It’s the end of the summer, and what a season. The warm weather on the 4th was great, and there was plenty of playtime in the pool with the family this year. Spending time lounging out on the deck is a great way to spend the afternoon.
Whether your deck is poolside or overlooking the natural beauty of a valley rift, it offers a space for you to relax and reflect. However, after a summer season of foot traffic, your deck is probably looking a little worse for wear. After searching for the best deck cleaner, you get thousands of results, and you feel like giving up and waiting for the rain to clean off the mess. Fortunately, we did the hard work of finding the best products for your deck cleaning needs.
In this review, we’ll walk you through our choices for the best deck cleaner products. We’ll make recommendations on the right product for your application and show you what to look for in the right cleaner product for your deck.
Our Top Picks
Cleaning your deck is an intensive exercise. You need the right formulation to match the cleaning requirements of your deck materials. With the right product, you get fast and efficient cleaning of your deck without the need for excessive scrubbing and rinsing.
If you want to skip the rest of the review, then use this section as your buying guide. We cover the three best deck cleaner products we could find. We selected three products in different categories to suit your cleaning needs and your budget.
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- The Best Pick: 30-Seconds Outdoor Cleaner
We chose this deck cleaner as the top product in our review. It’s great for cleaning decks and a variety of other outdoor surfaces around the yard. You get a potent anti-microbial formulation with powerful cleaning action. This cleaner comes in a spray bottle configuration, allowing you to connect your garden hose to the bottle for easy mixing and cleaning your deck. - The Premium Pick: Wet & Forget Treatment
This Wet & Forget cleaner product is another top choice for your deck cleaning duties. It takes the spot as the best premium product in this review, offering you superior cleaning power that lifts stains from various materials. This product comes in a spray bottle setup, allowing for the easy attachment of your garden hose for mixing and applying to the deck. - The Budget Pick: Mold Armor E-Z Deck Cleaner
This product wins our award for the best budget deck cleaner in this review. Despite its affordable price tag, Mold Armor E-Z deck cleaner comes with all the top products’ advantages in this review. It’s suitable for use on various surfaces around the yard, making the wood look new in minutes.
Deck Cleaner Reviews
Now that you have an idea of the top products in this review, let’s unpack them in further detail. We’ll also review a few other products that qualify for the title of the best deck cleaner.
After you finish the reviews, make sure you read through our buyer’s guide. We’ll give you some helpful tips for selecting the right deck cleaner for your deck.
30-Seconds Outdoor Cleaner
Cleaning your deck is a challenging task that takes time and effort – unless you use this product. In just 30-seconds, you could be on your way to a cleaner deck, with no scrubbing or hard work needed to produce a deep cleaning effect.
This formula features anti-microbial agents that combat mildew and mold growth, ensuring your deck never rots or becomes a health hazard. This product is super-easy to use. You connect your garden homes to the inlet on the rear of the spray bottle head.
- CLEANS STAINS CAUSED BY ORGANIC GROWTH: 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner rapid cleans stains caused by algae, mold, mildew and moss
- EASY TO USE: Just spray on to the surface you would like to clean and hose off! No more pressure washing
- SAFE FOR LAWN AND PLANTS: When used as directed, 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner will not harm your lawn, trees, shrubs or landscaping
- EFFECTIVE FOR MULTIPLE SURFACES: Works great on wood decks, concrete sidewalks, asphalt driveways, brick walls, most canvas awnings, plastic outdoor furniture, vinyl siding & more!
- GREAT VALUE: 1 Gallon of Concentrate cleans up to 200 square feet on porous surfaces, and up to 600 square feet on non-porous surfaces. This offer is for (3) 64oz bottles of our outdoor wash with hose end sprayer
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Depress the trigger, and the bottle releases a premixed dose of deck cleaner onto your surface. This formula works with all deck materials, producing a deep, long-lasting cleaning effect without the hassle of scrubbing.
