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 have cedar deck that l have used oil base stain on then put a coat of linseed oil on has lasted 3 years but need to be cleaned and stained again what should be done to make the deck new again.
It would be best to strip it down. Use the Restore A Deck Stripper and Brightener Kits.
We put a cedar deck on last summer and then put a sealer on it. It did an awful job and the deck looks awful. I don’t think the sealer soaked into the wood much. My question is can we use an oxygenated cleaner on it lightly sand it, again, and reseal it? If so what kind of sealer do you suggest? Thank you.
No, you have to fully strip and sand to remove the caoting that was applied last year before adding anything else.
Hello,
I am looking to prep a pine pressure treated fence for stain that is about 6 months old with no previous stain and I am curious if a cleaner will remove these white/almost green tinted spots on the wood. Is it a natural part of the wood or is it something that should be cleaned off prior to staining? It doesn’t appear to be mill glaze. Wasn’t sure if that was also part of letting the wood season longer and that it would fade away. I have been advised oxalic acid will remove the green tinting so not sure if that type of cleaner would remove it.
Also, is it recommended to do any light sanding on the fence prior to staining? Or mostly just cleaner/brightener/pressure wash is all you need to do for prep for the best stain outcome.
Thanks I appreciate the help.
For prep, you should clean and brighten the wood anyhow. if it does not come off, I would not worry about it too much. White spots will go away when stained and the green is most likely internal if it does not come off. No need to sand the wood.
Thank you for the feedback. Looks like the stain hides it well enough.
I wanted to ask in regards to the picture attached, is the lighter stain spots in the middle of the wood due to not enough stain in those places? I was just curious if there is any way to prevent that to have a nice finish on the stain. I’ve seen pictures where it seems to be common to have lighter spots next to the character marks on the wood.
Thanks
That is normal and is related to how your wood is absorbing the stain. Nothing you can do about it.
Thank you very much
Just wondering what the stain color is that you’re using…nice. Is the fence pine?
Thanks, it’s Pine. Ready Seal. Pecan (Left), Light Oak (Right). Went with light oak.
We own a stationary camper surrounded by a ten foot PT wood decking on three sides. The previous owner cleaned the deck with a pressure washer and Clorox yearly. The wood is “furry” and splotchy with a moldy area on the front deck where there was a deck rug. We have removed the rug and cleaned the deck with a water hose and a oxiclean, water, dish detergent and Murphy’s oil soap mixture to clean and rinsed with water. It is somewhat cleaner but the knotty wood areas are now whiter and the deck is splotchy. Our camper and deck is covered by a canopy. I have read your articles and forum but remain confused. Help!! Thank you so much!! My husband prefers to clean yearly and avoid sealing. Please advise.
Clean and brighten for prep and then buff the floor to remove fuzzies. Ues RAD Cleaner kit: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-cleaner-system-review/
See this about removing wood fuzzies: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/wood-fuzzies-furring-on-deck/
Response to comment
I have some mold on a stained (semi-transparent stain) and want to clean the off the mold without damaging the stain. What do you suggest?
Thanks
Most likely not possible to remove just the mold without having some effect on the stain but it does depend on the brand and type of stain you used?
We need to clean & stain deck rails of an upper & lower deck, as well as the floor joists of the upper deck, and replace the rotted floor boards of the upper deck with composite. The upper deck is a second story deck directly above the lower deck. And The Lower deck floor already has composite floor boards.
What order of steps would you suggest? Our 3 concerns: accessibility to the upper floor joists to clean & stain, safety while working on the upper level (w rotted or no boards), and harm to the composite boards on the lower level from any cleaners or stain. Is there a wood cleaner we can use that will not harm the composite decking?
Use the Restore A Deck prep kits. Will not harm the composite. You will need to tarp when you do the staining to catch any drips on the lower deck. Prep and stain all after install of the new floor.
I have a significant mold problem on my deck after using TWP1500. The time line was: New PT southern pine deck in April ’16. Let it weather until Early Oct. ’16 then used your recommended oxy cleaner and neutralizer. Let dry a week the stained with 1500. in May’17 i put on a second coat of the stain. Splotches of mold started to appear in September ’17. Deck is now a total disgrace. Is there a product I can use that will remove the mold without damaging the stain?
