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Best Deck Cleaners of 2023

Updated
Use these awesome deck cleaners to remove stubborn stains. 

Decks are the perfect place to spend those long summer nights, host barbecues, and relax with a book. But they can get pretty dirty pretty fast.

Using one of the best deck cleaners on the market can take your deck from scruffy to spotless in no time.

But with tons of options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide. That’s where we come in!

We’ve researched dozens of products, so you don’t have to. After hours of research, we’ve narrowed it down to the top 10. So keep reading to find the right cleaner for you.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the SaverSystems #1 Deck Wood Cleaner - 2 lbs - Makes 5 Gallons of Wood Deck Cleaning Solution
Best Deck Cleaner for Wood
SaverSystem #1 Deck Wood Cleaner
  • Suitable for a pump sprayer or brush
  • Oxygen bleach safe for plants & pets
  • One tub makes up to five gallons
Product Image of the Zep All-In-1 Pressure Wash Cleaner - 160 ounce (Pack of 2) ZUPPWC160 - Concentrated Pro Formula
Best for Pressure Washing
Zep All-In-1 Pressure Wash Cleaner
  • Cleans stubborn stains, mold & mildew
  • Suitable with a pressure washer
  • Suitable for a range of surfaces
Product Image of the Oil Eater Original 1 Gallon Cleaner, Degreaser - Dissolve Grease Oil and Heavy-Duty Stains – Professional Strength
Best Deck Cleaner for Concrete
Oil Eater Cleaner Degreaser
  • Works as a light & heavy-duty cleaner
  • Safe for most non-food surfaces
  • Non-toxic & biodegradable
Product Image of the Oxy Solve House and Siding Pressure Washer Cleaner - Removes Stains from Mold & Mildew on Vinyl, Aluminum, Wood, Brick, Stucco - Concentrate 1 Gal.
Best Versatile Deck Cleaner
Simple Green Oxy Solve House Cleaner
  • When diluted can clean up to 6,400 sq ft
  • Orally non-toxic formula
  • Remove stubborn stain, moss & mildew
Product Image of the Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Pressure Washer Cleaner – 1 Gal
Best Eco-Friendly Deck Cleaner
Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck Cleaner
  • Eco-friendly & green formula
  • Good for fences, & outdoor structures
  • 1 gallon dilutes up to 21 gallons
Product Image of the Wet & Forget Outdoor Moss, Mold, Mildew, & Algae Stain Remover Multi-Surface Cleaner, Ready to Use, 64 Ounce
Best Deck Cleaner for Algae
Wet & Forget Outdoor
  • No scrubbing necessary
  • Multi-surface cleaner
  • Non-acidic
Product Image of the Mold Armor FG51264 E-Z Deck, Fence and Patio Wash with Hose-End Adaptor, Sprayer, Plain, 64 Ounces
Best Deck Cleaner for Mold
Mold Armor E-Z Deck Wash
  • Visible results within minutes
  • Spray straight from the bottle
  • Kills mold & mildew & removes stains
Product Image of the Krud Kutter DF01 Blue Pressure Washer Concentrate Deck and Fence Cleaner with Sweet Odor, 1 Gallon, 9
Best Value Deck Cleaner
Krud Kutter Deck and Fence Cleaner
  • 1 bottle covers up to 2,000 sq ft
  • Suitable for composite decks & fences
  • Biodegradable & non-toxic water-based
Product Image of the Zep INC 128OZ House/Siding Wash
Best Deck Cleaner for Vinyl
Zep House and Siding Pressure Wash Cleaner
  • Can be used on decks, houses, & siding
  • Only takes 5-10 minutes on decks
  • 1 gallon dilutes up to 20 gallons
Product Image of the Wash Safe™ Spray and Clean Composite Deck Cleaner, 1 Gal. | Remove Black Stains | Cleans Up to 1,500 sq. ft. | Professional Grade for Deep Set Cleaning
Best Deck Cleaner for Composite
Wash Safe Industries Spray and Clean
  • Deep cleans within deck’s pores
  • Remove organic stains like moss & algae
  • Safe around landscaping and pets


Product Reviews

Check out the top 10 deck cleaners for a spotless deck.

