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.
I just cleaned my cedar deck and now I am noticing all these white fuzzy thing all over….. Have I ruined my deck? What do I do now
That happens when the wood is heavily oxidized. See this for advice:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
Can I use Olymoic Deck Cleaner on a deck that is wet? (made of composite)
Yes
Hello, I live near Toronto and cannot seem to find any sodium percarbonate deck cleaners, companies like RAD seem only to ship from the US. The only sodium percarbonate cleaner I have found is made by Penofin (Penofin pro-tech wood cleaner). Any thoughts on this product? I would like to use the RAD cleaner/brightener but not sure if it's retailed in Canada. I have also heard not great things about Penofin's stains, so would you recommend using Penofin's cleaner/brightener, and using a stain like Sikkens Cetol instead? I have a pressure treated deck with cedar handrails & posts.
Never tried the Penofin Cleaner so not sure. I am sure it is decent and better than their stain. We would not suggest there stain and it seems you are very limited to quality stains in Canada.
Good luck with the older Trex Accents,this stuff is not coated or was with a thin layer, so this porous product captures all kinds of dark blackish dirt and mold. Nothing removes this stuff but Olympic Deck cleaner the Premium product only. Trex Accents is made up of plastic and some wood chips and I don't know what other junk. I tried every warm and fuzzy and all other products to clean this. Nothing worked but Olympic Deck cleaner,I do have stains left from so much dirt build up. It will have to be cleaned,De-molded and probably stained with a mold resistant product, added,next year,can't afford this,this year. My Trex surrounds a large above the ground pool,15X30 and backs up to 50 ft away woods with many trees.I hope I never see another pool or a tree on my property after I retire in 4 years ever again. 14 years of this crap of cleaning, mold proofing and sealing. Do not buy junk composite if your looking for a cheap composite you'll pay by cleaning all the time. The newer composites are tripple encapsulated/coated to prevent this, pay up of wait till you can afford it.
Is sodium percombonate safe on pressure treated lake dock? I read on one site that it can release toxins, but it is the most natural cleaner I have been able to find.
The cleaner does not release toxins, but your wood type may depending on what type of PTP it is. Old CCA wood does have arsenic in it. Nothing you can do about it unless you want to replace the wood.
I prepped my deck last year with RAD Step 1 and 2 and then stained. I need to clean the deck this spring, and they are not recommending that I use the RAD product as it will remove some of my semi transparent stain. Any recommendations on a product that will safely clean my deck – I would hope to not stain it again for a couple of years.
That is hard to do without removing the stain somewhat. We rarely attempt to do this as it seems it will remove the stain somewhat when you scrub with any cleaner.
Wow – this is frustrating. After spending all that time to prep and stain with great results, I now have to look at dark stains from snow/water that occurred over the winter. If I do decide to clean with the RAD, do I need to do both steps, or am I safer to just use the cleaner?
Do both.
Wondering if it is possible to clean a pine deck with oxy clean that is two years old and was treated with a flood oil semi transparent two years ago when it was first built. What is the difference between oxy clean and these other oxygenated cleaners? I live in Pennsylvania, btw.
If you are replying the same stain then you can clean and recoat. If you are switching brands, than stripping will be needed to remove the Flood. Make sure to brighten after the cleaning or stripping. Difference is the ingredients for a deck cleaner are made for wood. Oxy clean is a generic cleaner.
Do I really need to clean and brighten a brand new Ipe deck before applying a sealer?
To help open the grain and remove mill glaze, yes.
I just washed down my unstained new pine deck with a one part chlorox and 3 parts water – let it sit for 5 min and then sprayed with water using just my garden hose (no pressure washer). I noticed a thin film of "gooey" film while spraying and a fine flaking/blistering when it dried. It doesn't really look like the wood has splintered as it feels smooth in these places. I'm getting ready to stain it and wondering if I need to do anything prior to applying stain. The grains of the wood are still showing well.
That mot likely is wood pulp of oxidized wood cells that have not come off. They need too. Use a scrub brush or pressure washer to remove.