Spray on the cleaner, wait thirty seconds, remove the spray bottle, and rinse. That’s all it takes to have a clean deck. This low maintenance product wins our award for the best overall deck cleaner in this review, and it comes in a three-pack for a great value.
- Anti-microbial for protection against mold and mildew
- Spray hose connection
- Works on a variety of deck materials
- Three- pack for affordability
- Rinses off in seconds
- Suitable for lifting tough stains
Available to Purchase From:
View on AmazonOther Reviews:
Wet & Forget Treatment
This deck cleaner product from Wet & Forget is another excellent choice for your cleaning duties. This potent cleaning formula requires no scrubbing for activation, and it lifts the toughest stains from any deck material.
With the Wet & Forget formula, you get a convenient spray bottle applicator. Connect the garden hose to the bottle, turn on the water, and pull the trigger. The spray bottle head mixes the water with the cleaner, providing accurate dosing of your product.
No products found.
After dousing your deck with Wet & Forget, leave the product to soak for a few minutes to lift tough stains, and then rinse away with your garden hose for the best results. One bottle of Wet & Forget is enough to cover 2,000-square feet of deck, giving you multiple treatments in one bottle.
This formula offers you a powerful cleaning action, but it’s expensive. Still, if you want the best cleaning product available, we recommend you go with Wet & Forget.
- Convenient spray bottle applicator
- Anti-microbial formula
- No scrubbing formula
- Covers 2,000-square feet
- Rinses clean
- Removes tough stains
Available to Purchase From:
No products found.Other Reviews:
Mold Armor E-Z Deck Cleaner
Homeowners looking for the best budget buy in this review will get the best value from this Mold Armor E-Z deck cleaner. This product features an anti-microbial formulation, offering you protection from mildew and mold. That’s an important feature for wooden decks, as these pathogens can cause rot in the materials. It’s the ideal choice for coastal or lakeside homes.
This product comes in a ready-to-mix formulation, with a handy hose-connector spray head. Plug the hose into the bottle, and the water pressure mixes the deck cleaner to the required ration before ejecting it through the spray head.
- KILLS MOLD AND MILDEW: MOLD ARMOR E-Z Deck, Fence and Patio Wash kills exterior mold and mildew, cleaning and brightening in minutes. Designed with a hose-end adapter to attach to a garden hose for application.
- POWERFUL CLEANING SOLUTION for use on decks, fences, painted/sealed wood, composite, PVC, restored and resurfaced finishes.
- RESTORES NATURAL LOOK: Makes wood look like new again in minutes, restoring the natural look of weathered, discolored wood.
- EASY TO USE: Simply attach a garden hose while valve is in the OFF position, spray on surfaces, wait 10 minutes, then wash off. No scrubbing!
- PERFECT FOR PREPARING SURFACES: Use this outdoor cleaner to clean and prepare wood surfaces prior to painting.
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The result is a fast and efficient application of your deck cleaner, with no need for a pressure washer. The active formulation in this Mold Armor product gets to work straight away, lifting the toughest stains.
We recommend this product for wooden decks. It produces outstanding results, providing a deep clean that keeps your deck looking in tip-top condition.
- Affordable
- Anti-microbial formula
- Spray bottle applicator
- Works on a variety of materials
- An excellent choice for wood decks
Available to Purchase From:
View on AmazonOther Reviews:
SeaChoice Non-Skid Deck Cleaner
This deck cleaner from SeaChoice is a great choice for humid environments like oceanside or lakeside decks. These decks can experience water buildup on the surface, resulting in a slip-and-fall risk. This deck cleaner features formulation with PTEF, a compound that improves traction on your deck.
No products found.
The SeaChoice deck cleaner doesn’t come with a handy applicator, but it’s compatible with all pressure washers and won’t damage O-rings in the machine. You get a concentrated formula with easy mixing. This product comes with anti-microbial protection, ensuring no mold or mildew is growing under or around your deck.