1. SaverSystem #1 Deck Wood Cleaner

Best Deck Cleaner for Wood

This deck cleaner is so good that the company itself has named it #1 Deck Wood Cleaner. If you have a wooden deck, we think you’ll be impressed by this.

This comes as a concentrated powder, so a little goes a long way. Simply follow the instructions to mix with water.

We love that this will treat your wood gently while also bringing out its natural beauty. So if your wooden deck is looking subject to wear and tear, this can remove stains and rejuvenate the lovely wood back to its original state.

More good news: this is totally safe for plants, grass, and pets! So you don’t need to worry about your beloved flowers and fur babies getting sick from this product.

What can it clean, you ask? It’s made to clean dirt, grime, and the silvery color that decks tend to go after being subject to various weather elements for years.

Did You Know

You can also use this in other areas such as patios, sidewalks, vinyl siding, driveways and more!

Pros

  • Suitable for a pump sprayer or brush.
  • Oxygen bleach solution, so it’s safe for plants and pets.
  • Spruces up wood back to its original beauty, removes the gray color.
  • One tub makes up to five gallons.

Cons

  • Requires a bit of elbow grease and patience to see results.

Product Specs

Deck Material Wood, vinyl, and concrete
Purpose Removes stains, dirt, grime, and greying appearance
Eco-Friendly Yes
Pressure Washer Compatibility No
Quantity 2.25 pounds — makes 5 gallons

2. Zep All-In-1 Pressure Wash Cleaner

Best Deck Cleaner for Pressure Washing

If you have a pressure washer, it’s a good idea to choose something that can go straight into your power tool. This All-In-1 pressure washer cleaner from Zep is an awesome option.

It’s an all-in-1 formula, so while it works for decks, it’s also great for outdoor furniture, vehicles, siding, patios, driveways, and more surfaces. Considering how low the cost is per fluid ounce, combined with the product’s versatility, this is a very wise investment for your money.

It’s also a concentrated formula, so one gallon actually equates to 26 gallons of cleaner once you dilute it.

What can it clean? All kinds of stubborn stains, including those caused by mold, mildew, and algae. These can be tough stains to remove, so it’s always a blessing when you find something that works well.

Although this is suitable with a pressure washer, you can also apply it manually. So if you don’t have a pressure washer, don’t veto this product yet.

Pros

  • Low cost per fluid ounce, great for folks on a budget.
  • Cleans stubborn stains, including mold and mildew.
  • Suitable with a pressure washer but can also be applied manually.
  • Suitable for a range of surfaces, including decks, cars, and driveways.

Cons

  • May cause skin, eye, and breathing irritation if misused.

Product Specs

Deck Material Any
Purpose Cleans and removes stubborn stains
Eco-Friendly No
Pressure Washer Compatibility Yes
Quantity 1.25 gallons per bottle

3. Oil Eater Cleaner Degreaser

Best Deck Cleaner for Concrete

Concrete decking can be subject to a lot of dirt, and it likes to cling to stubborn stains, too. So if your decking is covered in grease and grime, put this Oil Eater cleaner and degreaser to the test. You can also use it for your driveways and sidewalks too!

This works by dissolving grease and oils using a water-based and biodegradable formula. So you can rest easy knowing you’re protecting the environment while still busting those nasty stains away.

In fact, it’s even been approved by the USDA for basically all non-food surfaces. So while you can’t use it on your kitchen counters, you can use it in a variety of other places. This includes floors, asphalt, boats, siding, bathrooms, and much more.

Of course, you’ll most likely be using it to clean your decking. However, it’s also suitable for cleaning your power tools, exhaust hoods, garages, and other areas.

