which product would you recommend? I am trying to be frugal and am not shooting for perfection in the look of the wood. . I mostly want to protect and maximize the resistance to wear and tear and peeling, etc.
Yes, use both cleaner and brightener for best results.
Hi – i have sanded a 4 year old mahogany deck almost back to its original state and am going to put a clear stain on it as i want to keep the color as natural to the mahogany wood as possible . I think i should also clean it before I stain but am worried the cleaners will ‘lighten’ or change the color of the wood. I know the oxygenated cleaners are better than the bleach based ones but will they change the color of the wood? What should i use to clean it before staining ? Thanks
All deck cleaners will change the color somewhat. On another note, a clear sealer will not protect the wood from graying. It will gray in a matter of month.
I stained my new deck last August and would like to stain again this June. Should I wait longer, or is that length of time ok between stainings?
As long as you prep, you can stain now.
I have a pine deck that was built in 2019. It’s not been stained and has aged well. There are a couple of mildew stains and a little staining from red clay. What would be the best prep before staining? Best cleaner and tools. Thanks!
Use the Restore A Deck Cleaner and Brightener kits for prep. Apply with a pump sprayer and pressure wash off.
Can you get this at any local stores
Check with them directly. http://www.restore-a-deck.com
This is probably wrong place to ask — (I can’t figure out how to post a question on one of the forums, even though I click start topic.) So here goes: We have and old deck with a splinter hazard. We will be sanding it. If we sand it before we clean it aren’t we just driving any mold and spores into the wood? Or are we blowing them away, so to speak? I think you are recommending sanding it then cleaning it, then staining it. The appearance is not the primary factor here, as it is around a pool. I am just not clear on the correct order. We have stained in the past with TWP 100 semi-transparent cedar and have been quite happy, but want to minimize hazard of older wood by sanding this time. Thanks.
Cleaning does not drive mold into the wood, it would remove it if there.
I was wondering about the sanding before.the cleaning. But I think we have settled on sanding then cleaning as you suggest. Thanks.
After cleaning my deck with Mold Armour I found this forum.
Deck looks good. Now should I use a proper wood cleaner, then a stripper to remove the loose solid stain then brighten?
I plan on using Defy after reading extensively here.
Post some pictures of your deck.
This is after mold Armour
You have many different layers of old stain. To fix correctly you need to power sand it all off down to the bare wood. Strippers will not get it off.
Once fully removed, use a deck cleaner and then a wood brightener for final prep. You can then use a penetrating semi-transparent stain or a solid stain again.
Need to clean and prep 20-yr old deck tot re-stain with solid color acrylic deck stain. 3-yr old coating is peeling in chunks — about half can easily be removed with scraper — other half has good adhesion. What cleaner is recommended?
Sand and strip to get it all off. Cleaners will not help.
Do you have any tips or tricks to get the RAD cleaner and brightener to dissolve better? I use a pump sprayer to apply and these products inevitably don’t dissolve completely, clogging the sprayer tip or hose. Should I try using warm water? Thanks for your help!
Never mix in the sprayer. Mix in a bucket and than transfer to sprayer. Be careful of transferring into the sprayer the bottom inch that may have undisolved powder.
Can I apply the same technique of cleaning a deck to cleaning and restoring a wooden swing set structure also with climbing and covered wooden decking like a fort or tree house?
Yes.
I purchased SuperDeck Cleaner and SuperDeck Brightener and will use on a new Redwood Deck which was installed 5 months ago.
Can I use the Cleaner and Brightener on the same day, or do I need to let the deck dry between these two steps?
Same day.
Thanks! All taken care of yesterday, but got a follow up question.
After cleaning/brightening it was obvious where sap has leached out in some areas.
Going to use Armstrong Clark RedWood Tone in a couple days, and curious if before then could I scrap and sand these areas? Or would that actually unintentionally “seal” the wood by spreading the sap which would prevent the stain absorbing?
Thanks again for being such a great resource!
Just leave as is or use a solvent like lacquer thinner to clean off.