My deck is not real wood but it has gotten incredibly dirty this past winter with even some green mold in places. What can I clean it with? Power washing alone is not enough.
Try a deck cleaner like Restore A Deck.
I need to clean/seal/prime/paint wood that is aged and gray and has some mold/mildew on it. Part of the project includes the boards that hold up the tin porch roof where it overhangs the porch. What happens to the tin if Olympic Deck Cleaner, for example, comes in contact with it? (It's what I have on hand, but states to not allow product to come in contact with metal, etc.) Just wondering. It's not a good location to have to use elbow grease.
Hard to say what will happen as we do not know their ingredients. It may discolor or spot. Try the cover with a plastic tarp.
Hello. What would you recommend to clean a deck that is not exposed to the elements (screened-in). It is natural natural pine and never been stained. Thank you!
Billy N
Restore A Deck Kits
CITRUS review
i've tried Olympic? and Behr "environmentally safe" cleaners. open top in store smell: you'll smell strong orange/citrus if it is, no doubt, smells good and is pleasant to work with, but requires a little elbow grease.
the products DO NOT say "work in small areas". you'll waste a gallon if you dont: it dries and after it does it's too late to scrub even with wetting.
performance is good
do a 2×4' area at a time, scrub with stiff brush (it will foam where algae/mold is), about the time your done it will begin drying – hit it hard with a hose (NO pressure washer). if you do it right you wont have to repeat or will only repeat in a few areas that required extra you didnt see (%2, small).
total score: it requires scrubbing with a stiff brush but is pleasant to work with and environmentally safe. i prefer it for anyone who has any elbow grease left. timewise it would not be as fast as pressure washing (note pressure washers are known to leave wood "clean looking" but rough and possibly very damaged, cracking 1 yr later)
I washed the deck with a 2 step cleaner and brightener. The deck is nice and clean and bright except for some green algae spots. Do I sand those areas? If yes, do I reapply the cleaner and brightener
Getting ready to stain our pine PT deck for the first time. I live in Centerville OH. It's a 950-sf deck with 3 sets of steps. It was built in May/Jun 2014, so it's now had over a year of weathering. Hope to receive the stain (two 5-gal containers of TWP 1520 Pecan stain) as well as two Gemini Cleaner/Brightener Kits today or tomorrow. I hadn't ordered a pump sprayer, but having done a little more research and looked at online videos, it appears the pump sprayers are the way to go for cleaners & brighteners. Lowes has a "Smith 2-Gallon Plastic Tank Sprayer" for ~$30 which gets very high marks, and they have them in stock, so I plan to get that one. Here are my questions pertaining to the cleaner/brightener: (1) Is there a particular order I should go? … such as all the railings first, then the steps, then the deck floor?, or does it matter whatsoever? (2) Should I spray everything (deck railings/steps/floor) all at one time and then power spray everything, OR should I do small sections and work my way across the deck that way? (3) I plan to pump spray the cleaner & brightener on (and not use a scrub brush), and then power spray the cleaner & brightener off, OR is it better to apply it and scrub brush it into the surface? (4) Lastly, I have what appear to be some chalk lines on the deck from when the deck was built. They've faded some, but are still present. I just read something which indicates I should've probably lightly sanded them off right after the deck was built, then it would have time to weather and the pores reopen, but now I don't want to do any sanding (since I'm getting to stain the deck within a week or two). Will the cleaner/brightener remove the light lines on the deck? … or will the TWP 1520 Pecan stain 'cover' them adequately? Sorry for all the questions. Look forward to the feedback to my questions! Thanks!! -Al
1. Does not matter.
2. Do in sections so it does not dry out. Maybe 200-300 sq. feet at a time.
3. apply the cleaner, agitate some, then pressure wash off. You do not need to agitate or high pressure wash the brightener. Just rinse off the brightener.
4. Since it has been a year the prepping should remove the lines.
One more tip, do not mix the powders in the sprayer. Mix in a 5 gallon bucket and watch for undissolved crystals at the bottom. Make sure you do not pour them into the sprayer. This will avoid clogging.
