This post was updated on April 27, 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
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!
Once your deck is properly cleaned and prepped, the next step is choosing the best deck stain to protect and enhance the wood.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $69.99 |
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.
Before I found this website, I bought the Penofin cleaner to clean our deck. The label doesn't tell much about the ingredients other than it uses "super hydrogen power." The instructions for applying, however, are very similar to RAD. Do you know if the Penofin cleaner is a good product or do you recommend that I order RAD? Our deck is 12-15 years old and hasn't been stained for at least 6 years. It's very dry and grey but structurally sound.
Thank you for this website–I have learned so much!
Cathy, the Penofin cleaner is sodium percarbonate based. This is similar to RAD. I cannot say it is as effective but in your case it will probably work just fine.
Thanks again DSH; I keep learning. I'll start shopping for the brighteners. Also to answer another of my own questions, thanks to your guidance section on strippers — I now see the R.A.D. & HD-80 strippers in more economical powder form. (I have a large house, many sections yet to go. I also comprehend now the need to use such strippers, if I end up changing products)
One other follow-up…. I notice now that even though the 20 year-old cedar after use of sodium percarbonate (DeckBrite) looks fantastic….. I do have nail heads with "rusty" nail-heads everywhere popping up…..
A very unhelpful veteran HD salesperson in VA (one of the ones who had never heard of Sodium Percarbonate) suggested I would need to replace the nails. (she was serious)
Any other ideas? Is this even an issue? Will an oil or water based stain be able to cover the nail darkened areas?
Escot, a acid based wood brightener usually removes the rust stains. Deck stains will not cover or stop this from reoccurring though.
Echo the many thanks for this web site…. I have several decks, but also a cedar sides house. (wish there were web sites devoted to this, but you're the closest I could find) For the first time in 20 years, and thanks to you, I discovered the sodium percarbonate "dry" products. Shame, shame on Lowes, HD, Sears et. al. for not stocking it in their stores. (I did find Wolman's excellent DeckBrite on the HD web site, but local HD salespeople were clueless….. shocking how much cheaper this product is to use, and it WORKS powerfully at removing years of heavy mildew buildup on my cedar siding (with light, yet thorough brushing, followed by light power-washing….. years of black mildew & lots of tannin turned to a buttery like good, just waiting to be washed away….. Seemed also to strip away what was left of the old (CWF/Flood) finish. Dried very bright shade, mostly down to "bare" cedar.
I hear you on the need now to use a "brightener"…. to "balance" the wood's ph. Am about to try the Flood product — which (unlike the competitors') comes in a liquid concentrate for the purpose. (Any dry formulations for "brightener" out there?)
We have a 3 year old covered deck. We prepped it and allowed to dry before staining. It gets full sun in the morning hours only. Ever since we stained it, the deck seems to hold onto dirt and pollen and your feet end up black when you walk on it barefoot. Help? What kind of cleaner can we use to try and correct this? Half of the deck is screened in. The other half is open air. It is a pine deck. We live outside of Birmingham, AL on 25 acres and are surrounded by pine trees, so we get a LOT of pollen too.
Thank you
Jennifer, what stain did you use 2 years ago? Some brands have a tendency to collect dirt more so then others.
Has anybody used messmer's cleaner and brightner on new cedar deck? can't get restore a deck in my area but can get messmer's.
John, yes they make a decent cleaner and brightener.
Help!!
I live in Hendersonville NC and we just bought 1200 sq ft of Standard 5/4 pressure treated deck boards from Lowes.
It is all molding and fast,it hase turned into an old ugly deck in a week.used deck screws and it was nice when it went down but we have had alot of rain,,but thats what outdoors is where the wood goes right??
so that is not a factor.Lowes want me to wash with a Bear product and then seal it.We are having a wedding in 60 days,,,
my friend who sells lumber commercialy said you will nevr fix the problem because the wood will always have mold in it.he said we schould use the "ipe" wood it will last for 100 yrs. Any thoughts would help.