BTW: I live in eastern Massachusetts.
TWP has an EPA registered preservative that stops mildew from growing “in” the stain so most likely it is on top of the stain. This could be a result of tree pollen during your application in May as we have seen this to feed mold growth.
The issue is you cannot just clean the mildew/mold without having some effect on the stain. We would suggest doing a deep cleaning in the Spring and a light recoat after.
I live in Maine. I have a pressure treated deck that is 7 years old. It has never been stained or treated. It does need to be cleaned pretty bad. What would you recommend?
Use this kit:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/restore-a-deck-cleaner-system-review/
Thank you
1.) Alaskan yellow cedar raw wood 1 year old prepping for first staining. Owner has given me olympic premium deck cleaner. Research and such shows lots of people having to sand after this product is used. Please advise a good product to use to not sand or scrub if possible. I still need to brighten after as well.. Correct? Your recommendation on that as well please. Your stain choice as well please… Maximum protection of original color while staying semi transparent or less.
2.) New red cedar fence with alaskan yellow posts. Clean and brighten new lumber to stain prebuild? Or can I just stain. Please advise product here also if not same as above. I am also wondering what manufacturer and color stain you would recommend to imitate IPE color on the cedar while staying semi transparent or less as well.
We have a cedar deck that we put a Sherwin Williams clear coat on. We were hoping this would maintain the Cedar color. We were wrong. Now we are planning to place a natural cedar stain on the deck. What do we need to do to the deck to properly clean it and make it ready to receive the stain? Our deck clear coat is 1 yr old.
You have to remove the SW fully first. Which brand of SW did you use? Do you have a picture?
Northern MI home – Treated lumber deck installed last year but there wasn’t the proper timeframe to permit applying a stain prior to winter weather. Need to stain this year. Deck located on North side of home – noticed some mildew spots and purchased Pittsburgh Ultra Deck wash to prep prior to applying their premium stain. Followed the instructions explicitly. Unfortunately, during cleaning process I have a white, almost gummy film forming on the deck. Used a brush for cleaning and during rinsing using hose/sprayer. After it has dried now 12 hours, white film appears as a coating that I believe will interfere significantly with the stain penetration. What do I do next?
This is oxidation (graying wood cells) that you are not fully removing with the prep. Using a scrub brush is not going to be sufficient. Reapply a deck cleaner and pressure wash off.
We have a vacation beach house in the Puget Sound (WA) that has cedar shake siding. The shakes are at least 30 years old, possibly 40. They have never been stained but they may have been treated in a clear coat (fire retardant?) in some places. Those areas foam when sprayed with water.
We want to clean, restore or do whatever is needed to make the sides in the various locations more close in color. Right now we have silvered, and natural cedar, and areas as dark as coffee, with 3 stories and decks in multiple places.
HELP! We do not have the resources to need to re-do this in two-three years. We have mixed opinions on leaving them natural, staining with semi-transparent or just priming and painting with house paint. It will depend on how good it looks after we work on it.
Preeesure wash all and use the Restore A Deck prepping kits. If you want to stain, look at TWP 200 Series after the prep.
Just starting process of cleaning and re-staining my cedar deck. I have approx. 600 sqft of deck with southern exposure on Lake of the Woods cabin in Ontario previously stained with Sikkens DEK. Stain has held up reasonably well and will likely go back to same product. What is your recommendation for cleaner/brighter?
Try the Restore A Deck Kits.
Live in a townhome complex that requires decks to be maintained every 3 years. My turn. So it’s been 3 years, there are some worn and very weathered spots, mold, but the deck is structurally sound and I want to get the old stain removed especially off the railings and restore it as best I can. But I don’t know which order to do it all in. IF I decide to sand, that would be included in the process. Clean, sand, brighten, stain??? What order do I do this all in?
Strip (not a cleaner), sand if needed, brighten and then stain.
Thank you so much. No one ever makes the process clear. Love this site. 🙂
First stain on one year old cedar decking and rail top. Sand then wash or wash first??
Deck cleaner first. Sand if needed lightly. Brighten all after and rinse well.