Great! Thank you VERY much for the responses on each of my questions, as well as the tip about mixing the cleaner and brightener. Awesome website and advice. Thanks!! -Al
I'm back. Got started last weekend with a pressure washer rental, and after three return trips due to faulty wand (no o-ring) and no pressure, I knew I'd run out of daylight. Going for it again starting this Fri morning. I wish there was a good video to see someone use the Gemini Restore-A-Deck cleaner and brightener on a new, weathered deck; especially the cleaner. If there are any good videos out there, please let me know. I couldn’t locate anything on these issues, so I want to ask these questions before I begin.
RESTORE-A-DECK PRODUCTS:
1)Cleaner. Once I mix the powder in the water, do I have to use the solution within a specified period of time? Can I use it a few hours or days later with the same effectiveness?
2)Cleaner. For the railings & spindles, is it better to scrub/agitate them, or can I use a pressure water for the entire deck (to include the railings & spindles)?
3)Brightener. Should the deck be dry before I apply the brightener, or is it okay to still be wet (which it will be once I get done cleaning it)?
4)Brightener. Following the cleaning process, what’s the MINIMUM amount of time I should wait before putting on the brightener solution?
5)Brightener. Following the cleaning process, what’s the MAXIMUM amount of time I can wait before putting on the brightener solution? (I’m asking in case I have to apply the brightener at a later time or date (if that’s even feasible).)
6)Brightener. Once I mix the powder in the water, do I have to use the solution within a specified period of time? If I have any leftover, can it be used later (hours, days, weeks, months)?
7)Brightener. I know it says I can’t/shouldn’t allow the cleaner to dry. Is it okay if the brightener dries before I rinse it off? I’m trying to determine if I need to apply the brightener in sections then rinse each section as I go, or if I’ll be able to apply brightener to the whole deck (950 sf) and then rinse it.
8) Do you know of any good internet links to videos of someone demonstrating the Gemini RAD cleaner & brightener products?
Thanks (AGAIN) for all your help!
-Al
1. Just hours. Goes bad after 2-4 hours with the cleaner
2. Pressure washing is fine
3. Apply the brightener while still wet after the cleaner
4. Right away is best
5. Right away is best
6. Does not go bad. You can premix and use when ready
7. Apply to whole deck then rinse after 10-20 minutes.
8. No idea
Hello,
I had been looking for a good cleaner to use on my deck before staining and after I read your post I decided that I would go with the Restore a Deck Cleaner and Brightener package. Now that I have use this, to the exact directions on the bottle, I have been left with a WHITE DECK! Not the "natural wood" color this product said. It looked great when it was still wet but once it dried it lost all its color! What can I do? I power washed after applying the cleaner and rinsed thoroughly after applying the brightener just like the directions said. Not sure what to do now… any suggestions?
Staining the wood with a semi-transparent stain will restore the color. You need to do this to protect and prevent Uv graying.
I used Olympic deck cleaner on my 11 month old cedar deck. It caused it to have a white film on it. The white film comes up when I rub my hand on it with a little force. I followed instructions, only left solution in it for a couple of minutes before rinsing. Should I now sand everything or use a hard brush? This is a decent size deck. My project just got a lot more time consuming. Please help, thank you!
Did you pressure wash it off after applying? Rinsing it not good enough.
I have pealing semi-transparent Behr stain to remove, please tell me what is the best cleaner to use. There is mold/mildew as well. Which of the top 3 products would you recommend to remove this Behr stain. What a mess it has created! 🙁
Thanks for any advice!
Cleaners will not remove this. You need a stain stripper and even they can have a hard time with a Behr stain.
HD80
Restore A Deck stain Stripper
Make sure to brighten the wood when done.