It works as a heavy-duty concrete cleaner or for light cleaning. Simply follow the diluting instructions on the packaging to know how best to dilute this concentrated product.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly, super low cost per fluid ounce.
  • Works as a light and heavy-duty cleaner.
  • Safe for almost all non-food surfaces.
  • Non-toxic and biodegradable formula.

Cons

  • Requires a lot of scrubbing for the solution to work.
  • Some customers struggled to 100% remove oil stains.

Product Specs

Deck Material Asphalt and concrete
Purpose Dissolves grease and oil
Eco-Friendly Yes
Pressure Washer Compatibility Not specified — try at your own risk
Quantity 1 gallon

4. Simple Green Oxy Solve House Cleaner

Best Versatile Deck Cleaner

Do you want a product that can do it all? Something that can do more than just cleaning decks? Then check out the Simple Green House and Siding Cleaner.

This solution is suitable for cleaning basically any surface surrounding your house. This includes:

  • Vinyl surfaces.
  • Aluminum surfaces.
  • Brick surfaces.
  • Wood surface.
  • Stucco surfaces.
  • And more!

Being a Simple Green product, it’s safe for you, your family, and the environment. So don’t worry about the beautiful landscaping around your home. This handy solution is both effective and gentle. It contains peroxide, which cleans the area without the use of harsh chemicals.

You can say goodbye to stains and discoloration on all kinds of surfaces with this cleaner. In fact, it can even remove algae, mildew, and moss stains! Simply put it in your pressure washer and get to work.

Pros

  • Once diluted, it can clean up to 6,400 square feet.
  • Orally non-toxic formula — safe to use around kids, pets, and plants.
  • Removes stubborn stains, such as moss and mildew.
  • Suitable for a wide variety of surfaces.

Cons

  • Requires some elbow grease and scrubbing on tough stains.
  • Best for light-duty cleaning.
  • Struggles on grass, algae, and other green stains.

Product Specs

Deck Material Vinyl, aluminum, brick, wood, stucco, and more
Purpose Cleans and removes stains
Eco-Friendly Yes
Pressure Washer Compatibility Yes
Quantity 1 gallon — makes up to 21 gallons

5. Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck Cleaner

Best Eco-Friendly Deck Cleaner

No need to use harsh chemicals when there are products as good as Simple Green available. The EPA has approved this as a safer choice product, and it’s totally safe for the environment.

The ingredients are a mix of water, ethoxylated alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, surfactants, and citric acid. There’s nothing too crazy in there and nothing that will cause you or anyone around you harm when the product is used properly.

It’s also a super budget-friendly option. A one-gallon bottle is fairly priced but also covers up to 6,300 square feet. So a little goes a long way.

Of course, you can use this to clean your decking, removing grime, grease, and oil, as well as other stubborn stains. But it’s also suitable for fences and other outdoor structures like gazebos, pergolas, and more.

Plus, grease, grime, and oil aren’t the only substances it can remove. Say goodbye to algae, moss, clay, mold, mildew, and mud stains — all thanks to the power of hydrogen peroxide.

Keep In Mind

This is a pressure-washer compatible formula, so make sure you have a pressure washer at hand.

Pros

  • Eco-friendly and green formula with a hydrogen peroxide base.
  • Suitable for decks, fences, and other outdoor structures.
  • Removes a range of stubborn stains such as moss, mold, and grease.
  • One gallon makes up to 21 gallons when diluted.

Cons

  • Customers had to use the product a few times for good results.

Product Specs

Deck Material All materials
Purpose Cleans and removes stains
Eco-Friendly Yes
Pressure Washer Compatibility Yes
Quantity 1 gallon — makes up to 21 gallons

6. Wet & Forget Outdoor Moss, Mold, Mildew, & Algae Stain Remover

Best Deck Cleaner for Algae

Don’t let algae ruin the appearance and experience of your decking. Instead, use this cleaner to eliminate the algae and blast away the remaining stains. You’ll love that this gets to work in only a few minutes, too.