It’s a good choice for wood and composite decks, and it also works on aluminum surfaces. You get long-lasting protection and enough coverage for 2,000-square feet per gallon.
- A great choice for coastal homes and venues
- Non-skid formulation with PTEF
- Effective at lifting hard stains
- Affordable
Available to Purchase From:
No products found.Charlie’s Soap Indoor & Outdoor Surface Cleaner
Charlie’s Soap is a trusted home brand across the United States. This Soap offers you incredible cleaning strength that’s suitable for many cleaning duties around the home, including your deck. Charlie’s Soap features design and formulation with biodegradable materials that won’t harm the environment.
- MULTI-SURFACE CLEANER: Use Charlie’s Indoor & Outdoor Spray to clean any indoor or outdoor surface, including decks, cars, boards, bikes, driveways, siding, walls, pets, hands, engines, furniture, grills and more.
- EASY TO USE: Just spray on, scrub, wait minutes, and rinse off. Let the spray remain on the surface for as long as 30 minutes for tougher-to-clean projects.
- SAFE & EFFECTIVE: Contains no abrasives, lye, phosphates, bleach, dyes, perfume, or fillers, so it’s safe for all washable surfaces and to use around your family. No need to use gloves.
- NON-TOXIC - Water based formula breaks the bonds between soil and surface to gently releases grease and grime. No gloves necessary, when used as directed.
- BIODEGRADABLE – The formula in our environmentally safe surface cleaner is made with natural ingredients to tackle any heavy-duty jobs.
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This formula comes in a concentrated format, with mixing directions on the label. To remove toughened stains on your deck, use it at a 1:1 ratio. For lighter cleaning work, you can dilute it at a 10:1 ratio. Charlie’s Soap is compatible for use in pressure washer systems and won’t dry out O-rings, as long as you’re diluting it at the 10:1 ratio.
There’s no handy spray bottle applicator, and you do have to do some light scrubbing with this product. However, it produces eye-pleasing results on various surfaces, and you get a biodegradable formula that’s kind on the environment.
- Multi-purpose cleaner for all deck materials
- Effective at lifting hard stains
- No bleach or toxic ingredients
- Biodegradable
- Trusted brand
Available to Purchase From:
View on AmazonOther Reviews:
Starbrite Non-Skid Deck Cleaner
This deck cleaner is a great choice for homeowners in humid environments. If you live near a lake or the ocean, you probably notice how your deck can get slippery sometimes. This Starbrite deck cleaner features formulation with PTEF, providing traction to your deck, even when it’s wet.
No products found.
This deck cleaner comes with a powerful cleaning action, lifting the toughest stains. You also get anti-microbial protection included in the product. Decks in humid areas are at risk of mold and mildew growth. These pathogens can penetrate your wood, causing rot and a costly replacement.
With this product, you get a two-pack deal for great value, giving you 2,000-square feet of coverage. This product doesn’t come with an applicator bottle. However, you can dilute it according to manufacturer specifications and use it in the pressure washer.
- A good choice for coastal decks
- Non-slip formula with PTEF
- The two-pack deal offers excellent value
- No hard scrubbing
- Suitable for all deck materials
- Chelating agents for potent cleaning power
Available to Purchase From:
No products found.Rust-Oleum RockSolid Deck Cleaner
Rust-Oleum makes some of the best paints and cleaners available; it’s a trusted brand and a household name across the country. This premium deck cleaner features formulation with active ingredients that restore wood decks to looking like new.
- Ideal cleaner for both wood and composite surfaces including decks, siding, fences as well as broom swept and porous concrete surfaces
- Concentrated formula prepares decks and patios for proper adhesion and penetration of protective coatings
- Covers up to 2, 500 sq feet per gallon
- Removes tough dirt from decks and patios
- Eliminates residual traces of old sealers and Waterproofers from weathered wood as well as invisible coating Barriers
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This Rust-Oleum formula is also ideal for cleaning composite decks. You don’t get a handy spray bottle applicator. However, this product is suitable for pressure washer systems without causing damage to seals and O-rings. It comes in a concentrated format, with dilution guidelines on the bottle for easy mixing.
