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Deck cleaners are essential for maintaining the appeal, longevity, and safety of your outdoor wooden surfaces. They play a crucial role in removing dirt, mold, algae, and other weather-related stains that can build up over time. However, as with anything designed to maintain value, it is important to use the right tools. Using the wrong deck cleaner can harm your deck and make it hard to keep it in top condition. We emphasize that in choosing a deck cleaner, it is necessary to pick one that not only cleans effectively but is also safe for the environment and pet-friendly.
The best deck cleaner should be powerful enough to eliminate built-up grime and stains without damaging the wood or the environment. Look for a solution that is biodegradable, non-toxic, and free from harsh chemicals. It should also be easy to use, requiring minimal scrubbing and rinsing.
Over time, we have used, analyzed, and tested various deck cleaners to determine the ones that offer the most satisfactory results. Our subsequent guide presents the critical information you need to learn about selecting the best deck cleaner. By the end of this article, you will have all the data you need to maintain and restore the original shine and sturdiness of your deck.
Best Deck Cleaners
Choosing the best deck cleaner for your home is influentially decisive upon understanding your specific needs. The cleaner should provide a powerful, yet, safe and eco-friendly formula that ensures a thorough cleaning. With numerous options available in the market, finding the perfect one for your deck can be a challenging task. In this article, we have curated a list of the best deck cleaners available, based on our extensive research and experiences, to help aid your decision making process.
STAR BRITE Non-Skid Deck Cleaner & Protectant -Ultimate Boat Deck Wash – Protects Against Future Stains & UV – Ideal for Fiberglass, Vinyl, Plastic, Painted & Metal Surfaces – 128 OZ Gallon (085900)

If you’re looking for a boat deck cleaner that’s easy to use and provides excellent results, then the STAR BRITE Non-Skid Deck Cleaner & Protectant is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- This deck cleaner is easy to use and doesn’t require any special skills or equipment.
- It effectively removes stains and leaves your boat deck looking clean and fresh.
- The non-skid protection provided by this cleaner is a great bonus and helps to prevent slips and falls on your boat deck.
Cons
- The smell of this cleaner can be quite strong and may be overwhelming for some users.
- It’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your boat deck.
- The price of this cleaner is slightly higher than some other options on the market.
We’ve used the STAR BRITE Non-Skid Deck Cleaner & Protectant on our boat deck and were impressed with the results. The cleaner is easy to apply and doesn’t require any special skills or equipment. We were able to remove stubborn stains and leave our deck looking clean and fresh.
One of the best things about this cleaner is the non-skid protection it provides. This is especially important when you’re out on the water and want to ensure that you have a safe and secure footing. The non-skid protection provided by this cleaner is excellent and helps to prevent slips and falls.
However, it’s important to note that the smell of this cleaner can be quite strong. If you’re sensitive to smells, then you may want to consider using a mask or working in a well-ventilated area. Additionally, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging your boat deck.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the STAR BRITE Non-Skid Deck Cleaner & Protectant to anyone looking for an effective and easy-to-use boat deck cleaner. It provides excellent results and the non-skid protection is a great bonus.
DeckMAX Concentrated Composite & Wood Deck Cleaner Kit

If you’re looking for a reliable and effective deck cleaner, DeckMAX Concentrated Composite & Wood Deck Cleaner Kit is a great option.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Concentrated formula
- Restores and protects your deck
Cons
- Requires a lot of water
- May not work as well on extremely dirty decks
- May require a second application for better results
DeckMAX is a concentrated formula that is easy to use. Simply mix it with water and apply it to your deck. The cleaner is designed to restore and protect your deck, leaving it looking like new.
One of the biggest advantages of DeckMAX is its concentrated formula. This means that you can clean a larger area with less product, making it more cost-effective than other deck cleaners on the market.
However, DeckMAX does require a lot of water. You’ll need to have a hose and a sprayer available to rinse your deck after applying the cleaner. This can be a bit of a hassle if you don’t have a large water supply.
Another potential downside of DeckMAX is that it may not work as well on extremely dirty decks. If your deck is covered in grime and dirt, you may need to apply the cleaner twice to get the best results.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and effective deck cleaner, DeckMAX Concentrated Composite & Wood Deck Cleaner Kit is definitely worth considering. Its concentrated formula, easy-to-use application, and ability to restore and protect your deck make it a great choice for any homeowner.
Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Pressure Washer Cleaner – 1 Gal