While you can obviously use this for decking, it’s also suitable for a huge range of surfaces. Put this to the test outdoors on concrete, driveways, brick walls and paths, and upholstery. You can also use it inside on shower walls, bathtubs, kitchen and bath or shower tiles, attics, gutters, and more.

It can remove algae, but it’s also great for removing mold and mildew too. So if these pesky substances are creeping in and around your home — this is quite the product to try.

Pros

  • No scrubbing necessary — requires little effort.
  • Noticeable results after a few hours.
  • Non-acidic multi-purpose cleaner.
  • Works on a variety of indoor and outdoor surfaces.

Cons

  • Bottle is prone to leaking, so you must store it carefully.

Product Specs

Deck Material Wood and composite
Purpose Kills mold, mildew, and algae
Eco-Friendly No
Pressure Washer Compatibility No
Quantity 0.5 gallon

7. Mold Armor E-Z Deck Wash

Best Deck Cleaner for Mold

There really aren’t many stains worse than mold. And when you want to sit and relax on the deck, whether that’s by yourself or with friends, the appearance of mold can be off-putting.

But now you don’t need to worry about it. The Mold Armor E-Z Deck Wash can assist you in blasting that mold and its accompanying stains to the curb once and for all.

The solution is designed not only to remove the mold stains but actually to kill the exterior mold and mildew. This prevents regrowth so you can relax. It will also brighten and clean your deck, so overall, your deck looks a lot less dirty than before.

As well as decking, you can use this solution on fences, composite, sealed wood, and PVC. So it’s a very versatile product to have in the garden shed.

Pros

  • Visible results within minutes.
  • No scrubbing required; simply spray on, wait, then rinse off.
  • Spray straight from the bottle for your convenience.
  • Kills mold and mildew and removes the stains.

Cons

  • Bleach-based, so it’s not eco-friendly.
  • Small nozzle means it takes a while to clean bigger decks.

Product Specs

Deck Material Wood and PVC
Purpose Kills mold, mildew, removes stains, and brightens deck
Eco-Friendly No
Pressure Washer Compatibility No
Quantity 64 ounces

8. Krud Kutter Deck and Fence Cleaner

Best Value Deck Cleaner

We have many budget-friendly options on our list, but for good measure, here’s another high-quality option. This concentrated solution covers up to 2,000 square feet on one gallon of the solution alone.

It’s made with an ingredient called Sporex, a unique cleaner that removes tough and stubborn stains. It particularly works well on wooden surfaces such as decks and fences. Watch as it works to remove bird droppings, mold, mildew, moss, tree sap, acid rain, fungus, and much more.

If you’re growing tired of the way your decking looks, this is a great product to spruce it up completely.

Besides wood, it also works for composite deckings.

Another factor we love about this deck cleaner is that it’s made from a water-based solution that’s non-toxic and biodegradable. So you know you’re not harming the environment when you choose this product.

Plus, it’s non-abrasive, so you won’t cause damage to your deck or fence either.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly, low cost per fluid ounce.
  • One bottle covers up to 2,000 square feet.
  • Suitable for wooden and composite deckings and fences.
  • Biodegradable and non-toxic water-based formula.

Cons

  • Doesn’t kill mold and mildew, it just cleans up the stains.

Product Specs

Deck Material Wood and composite
Purpose Removes various stains
Eco-Friendly Yes
Pressure Washer Compatibility Yes
Quantity 1 gallon

9. Zep House and Siding Pressure Wash Cleaner

Best Deck Cleaner for Vinyl

Technically this is a house and vinyl siding cleaner, but it’s also great for vinyl deckings. You must use this with a pressure washer, so if you don’t have one, this isn’t the right product for you.

This one-gallon bottle can be diluted and make up to 20 gallons of cleaner. Therefore, a little goes a long way! You’re saving pennies where possible to ensure you’re getting the most for your money.

As for cleaning, check out what this product can do. Firstly, it’s great at removing dirt and mildew stains. So if your vinyl decking has been subject to those unsightly stains, this product can help.