You get coverage of up to 2,500-square feet per gallon and excellent cleaning action that even removes traces of old stain and sealer. This product also features an anti-microbial formulation, making it a top choice for coastal and lakeside decks.
- An ideal choice for wood and composite decks
- 2,500-square feet of coverage per gallon
- Anti-microbial formula
- Removes old traces of sealer and waterproofing
- Cleans wood effectively and efficiently
- No hard scrubbing
Available to Purchase From:
View on AmazonOther Reviews:
Olympic Stain Premium Deck Brightener & Wash
Olympic Stain has a highly successful range of staining products for your deck, and now they add to its catalog with this deck cleaner. You get an advanced formulation specifically designed for the best results on wooden decks. This Olympic Stain product features premium materials designed to lift tough stains from any surface.
- Gently washes away dirt from previously stained surfaces
- Excellent for rust & tannin stains
- Ready to use - no mixing
- Gentle cleaner for previously stained wood as well bare cedar and redwood
- Use on decks, wood siding, fences, composite decking and more
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You don’t get a convenient pressure washer bottle included with this ready-mix formula. It’s compatible for use in a pressure washer for the best results. If you don’t have a pressure washer, just pour the cleaner onto your deck, and give it a light scrubbing with a brush to remove hard stains.
This formula removes tanning stains and rust from the wood without any hassle. This Olympic Stain product is an excellent choice for exotic hardwoods and other delicate materials like Redwoods and bare cedar.
- Suitable for wood and composite decks
- A good choice for removing tannin stains
- Removes rust stains
- No mixing needed
- Works well on previously stained wood
Available to Purchase From:
View on AmazonOther Reviews:
Krud Kutter Deck and Fence Cleaner
If you’re looking for a general-purpose deck cleaner that’s affordable and effective, we recommend this Krud Kutter product. You get an advanced biodegradable formulation featuring non-toxic ingredients. This product comes in a concentrated format, with easy mixing instructions on the bottle.
- Contains "Sporex" a unique additive which removes tough stains from mildew, mold, algae, fungus and moss and restores the original look to wood decks and fences
- Dissolves the toughest stains from dirt, oil, grease, bird droppings, tree sap and acid rain
- Great for use on composite decks
- water-based, biodegradable, non-flammable, non-toxic and non-abrasive
- Coverage up to 2000 square feet
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You don’t have a handy spray bottle applicator with this product. However, it’s suitable for pressure washers without causing damage to O-rings and seals in the machine. Krud Kutter offers you an eco-friendly deck cleaner with easy application and powerful cleaning action.
This product features an anti-microbial formulation, killing all fungus mold, and mildew on your deck. You get long-lasting protection for your deck in humid environments and easy application and rinsing, with no scrubbing required.
- Anti-microbial formula
- Cuts through tough grease and grime
- Suitable for use in pressure washers
- Biodegradable
- Non-toxic formula
- Works on various materials
Available to Purchase From:
View on AmazonDeck Cleaner Buyer’s Guide
Keeping your deck in pristine condition enhances its beauty, increasing the value and appeal of your home. The deck takes a surprising amount of punishment during the year, and after a summer season of spending time outdoors, it could use a wash.
After reading through the product reviews, you probably have an idea of the best deck cleaner to suit the job. However, if you’re looking for more information on selecting the right deck cleaner, this section will give you the guidance you need.
Why Do I Need a Deck Cleaner?
Your deck requires seasonal maintenance, just like all the other fixtures and features around your property. If you don’t take care of your deck, the dirty can damage your wood, and mildew or mold starts to grow in the dark corners. If you don’t clean the deck, it becomes an unattractive mess, and the mold can begin to rot the wood.
