Update for 2019: Using Bleach to Clean 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. Since we’ve published this article, we have received some input on the best deck cleaner to use on wood decks. Like before, we do not recommend cleaners with bleach. Instead, opt for a high-quality cleaner without bleach. We always appreciate your input, so feel free to leave a comment below with pictures of your deck stain projects.
Bleach and Wood Decks. Is it a good idea?
Bleach Is Bad For Wood
There is a lot of debate as to whether or not bleach or bleach-based products can be used to clean a wood deck. After all, bleach is cheap and readily available and has always been known as a household cleaner. To better understand this dilemma, let’s take a look at what bleach is.
There are several types of bleach but we will stick to the most common. Chlorine bleach like found in swimming pools and household bleach contains sodium hypochlorite. Oxygen bleach like found in many bleach based wood cleaners contains hydrogen peroxide or sodium percarbonate. All of the top 3 deck cleaner we rate contains a blend of sodium percarbonate and special buffers that are designed to work on exterior wood.
Typically for cleaning wood, the sodium percarbonate cleaners fair much better than sodium hypochlorite bleach. The bleach that most are referring to when asking if it is safe on wood, is generally regular household bleach or chlorine. This type of bleach has been proven to whiten the wood and damage the wood’s lignin that helps bind the cellular structure of the wood. In other words, bleach (sodium hypochlorite) can damage the wood cells.
In addition, although bleach does an excellent job of removing mold and mildew, it is only an average cleaner at best. Bleach will not remove some of the dirt and grime that may be present in the wood. Removing old existing deck stains or sealers from the wood prior to refinishing is another crucial step in restoring a deck. Bleach will also not remove these contaminants resulting in a poor finish.
There are much better wood deck cleaning alternatives out there other than bleach or bleach-based cleaners. Bleach is not a great wood cleaner, it can damage the wood fibers, and can be unsafe to handle. Stick with cleaners that are designed for wood cleaning and prepping wood decks for stain.
Have A Question on Deck Cleaning? Ask Below
I used Behr Deckover on my deck a couple years ago, what household cleaner is safe to clean it?
Probably anyone of them will work for cleaning.
Unfortunately, I used bleach on my deck this week before I read your column. How can I neutralize damage before I apply TWP?
Prep with TWP’s Gemini Restore Kit and that will fix it.
I’m looking for deck cleaner that is pet friendly
Try Restore A Deck Cleaner.
I used chlorine beach mixed with water to scrub lumber stamps on pressure treated deck (about 1 yr old). It partially worked but bleached out the areas badly. I want to clean/stain deck. Got RAD cleaner and brightener. Put cleaner on part of deck. After scrubbing, it was not lightened like the spots I bleached (didn’t put on brightener). Planning on using translucent or semi-transparent stains but these white spots will show thru! See pics. What can i do get the deck uniform in color? Would pressure washer do it?
You will probably have to use the beach on all the wood so it evens out. Basically, make the rest of the deck look like the spots.
Thanks but that would basically mean cleaning entire deck with Clorox bleach (diluted 1 part bleach to 1 part water). Won’t that be really bad for my deck (according to everything I’ve read). If instead I just continue doing rest of deck with RAD cleaner and the brightener, and spots still show, would semi-solid stain cover up enough so that it all looks uniform. I was planning to use a semitransparent but I don’t think it would cover the problem. Don’t want to use a semi solid but may be only choice now. Would semi solid cover this? I was thinking of the Armstrong brand since it got better ratings than other semi solids.
Unfortunately, that is the only way to fix it. A semi-solid will not cover or blend this.
Ok thanks. Can you advise what ratio of beach to water. For the deck stamps I used even parts. But I’m afraid to use it that strong as your site says using beach is very bad.
Same ratio as before. At this point it is the only way to even out.
Sorry one more follow up question. If I do use the bleach/water on the whole deck should I use the RAD brightener after that?
Yes.
How should I treat a mahogany deck if I had begun using bleach to clean it? Someone suggested spraying it w white vinegar.
Neutralize it with a wood brightener.