This post was updated on April 6, 2026
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
Best Deck Cleaners for 2026 Tested and Reviewed
With so many deck cleaning solutions available in 2026, 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.
Keeping your deck clean is one of the most important steps in maintaining its appearance and extending the life of your wood. Over the past 30+ years, we’ve tested dozens of deck cleaning products on everything from older pressure-treated wood to hardwoods like Ipe.
The right deck cleaner will remove dirt, grime, mold, and oxidation without damaging the wood fibers. The wrong one can do more harm than good.
Below are the best deck cleaners based on real-world use, effectiveness, ease of application, and overall results.
🔥 Quick Answer: What Is the Best Deck Cleaner?
- Best Overall Deck Cleaner: Restore-A-Deck Cleaner
- Best for Prep Before Staining: Gemini Restore-A-Deck Cleaner
- Best for Mold & Mildew: RAD Mildew Cleaner & Preventer
If you want a safe, effective option for most decks, stick with an oxygenated wood cleaner.
Steps to Prep Your Deck With a Wood Deck Cleaner
Gather Your Deck Cleaning Solutions and 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 Work on Mold and Mildew
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.
Wood Deck Cleaning Products Compared: 2026 Reviews
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
4 Pro Deck Cleaning Tips for Wood and Composite Decks
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
4. Let the Wood Dry Before Staining
4. Let the Wood Dry Before StainingAfter 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 the Best Cleaner for Wood Decks in 2026?
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 |
Top-Rated Wood Deck Cleaner Reviews for Mold and Mildew
1. Restore-A-Deck Cleaner and Brightener Kit
Restore-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:
- 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’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:
- My DeckStainHelp.com Rating: 9.0/10
- Purchase Direct for Less Here: Purchase Here
| Image | Title | Price | Add to cart | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $64.99 |
3. Defy Wood Cleaner
Defy 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:
- My DeckStainHelp.com Rating: 8.5/10
- Purchase on Amazon Here: Defy Wood Cleaner
- Purchase Direct for Less Here: Purchase Here
| Image | Title | Price | Add to cart | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $47.99 |
Honorable Mention Deck Cleaners for Mildew Removal and Prevention
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:
- My DeckStainHelp.com Rating: 9.5/10
| Image | Title | Price | Add to cart | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $49.99 | |||
 | $119.99 |
📊 Deck Cleaner Comparison Table
| Product | Type | Strength | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restore-A-Deck Cleaner | Oxygenated | Medium | Overall cleaning & prep |
| Defy Wood Cleaner | Oxygenated | Medium | Pre-stain prep |
| RAD Mildew Cleaner & Preventer | Eco-Friendly | Light | Mildew cleaning |
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.
Safety Tips 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 Our Deck Cleaner Video Guide With Pro Tips
❓ Deck Cleaner FAQs
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.
What Does a Deck Brightener Do?
While we’re on the topic of caring for your deck, it’s worth mentioning wood brighteners. After cleaning, brighteners help restore the wood’s natural color, neutralize any cleaning residue, and prep the surface for staining or sealing. They’re a simple extra step that can make a big difference in how fresh and clean your deck looks. Here’s a link to our article on wood brighteners.
🪵 Best Deck Cleaner by Wood Type
Choosing the right cleaner also depends on your wood type.
Pressure Treated Wood
- Oxygenated cleaners work best
- Easy to clean and restore
Cedar & Redwood
- Oxygenated cleaners work best
- Avoid harsh bleach products
Hardwood Decks (Ipe, Cumaru, etc.)
- Oxygenated cleaners work best
- Avoid over-aggressive chemicals
🧠 Cleaner vs Stripper vs Brightener (Know the Difference)
This is one of the most common areas of confusion.
- Deck Cleaner: Removes dirt, mildew, and light graying
- Deck Stripper: Removes old stain or sealer coatings
- Wood Brightener: Neutralizes the wood and restores natural color
👉 In most restoration projects, you’ll use a cleaner + brightener together
👨🔧 Pro Tips from 30+ Years of Deck Cleaning
From our experience restoring hundreds of decks:
- Always pre-wet the wood before applying cleaner
- Never allow cleaner to dry on the surface
- Apply in shaded conditions when possible
- Use a pump sprayer for even coverage
- Pressure wash off at low pressure below 1500 PSI
- Rinse thoroughly to avoid residue
These small steps make a huge difference in final results.