I built a new red cedar deck and railing 3yrs ago and stained with penofin red label which soon started turning black, the penofin rep told me that it was due to a naturally occurring mildew commonly present within cedar reacting to the oil based stain. How can I treat new cedar materials to avoid this reaction and also how can I rectify the existing black deck so it will match the new construction. Talked to TWR and Defy and neither will apply over penofin so it looks like i`ll be using penofin to completion of the project
Strip it all off and switch brands. Their stain will turn black again.
i treated my new red cedar deck and railing with penofin red label and every thing turned black, the penofin rep said this was caused by natural mildew in the wood reacting to the oil and was common with cedar. How can i treat new cedar materials before i begin another project to stop said reaction and any thoughts to clean the existing deck
The Penofin rep is not being honest. They have a history of turning dark or black with their stain. You need to strip off the Penofin then brighten the wood. Use Restore A Deck products. Try TWP or Defy Extreme. Neither will turn black.
My step-father tried to clean a cedar deck installed last Fall with Penofin cleaning product, but he made the mistake of not keeping the cleaning product damp before spraying it off the deck surface. In the unseasonably warm weather we've had in the Northwest this year, the Penofin cleaner dried on the deck surface and has left a splotchy white residue. He was told to reapply the Penofin cleaner a second time to clear that residue but that has not worked. Is there any way to get that residue off the wood short of sanding it? Thanks for your help.
Reapplying a deck cleaner, pressure washing off, then brightening all the wood should fix this.
We have a 3-yr old pine deck that we cannot get rid of the mold/mildew no matter what we try. We used RAD and TWP first time around 3 yrs ago. This year we cleaned it (RAD) and then decided to strip it, so used RAD to strip and brighten and waited for the weather to clear (>5 weeks lots of rain in MD) in order to stain w/TWP again (different color). Now the deck has developed lots of black spots/patches! Looks like some type of mold/mildew. We've tried RAD cleaner to get rid of it – did not work. Then we tried Wet and Forget first, then on different sections of the deck we've tried Mold Armor, Mold Stain Erase, Storm System Step 1, and NOTHING is working to remove the mold/mildew. Results have been very frustrating = some lightening or nothing at all, despite lots of scrubbing…! We're totally perplexed and don't know what to try / do next.
Any suggestions/recommendations would be much appreciated!
Thanks.
Might not be mold. Please post a picture in our forum area.
MikeG, We built a deck just over 3 yrs ago and have found that the 2×8 ACQ pressure treated lumber we bought for joists were just not treated properly. They were looking pretty bad within a year and we knew that we would have to replace them early. Similar to what you describe, the lumber has "White Rot" fungus and quite a bit of black areas that won't clean up at all. We have two joists that are rotted through and need replacing now. The other lumber we bought for the deck still looks great. We were at Lowes last week and heard about someone else in our area (north Alabama) who had bought pressure treated pine about the same time and has the same problem with White Rot and rotting through. We understand that they are in communication with Georgia-Pacific (who agreed that it shouldn't be rotting) and are pursuing replacement under warranty. I was also told that the treatment process has changed since – it's no longer ACQ. Not sure whether they determined if it was a (very large) bad batch or a bad process.
I have a large "Cigar Tree" (Catalpa Tree) in my yard. It produces large beans and flowers. Both of these are very dirty and seem to have a heavy black oil on them. I have a white powder coated aluminum deck. Is there a cleaner that will easily remove this black film? I powerwash and use a floor buffer with simple green but it is a weekly project this time of year and the deck is large. Is there a product out there that will disolve this oil and clean my deck more easily?
Love the shade….hate the tree!
Alan Bergmann
Michigan
No idea on this one. Try a concrete cleaner/degreaser maybe to break down the oil in the beans?
yes information I've been looking for
Hi, i just had a new pressure-treated deck buikt in DC. I will wait at least a month, as you advise, before staining it. Am planning to use Armstrong Clarke, probably Amber although i have yet to test samples. My question is when it comes to cleaning the deck before staining it, could I use Golden Care cleaner? It is a non-toxic cleaner and brightener in one that I used very effectively on my teak furniture.
Never heard of it. It is probable fine but it is not possible to have a fully fictionally cleaner and brightener in. A cleaner is a \”base\” and a brightener is an \”acid\”. The two cancel each other out to get a neutral pH balance.
Good info.
We have powder coated iron/steel railings on our cedar deck. Do I need to protect them from corrosion if I use Restore A Deck Cleaner/Brightener?
