Best Deck Cleaners of 2025: Reviews & Expert Tips for Cleaning Decks 4.7/5 (272)

This post was updated on January 9, 2025

Hi, I’m Scott Paul, an exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in deck cleaning and prep. My reviews and helpful tips are based on my extensive background as a wood and deck restoration contractor, as well as actual hands-on testing. I’m here to present you with the best product choices to ensure your deck looks great and performs well for years.See here for more info about me

My Best Deck Cleaners for 2025

With so many deck cleaning solutions available in 2025, it can be tough to know which one will clean effectively without damaging your wood. Over the past 30 years, I’ve researched and tested a wide range of deck cleaners, comparing the pros and cons of each. If you’re still unsure which deck cleaner is right for your project, I’m here to guide you and help you make the best choice for your wood and deck restoration needs.Just post a comment or question below, and I’ll reply as soon as possible.

Cleaning a wood deck

First, Gather Your Deck Cleaning Equipment

  • Water! Yes, this is basic, but you cannot clean a deck without a water source.
  • Pump Sprayer for applying your deck cleaning solution.
  • Deck scrub brush to help agitate the cleaner
  • Pressure Washer – Not 100% needed, but it sure makes your deck cleaning faster and easier.
  • Gloves, goggles, and masks.
  • A Quality Deck Cleaner!

How Wood Deck Cleaners Works

Bleach is Bad for Wood Decks

Exterior wood and deck cleaners are designed to clean and prep your wood before applying a fresh coat of stain. These cleaners come in a variety of concentrates, each with its own blend of ingredients. The main job of a deck cleaner is to remove contaminants like dirt, oxidation (graying), mold, algae, and sometimes deteriorated stains that have failed.

However, deck cleaners are not meant to strip old stains completely—a deck stain stripper is required for that job. Most deck cleaners contain caustic soaps that help with scrubbing or pressure washing the wood during prep. Since these cleaners typically raise the wood’s pH, it’s important to follow up with an acidic deck brightener to restore the wood to a neutral pH, ensuring it’s properly prepped for staining.

Types of Wood Deck Cleaners in 2025

Oxygenated Deck Cleaner

Oxygenated deck cleaners have gained popularity over the past decade, thanks to their effectiveness and environmental friendliness. The key active ingredient is sodium percarbonate, an EPA-registered compound for mold and mildew removal. These cleaners are typically powdered concentrate, mixed with water before being applied to the wood. Best used with a garden pump sprayer, they can be scrubbed in or lightly pressure-washed off.

My Pros:

  • Environmentally safe and effective
  • Registered by the EPA for mold removal
  • Cost-effective
  • Excellent at removing contaminants like dirt, grime, and mold

My Cons:

  • Requires mixing with water to the desired concentration
  • Active for only 30 minutes
  • Warm water may be necessary for optimal results

Examples:

  • Restore-A-Deck Kits
  • Defy Wood Deck Cleaner
  • Gemini Restore Kit

Bleach-Based Deck Cleaner

Historically, many deck cleaners relied on sodium hypochlorite, the same active ingredient found in bleach. These cleaners can “whiten” the wood and effectively remove dirt and grime. However, recent studies have shown that bleach-based cleaners may cause damage to the wood’s lignin, which is essential for maintaining the wood’s structure.

My Pros:

  • Premixed in liquid form for easy use
  • Excellent for mold and algae removal

My Cons:

  • Can damage the wood’s cellular structure
  • Generally an average cleaner when compared to newer options

Examples:

  • 30 Second Deck Cleaner
  • Olympic Deck Cleaner
  • Clorox Deck Cleaner
  • Cabot Wood Cleaner

My 4 Pro Deck Cleaning Tips

Wood restoration can be among the most misunderstood and challenging projects for do-it-yourself homeowners. Remember that a new deck sealer will fail prematurely if the wood is not appropriately cleaned beforehand.

1. Always Prep Before Staining

When wood becomes weathered, it needs to be cleaned before sealing. Cleaning a wooden deck can be difficult for a homeowner who is uneducated or new to the process. The degree of deck prep will vary based on your wood’s condition and age. If you have any questions, please ask me in the comments below. Pictures of your wood deck would help me offer the proper advice for cleaning your deck.