Thanks
Tim, you can remove the mold and apply a finish that will help prevent it from returning but nothing will stop it permanently. You cannot stain new wood right away. Might want to read this article: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Why would Lowes tell you to use a Home Depot product?
First off, thanks for such an informative site. Bought a house last fall in Dayton, OH. We have a 2 year old, 16×10 ft deck with pressure treated pine that has never been sealed/stained. It's pretty gray obviously with a little mold/mildew. Deck has more shade than sun. Sounds like you'd recommend the RAD cleaner/brightner… I have 3 gallons of Sherman Williams 'WoodScapes' polyurethane stain left over from the previous owner (he used this on the fence)- it's free (appealing considering we're on a budget)… but at the same time, I want to use something that is going to last. Your thoughts and why? Thanks in advance!
Jason, you cannot use a shiny finish on a deck floor. It will imbed mold and peel horribly requiring you to sand it off in a year or two. Use a penetrating stain such as Armstrong Clark or TWP.
Dave, I would use a brightener. It will look better.
I have a deck built 1 year ago (standard pressure-treated pine) and after recommendations from many people I let it "weather" for a year. I am ready to stain it and have noticed some graying on it. I am planning on washing it, letting it dry 48 hours then staining.
Since the deck is fairly new, what wash is the best? What are good deck washes that only require a wash and not brightening?
Jeremy, you should always brighten after using a deck cleaner. Look at the Restore A Deck Products or Defy product for the prep. You may need to sand a Little since you will be removing a large amount of oxidized gray wood cells.
Wow what a gem this website is!! Well I built a deck in April with Micro Ac2 pressure treated wood from Menards. Its been completed and its now time to stain it. Question. I've sanded off the wood stampingpart only down to bare wood. If I use a cleaner (which I need a recommendation) along with a pressure washer (what psi rating to use?) Will I still notice were I've sanded? Also need to know what stain and sealer/waterproofer to use. (?) I'll be checking back everyday chatting. Love websites like these no registration just a good oldfashion neighbor like conversation. Thanks, jack
Jack, apply the deck cleaner and lightly pressure wash off with about 1000 psi. Brighten when done. yes it is possible that your sanded areas will show once stained. Hard to say for sure. Stain with only 1 coat for newer wood. Try TWP or Armstrong Clark Stains.
I'd love to post my photo. What's the trick I seem to be missing?
Sandy, can only post pictures in the forum area.
Thrilled to find this site. I have a new (1 month) cedar deck and I'm trying to do this the right way. I did order and received my Armstrong Clark semi-transparent stain and also the Restore A Deck cleaner and brightener and that's when I hit a snag. We used the cleaner and the brightener last Sunday and I just checked the deck this afternoon hoping to stain it tomorrow. I don't know what's wrong, but, I have large white patches on many of the boards. They look like dried white glue with fingermarks in it? I can't stain it like this. Any advice on what to do next? Should I sand them down or tried to rinse off with water and scrubbing or bleach and water? Did I not rinse enough? I had already sanded before I found this site and read through the posts. Did that have something to do with it? Thank you!
Sandy, can you please post a picture in the forum area so we can see?
This is my first chance to check this today. I'm sorry.I absolutely will post it first thing in the morning. Too dark now to see any of it. Thank you!
Gave up on the photo posting! I used the QR code on my Restore A Deck bottles and read that the white residue is wood fiber and I could have sanded it off. I didn't want to do so much spot sanding at this point, so, I did a redo with the cleaner and the brightener and got much better results. I might be left with a small spot or two to sand down tomorrow. I am wondering if the amount of wood fiber I encountered as the result of sanding(fine grit) before using the cleaner? Info I'll need, as I have two porches to do in the future. Thank you!
our deck is north facing and so for most of the year it is in the shade. as a result the deck gets quite mildewy and moldy. i used a deck cleaner (30 seconds) which claimed to remove mildew from decks but required light scrubbing in order to do so. when i proceeded to scrub after leaving the product on the deck for 5 minutes – much to my horror – the stain came off as well! so then i had to restain the bare patches and because the newly stained sections did not match the older stained sections, our deck looked blotchy and horrible. are all deck cleaners like this? could you recommend a cleaner that will move mold and mildew without removing the stain as well? or did we apply too much pressure to the brush or leave the cleaner on too long? i ended up sanding the whole deck to remove the stain and restained which was very laborious! i don't want to have to do that again anytime in the near future!
tired, no such thing as a cleaner that will guarantee to not remove the deck stain as it really depends on the stain brand and how much it has deteriorated.