⚠️ Common Mistakes When Cleaning a Deck
Avoid these common issues:
- Using too much pressure when washing
- Skipping the brightener step
- Letting cleaner dry on the wood
- Overusing bleach-based cleaners
- Not testing a small area first
📅 Deck Cleaning Maintenance Schedule
- Light cleaning: Every 6–12 months
- Deep cleaning: Before staining or sealing
- High-traffic areas: Clean more frequently
Regular cleaning prevents long-term damage and keeps your deck looking newer longer.
🔗 Related Deck Prep Guides
Final Thoughts
The best deck cleaner is one that removes contaminants effectively without damaging the wood.
In most cases, an oxygenated deck cleaner is the best choice for overall performance and safety. It provides excellent results while keeping the wood in good condition for future maintenance or staining.
From our experience, choosing the right cleaner — and using it correctly — is just as important as the stain you apply afterward.
Can I use this on a mahogany deck that has not been stained but needs some refreshing.
Which product are you referring to?
I have a two tier large deck three years old. We have a light brown stain on it. What product would be best to use for removal of mildew?
Are you prepping for recoating or just want to remove mildew? Add some pics in the comments.
3,7, 3.8 MB each
Yes, this is typical of Penofin issues. Strip it off as suggested, brighten the wood, and apply a clear sealer that has no tint or color added.
Hello. I happened on this site looking for information on WHY it happened and how to get rid of the black dirty residue on the horizontal parts of my new cedar deck. I am in Chicago. It was built in July ’24, sealed in April ’25 with Penofin oil type sealer. I spoke with a Penofin rep, explaining that I wanted a CLEAR sealer, that I wanted the cedar to age to the natural silver/grey and he assured me that it will happen. I very much regret that process as it is really ugly, dirty and dingy. At my last home, I left a 30+ year old treated pine deck that I only washed occasionally. It never looked as bad as this wood after only one year! I almost regret the extra expense for the cedar. Very disappointed. But now what do I do? Will it ever age to the silver? Will I need to wash it – and how? – every year?
The contractor began using the Penofin Marine sealer on the railings/balustrades and it was orange to me… I really do not like orange! So I went to another store for the CLEAR Penofin blue label sealer for the deck floor. ALL the horizontal parts, floor and rails, are dirty. Is it Chicago air, a mile from the big lake MI? or the Penofin? One worker told me, AFTER, that he would never use an oil based sealer (as recommended by his boss). NOW he tells me! I should say that the deck was quite blackish before it was pressure washed and sanded before the application. It’s almost time to do SOMEthing before bringing my potted garden back out onto the deck… on north side of my home, mostly shaded except the 3′ stretch where I place the flower pots (as seen in photo). Thanks so much. I learned a lot from the comment section here. unless you tell me otherwise, I think I’ll just use some dish soap (any? Dawn?) and a brush and light power rinse.
Penofin has known issues of darkening in color and getting dirty: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/penofin-ultra-red-label-stain-review/
To fix it, you will have to strip it off fully and then brighten the wood. Use this kit:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/product/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit/
Do not use Penofin again, as the issues will repeat. For a true, clear sealer, try TWP 1500 Clear: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/product/twp-1500-series-1-gallon/
or Defy Extreme Clear:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/product/defy-extreme-clear-1-gallon/
Both will silver and gray over time and will not enhance the wood grain or make it orange.
Thank you Scott! I’ve got some work ahead…
And I will pass the Penofin advice along.
Another question – will I need to repeat the clean/seal process again?
You will need to strip, brighten, and redo with a proper “true” clear sealer now. Redo every 2-3 years down the road is normal.
thank you again.
some emails have me wondering if you see the photos I posted – or tried to …
No photos have been posted in the comments. Most likely, the photos were too large.
I sent via email reply… not sure how to add them now, see no clip icon.
if you see them, let me know if any change to your advice
We do not monitor emails, all communications need to go through comments. The email notices do say that they are not monitored. The clip is in the bottom right corner.
Hi Scott, I made the mistake of sanding only the worst part of a black mold deck, instead of using a cleaner over the whole thing. I used teak oil to seal it, and I have a multi colored deck now, some dark and some light. My employer likes how the darker stain turned out because it looks like a richer fuller color, but I don’t know how to make the sanded part of the deck that turned out lighter, to match the darker color. Help!
It is not possible to spot fix this. You would have to remove all the current teak oil, then sand the wood evenly at a rougher grit (40-60 grit), then restain.
Do you know if using oxiclean will achieve the same cleaning result?
It will not.
Do I need to cover widows and aluminum trim when I clean and brightener?
Yes, that would be best to avoid a possible reaction, especially with the Brightener.