Next up, it can revive your vinyl decking. If you recall how your vinyl decking looked when you first got it and miss those days, this can bring it back to its original beauty.

Top Tip

Before and after use, saturate the landscape with water to ensure any product that contacts plants is diluted. Also, don’t let the product dry on the decking before you rinse it off, as this can cause staining.

Pros

  • Versatile — can be used on decks, houses, and siding.
  • Only takes 5-10 minutes to work on cleaning decks.
  • Removes dirt and mildew stains.
  • One gallon makes up to 20 gallons once diluted.

Cons

  • Only suitable with a pressure washer.
  • Struggles to clean mold and mold stains.

Product Specs

Deck Material Vinyl
Purpose Removes dirt and mildew stains, general cleaning
Eco-Friendly No
Pressure Washer Compatibility Yes
Quantity 128 gallons per bottle — makes 20 gallons per bottle

10. Wash Safe Industries Spray and Clean

Best Deck Cleaner for Composite

Give your composite deck some love with this Spray and Clean solution.

This formula is created with a 5% solution of chlorine bleach and a mix of surfactants to deep clean your deck and remove stains. All this without the pain of scrubbing so you can easily see the results with minimal effort. If you have stains all over your deck, this is a great option for you.

You can dilute this product with a 4:1 solution for general cleaning, but you can also use it without diluting. This is great for extremely stubborn stains. The fact that this can be used concentrated or diluted makes it super versatile.

Now the alarm bells might be ringing due to the chlorine bleach, but wait. We have good news. The minimal bleach content means that it’s actually safe for landscaping. So you don’t need to worry about your beautiful grass and plants becoming damaged.

Caution

While it’s also safe around pets and people, we always recommend removing children and pets from the area. You should also ensure to wear protective equipment such as gloves, masks, and eye protection.

Pros

  • Deep cleans within the deck’s pores for maximum results.
  • Removes organic stains from deckings, such as moss and algae.
  • Very easy to use, no scrubbing required.
  • Safe around landscaping and pets — but use with caution.

Cons

  • Contains 5% bleach — not entirely eco-friendly.
  • May leave white residue on decking.

Product Specs

Deck Material Composite
Purpose Cleans and removes organic stains
Eco-Friendly No
Pressure Washer Compatibility No
Quantity 1 gallon

Product Comparison Chart

Product Award Deck Material Purpose Eco-Friendly Pressure Washer Compatibility Quantity
SaverSystem #1 Deck Wood Cleaner Best for Wood Wood, vinyl, & concrete Removes stains, dirt, grime, & greying appearance Yes No 2.25 lbs — makes 5 gal.
Zep All-In-1 Pressure Wash Cleaner Best for Pressure Washing Any Cleans & removes stubborn stains No Yes 1.25 gal.
Oil Eater Cleaner Degreaser Best for Concrete Asphalt & concrete Dissolves grease & oil Yes N/A 1 gallon
Simple Green Oxy Solve House Cleaner Best Versatile Deck Cleaner Vinyl, aluminum, brick, wood, stucco, & more Cleans & removes stains Yes Yes 1 gal. — makes 21 gal.
Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck Cleaner Best Eco-Friendly Deck Cleaner All materials Cleans & removes stains Yes Yes 1 gal. — makes 21 gal.
Wet & Forget Outdoor Best for Algae Wood and composite Kills mold, mildew, & algae No No 0.5 gal
Mold Armor E-Z Deck Wash Best for Mold Wood & PVC Kills mold, mildew, removes stains, brightens deck No No 64 ounces
Krud Kutter Deck and Fence Cleaner Best Value Deck Cleaner Wood & composite Removes various stains Yes Yes 1 gal
Zep House and Siding Pressure Wash Cleaner Best for Vinyl Vinyl Removes dirt & mildew stains, general cleaning No Yes 128 gal. — makes 20 gallons
Wash Safe Industries Spray and Clean Best for Composite Composite Cleans & removes organic stains No No 1 gal

What to Look For (Buying Guide)

Even though we’ve narrowed it down to the top 10, it’s still important to consider what’s important to you to make sure you choose the best one for your deck.