We live in Minnesota and have a cedar garage that needs black mold removed. Will be power washing after application. Our garage is about 20 years old and have done once before but want to make sure this time black doesn't come back so soon. Your best suggestion of product to use. Help soon. Thank You
Marlene, try a wood cleaner that contains sodium percarbonate. Restore A Deck or Defy Wood Cleaner are some examples.
I have green on my decks and have cleaned and power washed with a cleaner but it did not work. I then used bleach which did better, but it seems that there is still a tint of green. I want to treat with a water seal but don't know if all the algae is gone. Help!
Phylis, it may be that the wood itself has a green hue. This is common with pressure treated decking.
I went to get cleaner for our new cedar deck today, before applying Timber Oil, which I was hoping to do next week. I purchased a gallon of DeckScape at Sherwin-Williams because this is what the salesperson recommended for my situation. But this cleaner has the same ingredient as the one I found at Home Depot (oxalic acid). The Menard's cleaner (Cabot) is the sodium hypochlorite bleach stuff. I'm assuming the the oxalic acid is similar to bleach. Should I return all, and order something online, like the Defy…. and hold off on my timeline. Thanks.
MN Ton, oxalic is a brightener. Bleach is bad for wood. Look for a cleaner with sodium percarbonate.
Hello, we're renovating a horse barn and building new interior stalls out of non-treated southern pine boards. We have half the stalls done and are finishing the rest each weekend. It's been a very wet and humid summer here in NC and the completed stalls already have mold on them before I have had a chance to stain and seal them, urg. I have a feeling that it didnt help that we sanded them but didn't wipe off the sawdust after. How should I clean the mold off the new wood and then what is the best product to use for staining and sealing them? lowes recomended Olympic deck stain with Cabot Spar varnish. But on here olympic didnt score well. They're horse stalls so will need to hold up to use from large heavy animals (manure and urine as well as rubbing, kicking, hopefully not but possibly chewing).I need to be able to scrub them down well. Would love any advice and recommendations on products.
thanks!
Andrea, please read this about Staining new Decks
Do not use a spar varnish. This will peel.
Thanks, the link doesn't work but I'll search for it :-). Eeeeek, taking the spar varnish back that they gave me then, deinately DON'T want peeling, it's such a large area that would be a nightmare. 4 12×12 stalls inside and out need staining/sealing.
In the article you stated that the oxygenated cleaners only stay active for 30 minutes. Is this accurate? If so, should I only mix 1 gallon or less at a time? It seems like it would be difficult to use the solution given that it has to dwell on the wood for 10 minutes.
Matt, that is correct. It might be a little longer but best to keep it around 30 minutes.
Is this true of the brightener as well?
5 days ago I cleaned the majority of my deck with a cleaner/brightener. After I ran out I applied a cleaner that trickled onto a section I had previously cleaned. Now there are trickles of bleached wood. Should I redo the section again to bleach it all, or leave a couple trickles? I will stain it with the Defy Hardwood Cedar tone. I don't think it would be too noticeable (I hope).
I cleaned, brightened, and stained by pressure-treated wood deck a year ago. What can I use to clean the deck without removing any stain? I've heard a white vinegar/water mixture might work? I tried a diluted solution of RAD cleaner on a small section but did not like the results as some of the stain seemed to come out.
Matt, try a few ounces of dish soap in water and a soft push broom.