I’ve just cleaned, bleached and resealed/stained my red cedar deck. I think cleaning the deck spring & fall would help the “finish” hold up better & longer. What’s a good way to simply clean the deck; not for refinishing purposed but to just get the dirt off and not damage the finish? Is there a DIY solution or a good product to buy and use? Appreciate your assistance, David
Deck cleaners are only to be used when prepping to recoat. If you just want to clean off some dirt. Use water with maybe a bit of dish soap.
Scott, thanks for the reply. Makes sense, a simple cleaning solution that won’t effect the existing finish! Simple, easy. David
Correct! Using a soft-bristle brush like the ones you use to wash a car may help, too.
Thanks again. I always use a brush when cleaning. And I have a very low power electric power washer which doesn’t damage the cedar board’s surface. Really appreciate your responsiveness, David
We installed a new deck surface about 7-8 years ago. We live in a very humid area and by the end of August the shady parts of our deck ( near our house) are almost completely black with mildew stains. We have Ready Seal stain. In the past the only cleaner that seemed to work was Olympic but it removes whatever stain is left so I would have to stain every time I clean it! Quite a process. I’ve tried the Restore-a-deck but it never completely removed the stain and I had to go back to the Olympic again. Any suggestions on how to get better results? I have a pressure washer but it seems to damage the wood fibers so I typically do more of a soft wash with that.
thanks!
You would need the Restore-A-Deck Stain Stripper (not cleaner) to fully remove the mildew and the Ready Seal.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/product/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit/
Once removed, you might want to try a stain that does not attract mildew, like the Restore-A-Deck stain. The RAD Guard would help after the staining to prevent the mildew from returning:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/rad-guard-mildew-cleaner-preventer-review/
We bought our house 1.5 years ago and the deck needed a lot of help. We have replaced rotten wood with new wood last fall. The deck floor is painted, the support posts and railings are stained. I have power washed all the stain off after my wife found your website, yikes-Yes I did damage. I was going to use your paint stripper on the decking. Should I use the brightener on all of it since some wood is new and some is old?
Yes, but you cannot stain new wood right away:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
Hi,
I have a 20×12 single story deck, new treated pine. I was thinking of using a airless sprayer instead of brushing a stain. Would a oil based semi-transparent stain penetrate the wood as well using a sprayer instead of brushing?
Yes, but you do need to back brush after spraying to ensure even application.
Hi,
My deck has a solid stain that is peeling in some areas. Should I use a deck cleaner or stripper before applying stain? I also plan on using a power washer and deck brightener.
See this about reapplying a solid stain:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-reapply-a-solid-color-deck-stain/t/
Is Restore A Deck stripper the best option?
For prep with recoating a solid stain or for complete removal?
For prep to recoat with solid stain.
Yes, the Restore A Deck Stain Stripper will help to remove what is loose or peeling.
Hello,
My deck paint is peeling and would like to clean this and apply a new layer of paint to seal it properly.
What would you suggest the right way of doing this would be? Do you think I have to use a sander to get the paint off or a cleaning detergent and pressure washing should be enough before applying the paint? I am fairly inexperienced at this so any suggestion is greay appreciated! Thank you!
See this for tips:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-reapply-a-solid-color-deck-stain/
For many years I have used Wolman’s Semi Transparent Dura Sain. Of late, I find this product does not provide the lasting protection it did 20 years ago.
What steps do you recommend before apply another product and, is TWP the best alternative?
Post some pictures in the comments for prep advice.
Hi Scott. 1-year old pressure treated pine deck needing it’s first stain. Most boards look nice with a couple showing some graying. Should I be using RAD Cleaner followed by RAD Brightener?
Yes, that would be correct.
Thank you! 🙂
In the process of taking your advice to restore my deck. I plan to clean the deck 2x per year per your advice…spring and fall. I do get some algae and mold in some spots. What product should I use to clean? Should I use the product 2x per year or just annually? Thank you!
Water to just clean off dirt, etc. Maybe add a tiny bit of dish soap. To help prevent or remove mold or algae, use this over the top of your deck stain after it has dried and cured: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/product/rad-guard-mildew-cleaner-preventer-1-gallon/
I just want to wash the algae off a deck, not prep it for staining. It is already stained. What product do I use to get rid of algae but not the stain. I don’t need to follow with a brightener if I’m not planning to stain, right? Thanks!
It is impossible to pressure wash a deck and remove algae without harming the stain in some way. You could try the RAD Mildew Cleaner and Preventer. Just spray on and let it do its work over the next 1-3 weeks. See here for more info:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/rad-guard-mildew-cleaner-preventer-review/
Thank you. I just ordered it.
