Best Deck Cleaners 2018 | Best Deck Stain Reviews Ratings

Update for 2019: Best Deck Cleaner for Mold on Decks

Since we’ve published this article, we have received some input on the best deck cleaner for mold on decks. Here at DeckStainHelp.com, we take pride in the fact that we have become the Internet’s go-to source for all things exterior wood and deck restoration related. Like before, we appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below and pictures of your deck stain projects.

Wood decks are not naturally resistant to mold. When speaking of “mold” on decks, mold is a general term people commonly use to describe what might be moss, lichen, green algae, mildew, or other types of fungal growth. Mold is like the universal word to cover anything green or spore-like growing places it should not be growing like on your deck. Mold on decks can cause problems besides just being treacherous to walk on when wet. The issue with mold on decks can range from completely unsightly to decay, wood rot, and major structural damage. The good news is that mold can be removed from decks using common deck cleaning methods.

The best way to rid mold on decks is to use the right cleaner. The best deck cleaner for mold on decks is not bleach. Bleach will kill mold but it can also break down the cellular structure of the wood fibers and dry out the natural oils. Avoid using bleach for wood cleaning at all costs. Bleach-based deck cleaners should also be avoided as they can damage the wood’s lignin. In addition, bleach is only an average cleaner of dirt and grime that also need to be cleaned from the deck prior to staining.

Update for 2019: Bleach vs. Oxygenated Deck Cleaners

Welcome to Deckstainhelp.com, where deck staining experts come to share their knowledge and insights. Water-based stains have come a long way as far as quality and longevity go in the last 10+ years. In this article, we highlight the difference between bleach wood cleaners and oxygenated wood cleaners. As always, comments are encouraged.

Wood deck cleaners are used to clean and prepare exterior wood prior to staining or sealing. Wood cleaners can contain different ingredients and come in different concentrations. The goal of a deck cleaner is to remove natural pollutants like dirt, grime, graying, fungal growth, and sometimes an old failing stain. Most deck cleaners contain caustic detergents that help break up contaminants making it easier to clean by scrubbing or pressure washing. This caustic nature will cause the wood to be alkaline, which is not ideal for accepting stain. Using a deck brightener after cleaning will neutralize the high pH and prepare the deck for stain.

Oxygenated Deck Cleaners

Oxygenated deck cleaners have become increasingly popular in the past decade. These types of deck cleaners contain Sodium Percarbonate an active ingredient that is EPA registered for removing mold and mildew. Oxygenated deck cleaners also include additional surfactants that help boost the total cleaning effectiveness. These powdered concentrated cleaners are mixed with water and applied to the wood with a pump sprayer then scrubbed or pressure washed off. Oxygenated deck cleaners are eco-friendly, easy to use, and extremely effective.