We have never had any issues with the RAD products and the metal balusters but we do make sure to wet them down first and rinse well.
I'm about to start prepping my 8 year old deck which has been re-stained/ssealed at least 3-4 times. It's in pretty rough shape. I am reading all about using a deck-cleaner and stain removers and possibly power washing it but I haven't seen one mention about scraping and/or sanding the previous stain away, which is peeling and flaking bad;y. I just assigned that would be the way to go. Should I spend the time sanding the entire surface lightly of course, to gmeove the old stain? LOr can I skip this step entirely with a good cleaner/stain remover? Thanks!
This depends on the brand/type of the old stain and the amount of coatings. Do you know? A picture in out forum area would help as well.
I think it was Cabot. How do I add a picture? Thanks!
In the forum area you can start a post and add picture there.
If I use Oxyclean to clean my cedar siding, do I need to neutralize it with a brightener?
Yes you should. Oxiclean will raise the pH to about an 11 when neutral is a 6-7. The brightener will lower the pH level.
If I don't want to brighten my deck, what else can I use to neutralize it?
Only a brightener will neutralize a cleaner or stain stripper. You need something with a mild acid in it.
Hi, I would like to clean my new deck with the recommended Restore-A-Deck Kit.
My deck is 10 feet up in the air and underneath i have concrete slab pavement. Will the chemical products in the Restore-a-Deck damage / stain my pavement ?
Thank you for your insight
The RAD products do not harm concrete.
I have just had a deck made with pressure treated wood. It has an uneven color and there are some bright green spots here and there. I live in SE PA. I have two questions:
1. How long to wait till the wood is dry? (today is 9/21) It's damp to the touch
2. What do you recommend for prep before staining?
3. What stain to use? It gets only afternoon sun.
Thanks!
Hello, please read this about new wood:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
• Deck Location State: Washington
• Full Sun, Partial Shade, Full Shade: Mostly sun
• Wood Type: Probably cedar
• Mold or Mildew Issues: Yes, underneath (It’s a second-story deck)
• Reason for Previous Stain Failure: ?
We bought this house two years ago so it has been at least that long since it was treated. It is about 20 years old, and I assume the deck was built at that time. There is a railing with 1-1/4 X 1-1/4 spindles on three sides, and a staircase. There are several spots on the deck surface where the stain has worn off, and it needs perking up. There are several cracks, but nothing that needs replacing. We were planning to clean the underneath with SW DeckScapes Revive; power wash and sand where needed elsewhere; and then apply the new stain (matching color). Our neighbors used SW DeckScapes and like it except for the water spots whenever it rains. Today, I found your site and see that SW is in the “worst” category. What advice do you have for me?
Thanks!
Look at the TWP 100 Series for this deck IN WA. Much better then the SW.
I have a pine wood deck that was built last fall and I waited till spring to stain it. I used Behr Premium semi-transparent wood stain and sealer. It looked great right after I did it, but it now looks like it has some kind of residue all over it. If it's walked on when wet, any kind of dirt or footprints just stay on there and then dries on top of the residue. The only time it looks good now is when it's wet. What can I do to make it look like it did when I stained it just 3 months ago? Thanks!
You cannot fix this issue without removing the Behr and starting over with a different product. It is the stain that has an issue.
I have cleaned my pressure treated pine deck w/ Behr premium all-in-one wood cleaner, then pressure washed-the deck looks very clean. I am about to stain with twp1500 (per your recommendation). my question is – do i need to brighten the deck before staining? Behr's says it is brightener as well, but I'm skeptical. thanks againin advance.
There product is bleach based. it does not need a brightener.
I want to clean my already stained deck for maintenance and appearance. Can I use the same cleaner I used when it had no stain or is it too powerful and might be damaging (e.g. fade the stain)? If I can use the same cleaner, can it be used for both oil and latex based stains (latex used on railing)? Is the brightener necessary?
Deck cleaners are more for prepping for a recoat. I would not suggest that for just cleaning dirt off.
Any suggestions on what to use then? Just some detergent and water? Is Mr Clean type of thing too strong?