Our Ironwood deck was installed @ 6 mo
We like the natural graying but think the deck should be cleaned; what do we use? Once clean can it just be left alone to continue to graying?? Or does it need some sealing??
Prep with a deck cleaner and seal with a clear coating that allows the wood to gray naturally. Sealer must be clear with no color or tint. Look at TWP in “Clear”.
Hello,
I’m going to be cleaning my deck with Olympic Premium deck cleaner. Deck has never been stained or sealed since it was constructed 2.5 years ago.
Monitoring the weather after the deck is cleaned, I probably won’t be able to stain deck for another 1-2.5 weeks because of the rain (and considering drying and consistent days of no rain).
Is this okay to stain deck after 1-2.5 weeks after it has been cleaned?
Yes but over 2 weeks is pushing it. May need to be recleaned.
We live in Wisconsin, and have a huge deck made of pressure treated wood. Southern exposure. It has never been cleaned in about 20 years. Some boards are in need of replacement, but what is the best way to clean this whole deck in the meantime? Very dark and gray. We have a pressure washer that can be used as well.
Thanks!
Use the Restore A Deck Cleaner and Brightener kits.
You may not want to do this but check what the under side of the boards look like and if they look good pull them up and flip them over and screw them down.It’s a pain knocking all those old nails out.You may need to replace some of them that don’t look good but it’s better then replacing the whole deck.I know it’s time consuming .I did my L shaped deck and it took me several weeks and 15 pounds off my body.I did have to replace some of the boards for various reasons.This deck had been on for ( and it’s a guess on my part ) about 18 years.
I moved onto a house in Northern Virginia with a well worn deck. The wood seems to be in good shape but the paint/stain is peeling badly on the top surfaces. I would like to remove all the old opaque color and stain it in a way that will last. Should I sand it all off or could I power wash it off or strip it? I think the wood is pressure treated pine.
You will need to sand to remove. After you sand it all off, clean and brightener for final prep.
I was curious. If I am stripping a deck that was previously stained. Would I use a brightenener or cleaner afterward! Or does the stripper do all of the work and I’m ready for stain?
Brightener after the stripper. Needs to be used to neutralize the stripper.
Thank You!
I am oil staining old weather beaten deck. Do I need to prep
Yes.
Which type of deck cleaner takes the least amount of time to dry and how soon would that be?
Dry? They all dry the same and that would be weather related.
I have new deck treated wood ,first I need sanding after clean with water after need cleaning and brightener deck ,how long need to wait between cleaner and brightener, cleaner and brightener 2 in 1 its good staff or should be different?
See here about new wood. It cannot be stained right away: https://www.deckstainhelp.com/staining-a-new-deck/
No such thing as a true cleaner and brightener in one. To do it correctly, you need the two steps. You apply the brighener as soon as you are done cleaning.
Hello,
We live in Maryland and have a deck/fence that receives shade in the morning and sun in the afternoon. The fence is cedar and the deck is pressure-treated lumber. We just stained the fence with Behr transparent cedar naturaltone and the deck with Behr semi-transparent sable. I HATE it. I can’t say that we’ll be able to redo it now since it was just done, but if we redo it next year, what would you recommend? I was really hoping for more of a natural cedar look or a walnut color look (similar to the photos in the attached picture)–which definitely didn’t happen. I’m not sure about mold issues because the deck is only a year old and it didn’t seem to have mold before we stained (though it does get very humid here).
I suppose if you could recommend what we’d use to strip this stain next year and restain with something more pleasant that would look similar to the photos, that would be amazing! Thank you.
That’s IPE wood in the 2 pictures. You cannot make PTP look like IPE wood. Closest would be the Armstrong Clark in Chestnut color.
For next year you would have to strip and sand to remove the Behr. Brighten the wood afte.
Thank you! As far as a stripper and brightener, is there a product that you would most suggest for getting the current product off?
Behr is not an easy product to strip. It may take a few applications of stripper and even some sanding. Look at HD80 or Restore A Deck Stripper.
Thank you!
My contractor put 1 coat of Ipe oil on my new Ipe deck about 2 month ago & it already looks dull & need of a 2nd coat. Do I need to utilize both the restore a deck cleaner & brightener? Also, is this safe with my painted aluminum railing & the DYI galvanized steel sheets I installed under the deck as a the deck drainage system to keep the patio dry under the deck?