Hi Scott – I appreciate this web site with its very helpful advice on deck care and maintenance. Do you have a comment on Deck Wise products: Ipe Oil Hardwood Deck Finish (photo attached), Deck & Wood Cleaner, and Deck & Wood Brightener?
Attached below are three pictures of the my eight year old exposed mahogany deck over the past several years:
Picture #1 – Taken 8 years ago after applying BM Arborcoat, it looked great when the stain was applied but this stain flaked after a year so I had to sand it off.
Picture #2 – Taken 5 years ago after cleaning and brightening with Deck Wise products; it looks ok but the wood has darkened more in tone and uniformity than I prefer and the shine is fairly flat.
Picture #3 – Taken today after cleaning the surface with Murphy’s soap and before applying an oxygenated wood cleaner and brightener.
Is there a process and product you recommend to lighten the deck wood and result in a glossier sheen?
Thank you!
You should strip and brighten the wood to fully remove the Ipe Oil and restore the lighter natural wood color. You cannot have a “gloss” when it comes to deck stain coatings. Having a shine or gloss will result in the coating peeling and blistering.
With exotic hardwoods, you have to prep and maintain annually. IPE Oil is just Messmers hardwood stain relabeled. It is decent but not the best IMO. See here for the best options:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/hardwood-deck-stains/
Hi Scott,
I meant to ask: “…recommend a process and product…?”
Thanks
I really appreciate your web site and all the helpful advice you share. Can you please comment on Deck Wise products: Ipe Oil Hardwood Deck Finish (picture below), Deck & Wood Cleaner, and Deck & Wood Brightener. That is what I have been using on my deck over that last five years. Attached are a few pictures of my exposed 6’x18′ mahogany deck.
Picture #1- is the deck 8 years ago after refinishing with BM Arbor Coat; achieved the look I want but the shiny surface flaked off after one year and I had to sand it off.
Picture #2 – is the deck from 3 years ago after using Deck Wise; it works and looks ok but the wood has really darkened and I would prefer a higher sheen.
Picture #3 – is the deck taken today after washing with Murphy’s Soap but before applying a brightener.
Can you please recommend a process and process that I might use to achieve the look in Picture #1 to lighten the wood color and achieve a shiny look that will not flake off?
Thank you very much for your help!
My deck has Sherwin-Williams deck paint River Birch 3204 5 years old, needs a refresh. After using Defy Wood cleaner and a pressure wash, should I use a primer like Styx or just repaint?
Just recoat, no need for primer.
Thanks
Hey Scott,
Looking to stain a rough sawn cedar fence that has grey, do I need to restore and be back to the natural color before I use a semi transparent stain with color or can a good cleaning be sufficient. A small portion of the fence is covered from the elements so parts are still natural color. Will the less weathered parts look differently if the grey sections aren’t cleaned and restored back to natural tones? Thanks
Yes, you need to clean and brighten all wood before applying the stain. Prep all so it is even when stained.
First, thanks Scott for having this website. Very informative and through.
I have a 10 year old deck. It was sealed by one of those rip-off companies promising 25 years of no mold or mildew…yeah right. I have used Restore-A-Deck stripper and brightener about 4 years ago, did a great job, but I never followed through with painting or staining.
As you can see in the pic’s I had to replace some boards, not to mention a stinger and steps. This time I want to complete the process. I live is St. Louis MO. One pic shows how the sun hits the house…bad situation for mold and mildew.
What I would like to ask you is what would be best paint or stain for my deck. From reading your articles it appears that painting lasts the longest, correct. I like the Restore-A-Deck stuff. I was very happy with the results. So I will use that again, unless you suggest something else.
Thanks for your time in replying and helping a weary deck.
The new wood does need to weather for a bit.https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-long-should-you-wait-to-stain-a-new-deck/
As for the best options, we like penetrating semi-transparent stains:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-semi-transparent-deck-stain-reviews/
Thanks Scott for the advice. I forgot to ask. I was thinking of sanding the deck and the top of the hand rails. They are a little groovy, no not 70’s groovy. I saw your recommendations on sanding.
My question is…Is sanding okay to smooth out the wood. It won’t cause any issues will it. I assume not, but want to make sure.
Again, thanks for the help and advice.
Lightly sand with 60-80 grit is okay. Be careful of over-sanding or sanding to smooth, as that will reduce the stains’s ability to soak into the wood grain. Typically, just one coat of stain if you sand.
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/how-to-sand-your-wood-deck/
I have an underdeck system which is metal. Will these cleaners harm the metal ?
They shouldn’t harm metal.