Thanks. I also have a new extension to my deck that needs to be prepped/stained. When using a brightener should it be applied immediately after the cleaner or can it be applied later (once the deck has dried)?
Matt, best to apply the brightener right away.
Okay thanks. I have a gallon of TWP stain that was extra from my last staining project last year. Is that okay to use this year?
matt, if unopened it should be good.
I have a pressure treated natural wood deck, unpainted or stained and I like the natural wood look and so I have been cleaning the deck and sealing it with a clear sealer, for 24 years. The sealer built up over the years and so I used a stripper followed by a brightener to try to restore the natural wood color. It's now bleached white. Will a clear sealer bring out the natural wood color?
Rich, no you need a tinted sealer to enhance the wood grain.
I have a deck, 6 months old, treated pine. I have just used a cleaner/brightener combination scrubbed on, rinsed with a hose then rinsed again with a pressure washer. I have white areas showing up as it is drying. What happened and can I fix the problem before staining?
Dave, try washing again to remove the rest of the oxidized wood cells that did not come out the first time. Rinse well when done.
I have just had a ramp put in about two weeks now and between the rain and tryin to find time when should I seal it I have heard right away and then heard to wait a little while. thanks
Jennifer, read Staining New Decking
I have 2 decks, upper and lower, 10 by 20 each, I constructed 22 years ago of brown treated lumber. The decks are still structurally very sound. After many power washes and restaining in Minnesota, I have in most places an excellent bond of stain to wood. However in heavier wear areas and a few places where the bond is not as good, it has worn to the point where something needs to be done. When I tested a few areas with a power washer, the stain comes off completely in some places and not at all in others. Is there a way to avoid sanding? I'll likely just paint before sanding. (20 posts, 170 spindles, easily over 1000 sq ft of surface area)
Dan, Have you tried a deck stain stripper with the pressure washing?
I have a deck made from pressure treated wood. It had been painted. The paint has begun to peel so I decided to pressure wash the deck to remove the peeling paint. After I complete this process will I need to use a cleaner to prepare the surface for staining? If so, is Behr's All-In-One Cleaner an acceptable product for this job. Also, is this cleaning product harmful to grass or dogs? What are your suggestions?
Jerry, you will need to repaint so just clean to remove dirt and loose paint is enough prep.
I have a cedar deck build last Aug live in St. Louis area. Waited until now June to prep it for staining. We used Deck Wash has bleach in it to clean with bad results Called the company they recommend TSP cleaner. The problem seem to be the mill glaze wasn't completely removed. I am not sure if the mill glaze should be removed? I am planning on sanding it before applying the semi-transparent stain. Am on the right track?
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Mary, you do need to remove the mill glaze and the damaged wood cells that have oxidized. I would clean, lightly sand and brighten for the prep.
I live in south carolina have a 3yr old deck that has not been sealed or stain in the past and is showing age. Ive been planning on staining it with a semi-transparent stain and there are a ton of choices. Ive primarily been looking at the big box stores (lowes & home depot) and also Sherwin Williams. What is your recommendation on cleaner and stain? I was leaning towards the Sherwin Williams oil boased.
Jon M, I would stay away from bog box stores and visit quality paint stores that carry some of the brands that are rated better. Look for the TWP or Defy stains.
I have a 10-year-old deck made of pressure treated pine that has never been stained, so is of course, very grey. I live in CO, so the climate is quite dry. What do you recommend as far as cleaner, brightener and stain to use? I'm also planning on doing our fence to coordinate, which is cedar. Any suggestions?
Jamie B, I would prep the wood with the Restore A Deck Products then stains with the Armstrong Clark in a semi-trans or semi-solid color for this old and dried out deck.
Jai, use the Restore A Deck Kits to clean and brighten the wood then apply TWP or Armstrong Clark.
Hello– I am getting ready to stain my new PT deck. I will be using Defy Cleaner & Brightener. The balusters are aluminum (matte black by Deckorators), and I'm afraid the Defy cleaner/brightener might ruin the aluminum balusters. Would it be okay if I didn't using cleaner/brightener on the wood that holds the aluminum rails in place….and use stain (only)? Thank you.