Using a deck cleaner solution once or twice a year keeps your deck looking great. Most deck cleaner formulas come with protective ingredients that combat the spread of mold, safeguarding your property and family from mold spores. Deck cleaners help to maintain the natural beauty of your deck, regardless of the materials.
Do I Need a Different Deck Cleaner for Aluminum and Wood Decks?
Most deck cleaners come with specialized formulations. Some have mold protection, while others offer non-slip properties that prevent accidents on wet decks.
There are several products in this review that offer the fast and effective cleaning of a variety of deck materials. From concrete to wood or aluminum, there’s a cleaning product designed with your deck in mind.
Aluminum decks might not agree with a cleaner designed for wood. Therefore, you’ll need to look for a cleaner specializing in aluminum or a cross-design formula that can clean any material.
What are the Features of a Good Deck Cleaner Product?
What do you need to look for in the ideal deck cleaner product? Let’s unpack the specifics of the best deck cleaner for your yard.
- Anti-Microbial Formulation – As mentioned, look for products featuring anti-microbial protection from mold and mildew. This feature is especially important for coastal and lakeside decks. Without this protective ingredient, your deck is at risk of developing wood rot, requiring repair or replacement.
- Spray Bottle Application – Some products come in handy spray bottle packaging. You hook the garden hose attachment up to the spray bottle’s rear and turn on the water. When you pull the trigger on the spray bottle, the water pressure automatically mixes the cleaner with the right ratio of water. Many of these products are ideal for cleaning roofs, and they also make cleaning your deck a breeze.
- Premixed or Concentrate? – Some products come in a premixed format for use right out of the container. They typically offer pour-on application and manual scrubbing to lift hard stains. Concentrate formulas feature design for use in pressure washers. Add the preferred amount of concentrate, and start your pressure washer to apply the product to your deck. Look for cleaners that are O-ring and seal safe.
- Cleaning Action – Your deck cleaner should feature a strong cleaning action, with formulation to lift tough stains. Spray-on products typically require you to leave them to soak into the surface for a few minutes before washing off with the hose.
- Is Scrubbing Required? – Some formulations require scrubbing to lift stains. Most of these formulations are premixed formulas suitable for use right out of the bottle. You’ll have to scrub the hard stains on the deck and leave the cleaner to penetrate the wood before washing away with the garden hose.
- Value for Money – Cost should be a consideration when purchasing your deck cleaner. Some products are more expensive than others. If you’re buying a formula that comes with spray-on action and a handy applicator, you can expect to pay more than you would for a premixed, pour-on solution. Some products are available in value packs, allowing you to get more value for your money if you buy in bulk.
- Trusted Brand – When purchasing your ideal deck cleaner, we recommend going with a trusted brand. All the products in this review come from trusted manufacturers in the deck cleaner, paint, and adhesives industries. These companies have extensive market reputations for producing top-quality products for your yard and deck.
- How Do You Clean It Off Your Deck? – Some formulas require scrubbing pushing off your deck, while others offer easy wash-off with your garden hose.
- Non-Toxic and Biodegradable Ingredients – It’s vital that you choose a product with non-toxic and biodegradable ingredients. Safe formulations are kinder on the environment, reducing your home’s effect on the local area.
- Non-Slip additives – If you have a deck near the ocean or a lake, you probably notice how it gets wet with ocean spray or condensation in the early morning. Look for deck cleaners featuring non-slip additives, like PTEF. PTEF leaves a protective non-slip layer on your deck that gives you traction to the surface in wet weather.
- Compatibility with Pressure Washers – Some deck cleaner come in spray bottles that connect to your hose for easy application. Others come in a concentrated format, allowing you to use them in your pressure washer. Pressure washing your deck is much easier than using the garden hose, producing outstanding results.
How to Use a Deck Cleaner: A Step-by-Step Guide
In this section, we’ll give you step-by-step instructions for using your deck cleaner.
Step 1 – Premix or Concentrate?
If you’re using a premix, you can apply it to the deck and start scrubbing. Premix formulas require you to do the manual labor involved with cleaning your deck.