Deck Material

The absolute most important thing you need to consider is your deck’s material. Decks come in a range of materials, and not every cleaner can handle each type. Is your deck made of wood, vinyl, composite, concrete, or something else?

We’ll let you know what materials each cleaner can clean, so you’re not left in the dark.

Purpose

Next, consider what the purpose of the deck cleaner is. Is it just general cleaning, or does it go the extra mile? If you have mold, mildew, algae, or other stains on your deck, make sure to choose a cleaner that can get rid of these.

Eco-friendly

Lots of people are going green with their choice of cleaners. Especially when it comes to outside cleaners as you may want something that will be kind to the surrounding environment.

Always check the ingredients of the deck cleaner to see how natural it is. You should also check if it’s plant and pet safe.

Not many deck cleaners have gone green or natural yet, but we do have a few great recommendations if that’s important to you.

Pressure Washer Compatibility

If you have a pressure washer, plenty of deck cleaner options will work with your beloved power tool. If you don’t have a pressure washer, make sure you’re choosing something that can be used without a pressure washer.

Versatility

You might want something that can clean more than just a deck. There are many options on our list that can be used on a range of materials. In fact, some work for both indoor and outdoor materials.

On the other hand, you may want a cleaner that can do more than just clean. For example, some deck cleaners can also seal the deck, protecting the surface from dust, dirt, and other stains. They may also act as a water repellant to diminish mold, mildew, and algae growth.

Value for Money

When it comes to household products, nobody wants to waste a penny. To get the most bang for your buck with deck cleaners, always check the cost per fluid ounce.

You should also consider whether the cleaner is premixed or concentrated. Generally, concentrated cleaners go further since you can dilute a little bit of the solution with water.

Last but not least, check out if the manufacturer discloses a coverage volume. This will give you a rough idea of how far the deck cleaner solution can go so you know if you’re getting your money’s worth.


FAQs About Deck Cleaning

Can You Use Bleach to Clean Decking?

Yes, bleach is suitable for deck cleaning, and that’s why it’s used in many of the most popular products. However, it’s a good idea for the bleach to be diluted properly and effectively. So we recommend choosing one of these bleach-based cleaners rather than straight bleach.

Will Vinegar Clean Wood Deck?

Yes — mix a 1:1 solution of water and vinegar, and it will work well to clean your deck. It can also remove mold and mildew stains.

Should I Pressure Wash My Deck?

A pressure washer is one of the most effective ways to clean your deck. The power of water alone can often be enough to spruce up the deck and remove stubborn stains.

Top Tip

Try pressure washing your deck without a cleaning solution first. You may find you don’t actually need the additional power of a cleaner.

How Do I Clean My Deck Without Chemicals?

The most effective way is purely with a pressure washer. This is how we clean our deck, and it works wonders. You can also use eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaners, such as the Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck Cleaner. White vinegar is also suitable.

How Do I Make My Own Wood Deck Cleaner?

There are many recipes out there for a DIY deck cleaner. Here is one that’s easy to make and contains no harsh chemicals:

  • Two gallons of hot water.
  • Two cups of powdered oxygen bleach.
  • ¼ cup of dish soap.

Mix these and apply them to your deck with a brush.

How Do You Restore a Weathered Deck?

The best way to restore a weathered deck is to inspect it first, clean it, sand it, and repair any rotten timbers. Once done, you can stain and seal it with an appropriate product.

Can You Use Borax to Clean a Deck?

You can use Borax to clean a deck. Add it to your cleaning agents and it not only enhances the clean, it also kills mold and mildew.


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Headshot of Beth McCallum

About the Author

Beth McCallum

Beth McCallum is a freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism, and English literature. Beth firmly believes that a tidy house is a tidy mind. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too!