Soapy water.
Dish soap should work.
Is it necessary to use a brightener for pressure treated pine or is a cleaner sufficient?
Use both. The brightener neutralizes the cleaner.
I have a 2 year old cedar deck that has grayed pretty significantly. I want to restore the natural wood colours, and have been advised that I will need to sand it to do so. I would like to use a cleaner and stain that will prevent this graying in the future. Do I need to sand it to remove the gray, or would a cleaner take care of that?
A deck cleaner and pressure washing will remove the gray. Use a wood brightener after as well.
Thanks for the reply. I've read that power-washing a cedar deck can make it fuzzy, or even damage the wood – do you have any advice around this? Would it be better to sand it? Also, if I do power wash, I was thinking of doing it in this order: Cleaner -> power wash -> brightener -> stain. Is this correct? Thanks!
Pressure washing doe not make wood fuzzy as long as you know what you are doing and you use the proper cleaner and strippers while doing the washing. The only exception is heavily grayed wood. That will always be somewhat fuzzy. Yes on your order!
i used Thomson's deck cleaner and brightened on my cedar deck , the boards look clean ,but have a white hue to it ,did i not wash it of enough or can just stain over it.
Their product contains bleach so that is what it turned whitish. If it looks okay when wet with water then you should be okay to stain.
we have a new cedar deck that we have stained (twice) and a few of the boards are turning black, how come that happened and how do we clean the black off
What stain did you use before?
This deck has been stained several times. The spindles have dark spots, the handrails have drip marks from previous staining, and the deck is discolored. Some of the old stain is still present in patches. There are spots where the wood appears feathered. So, where do I start and what do I do. I tried cleaning it yesterday. The deck floor turned out "okay". The spindles are dark with black spots. The handrails are dark with the drip stains. I need some direction as I have hours into the deck and it doesn't appear to be much further along than when I started. I tried scrubbing the spindles with a Dekswood solution and it didn't even touch the stains. And now I have found this site and hoping you can give some time saving direction.
What brand of stain are you trying to remove? Most likely you will need a stain stripper like Restore A Deck Stripper or HD80 while doing the pressure washing.
I have a 20-yr-old never-cleaned PT deck with serious mildew crust. I cleaned a small patch with an old jug of Benjamin Moore Moorewood (phosphoric acid). It was sensational….but I ran out. I bought some Thompson's (bleach) and was very disappointed. Ben Moore no longer makes a deck cleaner with phosphoric acid. Can anyone recommend a cleaner as strong as phosphoric acid?
That is basically a brightener and not one makes it anymore as it etches the siding and trim causing discoloration. The Restore A Deck Kits will clean and brightener better.
I need your advise please? I think I ruined my new deck! I built a new Redwood deck in southern Colorado 7 months ago. I left it untreated to "weather" throughout the winter and spring. I purchased the TWP 1500 stain from Seal & Protect. Also purchased 1 gallon of Top to Bottom deck cleaner. I followed the mix directions, I thought? 50/50 water / cleaner, then applied. Followed by rinsing with a pressure washer. Now by deck looks burnt! The wood is black in some areas and brown in others. Looks nothing like redwood anymore. In addition, some areas of the wood have "fur" on the surface. The supplier stated I made the mix too strong and most likely pulled the oils in the wood to the surface. Their recomendation would be to sand the entire surface.
Please tell me there is another product out there that reverse these adverse effects? Or should allow it to "weather" another year?
Your expertise would be greatly appreciated
You will most likely need to use a buffing pad to get rid of the furring issues. A wood brightener should help to neutralize to discoloration from their cleaner.
May I ask why not buy from S&P?
Cannot remember as this was three years ago. We will edit.
Thank you for the reply.
OK, I use the oxygen based cleaner as instructed/directed on the package. It worked great. Except….there's now a white residue on my deck. And what residue did come off, is all over anything and everything around my deck. Including my house and window screens. I used the brightener and it did little if anything to help the residue issue. Took me all day and it looks like I'll have to do it all over again today. Minus the cleaner obviously. Any idea what this would be? Maybe the brightener I bought isn't the correct kind? Had to go to 4 stores to find the brightener. Wish I could post a picture.