2. Deck Clean at a Low-Pressure Wash

Using a pressure washer can be an effective method. However, you must also use the proper cleaners to remove the dirt and grime in the wood. Most people make the mistake of using too much water pressure when using a pressure washer. Wood is pretty soft and can be damaged easily from excessive water pressure.

Turning the pressure down on the washing unit or switching to a spray nozzle with a larger orifice will provide a lower pressure suitable for cleaning. If you use a quality wood cleaner, lower pressure will still give you a deep clean. Wood cleaners break up dirt and debris, allowing less pressure to be adequate for cleaning the wood without risking damage.

My Pro Tip on Pressure Washers: PSI (pounds per square inch) is often misunderstood. When using a 3500 PSI pressure washer, the “3500” would only be at the very tip when it comes out. If you are washing at a safe distance of 8-12 inches away, your PSI will drop roughly in half and is safe for wood. Another important tip is that GPM (gallons per minute) is far more important than PSI. When washing with a GPM of 2-3 per minute, you will wash twice as fast as a machine rates at 1-2 GPM. Use a gas-powered pressure washer. Electric washers are not as effective at cleaning.

3. Always Use a Brightener after Cleaning

Wood deck brighteners, also called deck neutralizers, are acid-based products that neutralize deck cleaners and help lower the pH level, making the wood neutral. This opens the wood pores and brightens the wood, bringing out the grain’s natural beauty. A simple application of deck brightener after cleaning is all needed to complete the proper prep work for an outstanding stain finish that will last.

My Pro Brightening Tip: After applying the wood brightener, let sit for 10-20 minutes and then rinse well until soap suds disappear

Deck Brightener Before After4. Let the Wood Dry Before Staining

After the wood has been cleaned, brightened, and rinsed thoroughly, it must dry for a few days. You can check the wood with a moisture meter, but it isn’t necessary. You don’t want to apply a wood sealer to the deck until the moisture level is below 15%. If you don’t have a moisture meter, waiting a few days is usually adequate before sealing.

My Pro Staining Tip: If using the Restore-A-Deck Wood stains, you can skip the drying part. These stains can be applied to a damp or dry deck!

What Is My Best Cleaner for Wood Decks?

My 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
  • RAD Mildew Cleaner and Preventer

In general, I like oxygenated deck cleaners. They do a great job and are usually less expensive. Read my reviews to find the best cleaner to make your deck shine!

My #1 Best Deck Cleaner

My #2 Best Deck Cleaner

My #3 Best Deck Cleaner

My Honorable Mention

From: $64.99

*Ships Free

From: $64.99

*Ships Free

From: $35.99

*Brightener Additional

From: $49.99

*Ships Free

My Top-Rated Wood Deck Cleaner Reviews

1. Restore-A-Deck Cleaner and Brightener Kit

Restore-A-Deck Cleaner Kit ReviewRestore-A-Deck is the first manufacturer to offer 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. 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: 4.7/5 (53)
  • My DeckStainHelp.com Rating: 9.0/10
  • Purchase on Amazon Here: Restore-A-Deck Cleaner Prep Kit
  • Purchase Direct for Less Here: Purchase Here

2. Gemini Restore Cleaner Kit

Gemini Restore-A-Deck KitGemini’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: 4.6/5 (10)
  • My DeckStainHelp.com Rating: 9.0/10
  • Purchase Direct for Less Here: Purchase Here

3. Defy Wood Cleaner

Defy Wood Deck Cleaner ReviewDefy Wood Cleaner is a safe alternative to chlorine bleach-based cleaners. It removes 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: 4.4/5 (5)
  • My DeckStainHelp.com Rating: 8.5/10
  • Purchase on Amazon Here: Defy Wood Cleaner
  • Purchase Direct for Less Here: Purchase Here

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.

My Pro Tip: RAD Guard RTU is not used to prep wood for wood or deck stain application. The primary goal is to remove mildew or algae stains and prevent them from returning.