Sharon, the cleaners will not harm the aluminum dekorators. At least we have never had an issue.
Thank you. That's good to know. I may put plastic wrap around groupings of the aluminum balusters, just for peace of mind. One more thing, please. Once I apply the Defy cleaner and brightener to the deck, I know I have to wait 48 hours for the deck to be good and dry before applying the stain. And there can't be any rain in the forecast 48 hours after I stain the deck. Long story short, I really need the weather to cooperate for 5 straight days for the entire process (cleaning, brightening — drying time — staining — drying time). Is it okay to wait a week or two once the cleaner/brightener has been applied before staining the deck or is that too long of a wait? Thanks again. Appreciate you so much.
Sharon, you should be okay as long as the wood does not get dirty.
I cleaned and brightened my deck yesterday, and it was more work than I ever imagined. On various video clips I found on the web, you spray it on…..wait 10 minutes…..agitate the surface with a brush…..rinse with water…..all done! If doing the deck floor was all that's involved, it wouldn't be that bad. However, doing the rails in sections (waiting 10 minutes), brushing in between ballusters and so forth….it took me about 10 hours. Some of the cedar looks white in places, so I don't know what happened there. Anyway, I'm on to the next step "staining," but will probably pay someone to do it if I can find someone good in my area. How long should I wait after a rain before staining? Thank you.
24-48 hours is normal after a rain.
I have a solid dark stain on a 12 year old deck (in the middle Tennessee area). What should I use to remove the old stain and clean/prepare the deck for new stain? I would ultimately like to use a lighter (more natural looking wood) stain. Will I also need to "seal" the stain, if so, what should I use?
Don, the only way to get off a solid stain is to sand it off. Strippers will not work. This is not easy to do.
I have lots of trees in my back yard so my deck gets very dirty. What can I use regularly to wash the deck with? When I use bleach, I have to really scrub the dirt off….
Raksha, have you tried a deck cleaner that contains sodium percarbonate? Defy Wood Cleaner or RAD Deck Cleaner.
I brought a house that they where letting the dog use it for an out house, what can i clean it with before i restain?
Angela, you cannot remove urine stains and such with a deck cleaner.
I just cleaned my 1 year old cedar deck with RAD cleaner. I brushed it twice hosing it down thoroughly between scrubbings. While wet the deck was very slippery and appeared to have a film on it. I then lightly power washed each board to remove this film. The deck is still slippery and feels slimy while wet. I will use the brightner in the morning since it took me so long to clean it tonight. I am concerned that there may be a film on the deck that will prevent the Armstrong Clark deck stain from penetrating. How can I determine if this is normal.
Roy, I do not think it is a film but possibly wood fibers? Put the brightener on then let it dry. If it looks clean then you should be okay.
My presure treated pine deck has turned green. It's in total shade, gets no sun whatsoever. Do you have any suggestions. I've tried several products, but can't get rid of the green (algae?) and am reluctant to seal it until I do.
Any ideas? Thanks in advance.
Marianne, try a deck cleaner that contains sodium percarbonate. The RAD Cleaner or Defy cleaner contains this. This should remove the green unless it is deeply imbedded in the wood.
I have a four year old deck that was power washed last August. No stain has ever been applied. It looks clean. Do I need to power wash it again then use brightener? Sun/Shade mix. Wood is 4 years old: stain suggestion?
Timothy, clean and brighten the wood for the prep with Restore A Deck products. Defy Extreme or Armstrong Clark for the stain.
I live in Iowa and have a cedar deck that was installed in February. I assume that it's kiln-dried cedar, so the wood won't get any drier outside. The boards now have a slight gray tint to them, and I'd rather not let it get any grayer. From what I've read, it seems the greater concern is the mill glaze. What's the best way for me to proceed?
Dwight, a good deck cleaner and brightener will now remove the gray and mill glaze for the prep. The Defy or RAD products will work.