Yes on both the cleaner and brightener for the prep. Should have no issues tiwh the railings, etc.
I used Sherwin Williams DeckScapes a few years ago (very expensive) because I wanted to use what I assumed was the best! Wow was I wrong and severely disappointed! All that is left are areas that did not get much sun. The rest of the deck has a some patches of the stain that still remain. How do I get the rest of the Deckscapes off of my deck?
Apply a stain stripper, pressure wash, let dry and sand the stubborn areas. Brighten all the wood when done.
Does any of these products cause harm to trees if the rinsing is done where the root may be exposed to the solution ?
We have never had any issues using prep products on 1000s of decks. It could vary though on the brand.
Using dish soap and warm water good?
No, you should use a deck cleaner made for exterior wood when prepping for reapplication.
My dog pooped on an unpainted ipe wood and left a stain. Is there any way to get this stain out of the wood?
Sorry but no idea.
I stained my new cedar deck with Armstrong Clark semi-transparent stain last summer. It held up fairly well over the winter. I don’t want to restain until next year. What can I use to just clean a light amount of dirt and mold that accumulated over the winter?
Try warm water and some dish soap. Use a very soft brush like the ones you sue to wash your car. Nothing too aggressive as it could remove the stain.
My deck has been stained 3 times with SW Deckscapes Advanced waterborne formula Clear sealer that has been tinted with a custom color. They have stopped offering this product so my question is how do I remove the old stain before using a new stain product and color?
You could try stripping but you may need to sand it as well since you have a buildup of coatings. Deck cleaners will not remove this.
My deck was built and stained last year with a stain that let the wood grain show. This year to clean it I used a product from Lowes Called 30 Second Outdoor Cleaner. It said it could be used for decks. I put it on the deck and now I have white blotches all over the deck. It looks terrible. How do I fix?
Hello. Sounds like you will need to strip off the current stain and then brighten the wood. Effectively start over.
A neighbour just poured a concrete patio and we don’t have fences yet so the “dust” ended up leaving gray stains on our 7 day old cedar deck. Any tips?
Not sure on this one. Deck cleaners are not designed to remove concrete dust.
Had concrete dust on my deck. Used a air compressor to blow away dust. Worked well.
Built a deck 2 years ago, wanting to stain now. I know I will have to clean, but is a deck cleaner solution required or can i just use a power washer to remove the dirt and then stain once dry in 2-3 days?
What do you recommend?
Also, what stain do you recommend that has the most natural look (not so much colour)??
You should not prep just with a pressure washer. Using the proper prepping products will make the job easier and it will turn out better. Color amount in your stain is directly related to the UV protection from graying. Clear has not UV protection and lighter tints will have the least amount, requiring reapplication sooner. Look at Armstrong Clark in Natural.
I built my deck 2 summers and i am ready to stain with an oil based semi transparent stain. What type of cleaner should i use to achieve the best cleaning and quickest drying time?
What could I use to clean a cedar deck that has been stained
For prep and reapplying the same stain?
The wood deck at my marina is green in places. I don’t think that anything like a stain or sealer has ever been applied to the wood, it’s just bare. Can I just clean the deck without having to worry about staining or sealing afterwards? What should I use?
Prep with Restore A Deck Kits. As for not staining, it will gray naturally and will not be protected from UV, water, etc.
I have a deck that I stained with TWP 100 2 seasons ago. The stain still looks good, but I need to clean the deck. If I use the Restore-A-Deck kit, will the cleaner damage the existing stain? Will I need to use the brightner afterwards to neutralize the cleaner?
The RAD Kit is for prepping of another coat of stain and yes, it may remove some of the TWP. Do not use unless you plan on applying another coat of TWP.
Thank you. What do you recommend to clean the deck without prepping for another round of staining?
Try warm water and some dish soap. Use a very soft brush like a car wash brush.
I’m trying to figure out how to get dog prints out of my deck. I used soap and water , bit it inhanced the print
There is not an easy way to do this if you have a deck stain on the wood. If you do, best to ask the manuacturer of the stain for help as you do no want to harm the coating.