  • Where to Buy: Restore-A-Deck
  • Product Type: Mildew and Algae Cleaner and Preventer
  • Available Sizes: 1 Gallon
  • Consumer Rating: 4.8/5 (5)
  • My DeckStainHelp.com Rating: 9.5/10

Innovations in Deck Cleaning Technology

Pressure washers, scrub brushes, and old-fashioned elbow grease are the most popular deck cleaning tools. However, if you dread the thought of scrubbing your deck, you’re not alone — and you may be in luck.

RoboDeck has developed the deck-cleaning equivalent of the Roomba, designed to make cleaning and maintaining your deck easier than ever. The robotic deck cleaner maps your outdoor space, similar to how Roomba maps your home. Then, it uses built-in sensors and AI to navigate around stairs and ledges while cleaning. It can also identify problems like loose boards or screws. 

My Safety Considerations When Using Deck Cleaners

Before you start cleaning your deck, set yourself up for success by protecting yourself and your outdoor space. Check out the following safety considerations to keep top of mind when planning a deck-cleaning project:

  • Move outdoor furniture and decor. Make sure your deck is empty before you start cleaning to avoid damaging furniture or staining outdoor cushions. 
  • Cover up. Use gloves, long sleeves, and long pants to avoid splatters, and always wear protective glasses. Remember, even the best deck cleaners can cause skin irritation if they get on your skin or in your eyes. Pressure washers can loosen grime and splinters from boards, which could cause injury. 
  • Store your leftover materials properly. Make sure you store any leftover deck cleaning solutions in their original containers, with the lid screwed on tightly and the bottles placed in a well-ventilated area far from any open flames.

Watch My Video On Deck Cleaners

YouTube player

 

Common Questions About Wood Deck Cleaning

Do I need a Deck Cleaner?

Yes! I highly recommend using 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 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 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, when used in combination with a deck brush, are great at removing mold and mildew that have formed on your wood deck. You’ll have to scrub the cleaner 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.

How Often Should I Clean my Wood Deck?

Generally speaking, cleaning your deck at least twice a year is a good idea to reduce the risk of damage from moisture, mold, mildew, and built-up grime. We typically recommend a thorough cleaning in the spring and autumn.

Can I Use a Deck Cleaner on Composite Materials?

Yes, you can use a deck cleaner on composite decks. It’s critical to find the best composite deck cleaner first, though. In many cases, composite wood may require a milder cleaning solution to avoid damaging the material. 

Are There Any Environmentally Friendly Deck Cleaners?

Some of the best wood deck cleaners on the market, such as oxygenated deck cleaners, are environmentally friendly. As mentioned above, oxygenated deck cleaners feature sodium percarbonate as the active ingredient. 

Sodium percarbonate is an EPA-registered cleaning agent that works quickly and effectively to remove mold and mildew from your wooden deck. It’s also the active ingredient in several of our favorite deck cleaners, such as the Defy Wood Cleaner.

How Do I Prepare My Deck for Cleaning?

In most cases, deck cleaning doesn’t require much prep work to start. Remove all furniture and decor from the deck, then sweep the boards and give them a quick pre-rinse before applying your deck cleaner. 

Please Rate This. You may also post comments or ask questions below.

author avatar
Scott Paul ~ Restoring Wood & Decks Since 1993 Owner
As an article and comment contributor to the site, Scott has been around the pressure washing industry since attending college. In 1993 he started his first company called Oakland Pressure Wash specializing in exterior pressure washing and deck staining. That company evolved into OPW L.L.C. shortly thereafter concentrating more on exterior wood and deck restoration. Scott and his Deck Cleaning Michigan company have restored over 10,000 decks in the Metro Detroit area since the early years. He has become an authority in the deck restoration industry and has contributed to numerous wood restoration forums and informative sites. All the products he suggests through this site are sold through online sites and in retail stores, allowing the consumer to choose their own means of purchase. Scott’s eCommerce sites do sell many top brands he endorses and if you appreciate any of the help he has offered then feel free to purchase from one of them.

Related Deck Stain Help Articles & Reviews

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
597 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
David Owen
David Owen
15 days ago

I have an underdeck system which is metal. Will these cleaners harm the metal ?

1 4 5 6
597
0
Questions or leave a review, please comment!x