If you don’t feel scrubbing, we recommend going with a formula for a pressure washer or purchasing a product with a spray applicator.
Step 2 – Pressure Washer or Spray Bottle Applicator?
Concentrate formulas are for pressure washers or spray gun attachments. If you have a pressure washer, fill the dedicated liquid compartment, and start the machine.
If you’re using a spray applicator included with your purchase, connect the garden hose and turn on the water to prime the device.
Step 3 – Clean the Deck
After filling your pressure washer or connecting your hose to the spray applicator, spray down your deck. Start at one corner, and work your way around in a uniform fashion.
Pressure washer systems are the best choice for cleaning your deck, but not every home has one of these machines. If that’s the case for you, then a spray-gun applicator is a close runner-up to the pressure washer.
Step 4 – Leave to Soak
After applying your deck cleaner, leave it to soak. The formula seeps into the wood, lifting stains. Rinsing too early won’t give the formula time to penetrate tough stains, and you’ll have to repeat the treatment.
Step 5 – Rinse Clean
After a few minutes, you can wash the cleaner away using the garden hose or your pressure washer. Pressure washers are ideal for this purpose, but a garden hose will do the job.
Step 6 – Repeat as Necessary
If you have a very dirty deck, you might have to repeat the treatment. However, if your deck looks clean, we recommend repeating your cleaning treatment as necessary but do it at least once a year at the end of the summer.
Deck Cleaner FAQs
Do I need to brush my deck after spraying it with a cleaner?
Some formulations don’t require any scrubbing to lift tough stains. You spray it on and then return in a few hours and hose down the deck. The powerful cleaning action in the formula lifts stains and strips dirt without the need for scrubbing.
How do I apply the deck cleaner?
Most of the top products in this review come with convenient hose adapters for easy spraying and cleaning your deck. However, if you purchase a product that doesn’t have the spray bottle feature, you’ll have to mix it yourself. Make sure you follow the manufacturer guidelines when diluting the product, and spray it onto your deck using a pressure spray bottle.
Do I need anti-microbial protection in my deck cleaner?
If you live in a dry and hot environment, such as Scottsdale, Arizona, then you don’t need anti-microbial protection for your deck cleaner. Anti-microbial formulations kill mold and mildew growth. Hot and arid climates are inhospitable environments for mold and mildew, and we doubt you’ll have a problem. However, if you live near the ocean or a lake, where humidity levels are high, you’re going to need an anti-microbial formulation.
Where can I buy the best deck cleaner?
We recommend you pick up your deck cleaner from Amazon. Amazon is America’s most trusted online retailer and a global leader in eCommerce. With Amazon Prime, you get fast, free shipping to your door, and buyer protection on your order. Amazon has the best product range and the lowest prices available online. If you’re not happy with your deck cleaner, Amazon offers hassle-free returns.
Deck Cleaners – The Verdict
Make your deck cleaning duties easier this year with one of the top products in this review. We understand that it’s challenging settling on a single product when there are so many good choices. If you’re having trouble with your selection, why not go with one of our top picks?
- The 30-Seconds Outdoor Cleaner is a great option for your deck cleaner. This product comes in a three-pack, giving you around two years’ worth of deck cleaner. You get a spray bottle configuration for easy mixing and cleaning action. The anti-microbial protection from the formula stops mildew and mold growth, protecting your family from infection while preventing rot in your deck.
- The Wet & Forget Treatment is our choice for the best premium deck cleaner in this review. You get anti-microbial protection, and powerful cleaning action, in the same user-friendly spray bottle applicator. This product is expensive, but it works on a variety of materials, including aluminum decks.
- The Mold Armor E-Z Deck Cleaner wins our award for the best budget product in this review. You get all the benefits of the top products, including the spray bottle applicator and anti-microbial protection. This cleaner is suitable for any deck material, with an affordable price tag and decent coverage.