I have trek decking it has stains and grease spots can you help me.
What are the stains? Grease spots only? Try an all-purpose degreaser cleaner.
I have a cedar log home that needs to be stripped and resealed. Do you have any input on wolman deckbrite? Would this alone work then seal?
Wolman Deck Brite is not a stripper. You will need a stain stripper to remove. See this article:
https://www.deckstainhelp.com/best-deck-stain-strippers/
We used Behr Deck over a year ago and now it is peeling off. Now we need to remove it. This is an old deck that was stained before. What do you suggest to remove this product that is safe for the plants that are surrounding the deck? and what do you suggest we use to stain it again?
A deck cleaner or a deck stain stripper will not remove the Behr Deckover. The Behr Deckover is a heavy solid paint type coating. It will ned to be sanded off to remove or replacement of the wood.
We have a brand new 800sq ft cedar deck that is covered in mold after just a few weeks. We tried cleaning with 4 parts water to 1 part bleach. Not sure if we managed to kill all the mold or not, but regardless, the black stains remain all over the deck. We are planning to finish with TWP 1500, but need to wait until spring per the manufacturers instructions. What is the best way to both clean the mold stains and ensure all the mold is dead? Also, how can we prevent this from happening again??
Clean and brighten for the prep in the Spring with the Restore A Deck Kits and pressure washing. Unfortunately, there is no way to stop mold from coming back. It can grow on top of any stain brand. The TWP does help prevent mold from growing \”in\” the stain.
I have new,freshly stained deck (Sherwin Williams semi-transparent stain) that is covered in Alabama red clay dust. What is your recommendation for removing the clay dust film without harming the finish? Pressurized hose pipe is not enough pressure. Thank you.
Sorry but no idea on this or if possible to do without harming the finish.
I know this sounds funny, but Murphy’s Oil Soap removes Georgia red clay, so maybe Alabama’s also? Make up a solution and try on an inconspicuous spot, then rinse.
Look back at the other questions and replies to find info on blowing concrete dust off a deck. I know nothing about pressurized air; don’t know if you can get something stronger. Good luck.
Can I apply Twp stain ov a deck treated with one time natural? Should I just clean and brighten or is it necessary to use a stripper? Or reapply one time after cleaning? OT has been on for. 4 years.
No you should not do that. You will need to strip off the One Time and brighten after. No stain brand can be applied over the One Time.
We used Olympic Premium deck cleaner on our 3 month old cedar deck to prepare it for staining and now it lighter in color, has dark spots it didn't before and a thin film on the surface after we rinsed it. What happened and how do we fix it?
That has bleach in it. Try to re clean with a better deck cleaner and brighten after. Use a pressure washer with the cleaning.
I have a post and beam BC Cedar covered porch. Posts and railings are cedar with pressure treated deck boards. There is stone on the wall. When built we were told to seal with Varathane, which we did. Last couple of years it has been graying and peeling, so we took on the project to restore this year. We sanded for nearly a week, but there is still some of the varathane sticking, so I went to paint store and they recommended a stripper. I tried it in one part (just painting it on, and it was a horrible mess, darking the wood where the stain had been removed by sanding and forming a goopy mess on the rest of it. I tried to wash it off, with limited success. Let it dry and tried to resand, but wood still remained blotchy dark spots. So, we thought maybe if we used the same product the bit of stain left would just blend with the new….we didn't get very far when we discovered that wouldn't work. I have no idea what to do now. It is complicated by the stone wall, making it difficult to spray on any treatments. Any advice would be appreciated.
Hi Lynn, we already responded to you earlier today.
we have a cedar deck st the cottage that needs help!
It has been stained in previous years.
What should I do?
I am thinking of using Wood Sheild Best cedar semi on it
What should I use first to prep it
Prep by removing any old coatings with a deck stain stripper and pressure washing. Brighten after. Old coatings should always be removed when switching brands.
what cleaner is best to use for a wood balcony with pavers under. I do not want to change the color of the pavers.
thank you
A deck cleaner will not change to color of pavers.
I spilled coffee on the deck and i need to know how to remove the stain… The deck isnt wood…