It\’s the wood fibers. Need to rinse down everything and if you still have some on the wood you might need to buff those off.
I built a cedar deck last year and did the cedar railing this year. What a difference between the wood I installed last year (greyed out). I purchased a Restore-a-deck kit hoping it will help bring the one-year old wood back to its original look before the stain. This being said I have 2 questions : 1/I have black aluminum balusters (common one found at the renovation centers) held by cedar railings and posts, will the restore a deck product affect these aluminum balusters? 2/ do I need to allow clear/brighten the new railing sections also – it is new cedar wood (aside from the aluminum balusters)
Thanks for the help, Albert (Montreal, Canada)
We have never seen the cleaners harm the balusters. Yes prep all wood.
I have black aluminum balusters, black plastic clips holding the 2×4 to the post and aluminum base to the post. What I will do is test the product. I will mix a small amount, test it on some of the parts I have left before I proceed to the entire deck and will let you know.
Thanks for the help, Albert
I have a big problem. I had a very good professional painter to use your system to clean and brighten my upper deck. He followed the instructions and kept connecting windows wet and rinsed well after the process.i find now that I have spots on the windows around my deck that I can't clean off. I also have spots on the dark siding roof that more than likely won't come off either. Please tell me there is a cleaner that will take care of this. I'm in a very expensive new house and don't want to replace windows because of an inferior cleaner that was supposed to be safe. I purchased this from sherwin Williams who just started selling this product. I intend to go to sherwin Williams with my complaint as well. Please help!!!!! I did all the research and thought I was getting a good product but now I'm afraid to even try the stain.
Janey, I am not sure which product(s) you used. I would suspect it is more an application error or issue.
If you haven't already called your homeowner's insurer, do so now. There is no fix for deck cleaner etched windows. The same thing happened to us and the cost to replace the etched French doors and windows was over $60,000 but our homeowner's policy covered most of the replacement cost.
Believe it or not good ol' wd-40 will remove both
I live in Canada. Had a new pressure treated deck built last fall. Do i have to clean just the horizontal deck boards or do the vertical ballusters and bottom vertical skirting boards have to be cleaned also, Thank you
Rick, yes you should clean all of the wood for the prep. Brighten as well when done.
I have a ipe deck that needs refinishing, I only used cabots austrilian oil on it, but there is a built up in ares, last year I hired someone who has never worked with ipe wood and it is really messed up, they did not get all the old finish off in areas and tried sanding it. I have 1 40 x 40 deck and railing. Do you work with ipe or can you refer someone that does:
Ann, use a stain stripper to remove the Cabot then brighten when done. We like the Restore A Deck Stripper for this. Once the wood is prepped, try Armstrong Clark in the Mahogany color.
We have a house in Southern Alabama with a covered wrap around porch that is fully stained. We have a build up of pollen (tree farm) that we have tried to power wash off. Still has residue on it. We just want to clean the pollen off without having to restain it. What do you recommend ?
Becky, have you tried a little dish soap with the pressure washing? If not a light mixture of the Restore A Deck Cleaner should work.
I have a deck that is probably 20 years old. I had it power washed 5 years ago, but due to circumstances, never followed up with anything else. I need to replace some nails with deck screws. Some splintering has occurred . Structurally sound, but where do I start? This is located in Baltimore, Maryland, for weather concerns. I'm a widow on a budget and will need to do this myself.
Vickey, try the TWP 1500 Series or Armstrong Clark wood stains. Prep first with a deck cleaner and wood brightener such as the Restore A Deck.
OK, I've decided to wait untill spring to clean, brighten and stain my new mahogany deck on my Victorian front porch.
The whole house and porch columns, based, sides, steps, etc have just been painted (existing PT wood steps re-solid stained).
Will spring's clean and wash damage the paint (mostly hi-qualityLatex, oil on metal railings)? I plan to use Restore-a-Deck.
Thx
Peter, cleaning products do not remove paints and should not cause any discoloration but it is best to test first as all paints are made differently.