I have a deck that was stained a year ago and just want to clean it this spring and re-stain next spring. Is it safe to use Restore-A-Deck just to do a simple clean without removing the stain? If not, whats the best product or way to go about safely cleaning it?
Mike, if the stain has not started to deteriorate then you can probably use the RAD Cleaner to prep without removing any stain. I would use a light concentration though.
[…] It is not impossible to bring an old wood back to life. A little care and maintenance can revive most neglected decks. If the deck is still in good structural condition the grayed wood can be cleaned using a wood deck cleaner. […]
Tami, you would most likely need to strip and brighten. What brand of stain was used before? You do not stain then apply a sealer. You apply a stain that \”acts\” as a sealer. Basically the stain will do both.
I have a 30 year old cedar deck that is still in structurally good condition. I have pressure washed in the past to remove the graying and restore the original cedar color. What products do you recommend for removing the graying? I would prefer not doing the pressure wash again.
Lyle, we would use the Restore-A-Deck Kits to clean and brighten while using a pressure washer at a low setting as a \”rinsing\” tool.
I have a newly finished deck. It is November and I wondered if I should wait until spring to stain it, or does it need to be done immediately?
Randy, wait until Spring for best results.
I have a brand new deck and am planning on cleaning it and then staining. What cleaner do you recommend for pressure treated pine?
Randi, new wood should weather for a time before cleaning and staining. Restore-A-Deck products would work great for the cleaning and brightening.
i have benjamin moore multi purpose cleaner is it a good product to use on the cedar deck if not what would be a good product and is it avalable in eastern canada
Matt C, not sure. Is it a deck cleaner?
I have a new covered deck/patio – stained wood (less then 6 mths) dark red/brown in color – the deck/patio is stained by pollen/dirt etc. which do not sweep offor clean up with water and solvent. I've tried to wash and once dry the brown dirt and stains remain – basically looking like it did before I washed it. I've been told the deck/patio does have a sealent on it. What type of product can I use to 1. clean and 2. give a bright shine to the wood.
Karen, You could try a very light mixture of a sodium percarbonate deck cleaner like Restore-a-Deck or Defy Wood Cleaner.
I have a 10 month old covered deck ( like a screened porch without the screen thus far) that we need to stain. What kind of prep as far as cleaner and brightened is needed since there is little graying and no mold, stains, etc. We do have a power washer we can use if needed. Will likely go with one of your highly recommended stains as well. Thanks!
Amy, to prep you should use a deck cleaner and a brightener. This will remove the mill glaze. Since this is 10 months old I would look at Defy Extreme or TWP for the stain.
What stain would you suggest for a 25-year-old deck made of pressured treated wood located in Maine on a semi-shaded lot? Thanks for you help.
Margaret, I would use Armstrong Clark Stain for this older deck.
I recently used Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener to redo my 22-year old deck that had been poorly maintained and had peeling, cracking stain left from a previous application. I power sprayed after the stripper and used a garden hose after the brightener and was quite impressed with the results. In hindsight I would have stripped, dried, and then spot stripped those spots that, through user error, I did not get the stripper on the first time. The product was easy to use and effective. I will try to post photos elsewhere on this website.
Lisa, that is great! You can post pictures in our Forum
Do I need to use a brightener after an oxygenated bleach cleaner (Stain Solver, specifically) to balance the pH?
Deborah, yes you need to use a brightener after a cleaner. The Oxygenated bleach raises the pH balance while the brightener neutralizes it back.
The manufacturer of the Oxygenated cleaner I use (Wolman Deckbrite)says to apply the stain 24 hours after cleaning. It doesn't even mention the existence of brightening products. Maybe not all of the cleaners need brighteners?
Kevin, all Oxygenated cleaners are caustics and will raise the pH balance. Their cleaner will do this and should be neutralized with a brightener.
If you rinse with water, shouldn't the water neutralize the ph?
No it will not neutralize the caustic of the cleaner or stripper and lighten the wood color.