If you’re looking for a powerful and safe pressure washer detergent, Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Pressure Washer Cleaner is a great option.
Pros
- Easily removes tough stains like motor oil, grease, and rust
- Safe for use on all exterior surfaces, including concrete, brick, siding, and roofs
- Environmentally friendly with no harsh chemicals
Cons
- May require multiple applications for extremely dirty surfaces
- Scent may be too strong for some users
- Some users may prefer a detergent with a higher pH level for better cleaning of mildew and algae
We’ve used Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Pressure Washer Cleaner to clean our outdoor surfaces, and we’re impressed with its effectiveness. It easily removed tough stains like motor oil and grease, leaving our surfaces looking clean and refreshed.
One of the best things about this detergent is that it’s safe for use on all exterior surfaces. We used it on our concrete, brick, siding, and roofs without any issues. It’s also environmentally friendly, with no harsh chemicals that could harm plants or pets.
However, we did find that it may require multiple applications for extremely dirty surfaces. It also has a strong scent that may be too overpowering for some users. Additionally, some users may prefer a detergent with a higher pH level for better cleaning of mildew and algae.
Overall, if you’re looking for a safe and effective pressure washer detergent, Simple Green Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Pressure Washer Cleaner is definitely worth considering.
Mold Armor E-Z House Fence & Patio Wash, Clear, 64 Fl Oz (FG512M)

If you’re looking for a reliable and effective mold and mildew stain remover, then Mold Armor E-Z House Fence & Patio Wash is a great option to consider.
Pros
- This cleaner is highly concentrated, so you can mix it with water in a 1:256 ratio for superior performance.
- It removes tough stains and leaves surfaces clean and refreshed.
- This cleaner is safe to use on a wide range of surfaces, including vinyl, wood, brick, stucco, and more.
Cons
- The smell of this cleaner can be quite strong, so it’s best to use it in a well-ventilated area.
- Some users have reported that this cleaner can be a bit difficult to rinse off completely.
- While this cleaner is effective at removing mold and mildew stains, it may not be as effective at preventing them from coming back in the future.
Overall, we’ve found that Mold Armor E-Z House Fence & Patio Wash is a great option for those looking to clean and refresh their outdoor surfaces. It’s highly concentrated, so you can use less of it while still getting great results. It’s also safe to use on a wide range of surfaces, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your patio or fence.
One thing to keep in mind is that the smell of this cleaner can be quite strong, so it’s best to use it in a well-ventilated area. Additionally, some users have reported that this cleaner can be a bit difficult to rinse off completely, so you may need to spend a bit of extra time cleaning your surfaces.
Despite these minor drawbacks, we’ve found that Mold Armor E-Z House Fence & Patio Wash is a reliable and effective option for those looking to clean and refresh their outdoor surfaces. It’s definitely worth considering if you’re in the market for a mold and mildew stain remover.
Scotts Outdoor Cleaner Multi Purpose Formula: Ready-to-Spray, Bleach-Free, Use on Decks, Siding, Stone and Patio Furniture, 32 oz.

If you’re looking for a versatile cleaner that can tackle dirt, grime, and stains on various surfaces, Scotts Outdoor Cleaner Multi Purpose Formula is worth considering.
Pros
- Scotts Outdoor Cleaner Multi Purpose Formula is a ready-to-use cleaner that requires no mixing, making it easy to use and convenient.
- This cleaner is bleach-free, making it safe to use on a wide range of surfaces, including decks, siding, stone, and patio furniture.
- Scotts Outdoor Cleaner Multi Purpose Formula is effective in removing dirt, grime, and stains, leaving surfaces looking clean and refreshed.
Cons
- Some users have reported that Scotts Outdoor Cleaner Multi Purpose Formula is not as effective on extremely dirty surfaces, requiring multiple applications for optimal results.
- While Scotts Outdoor Cleaner Multi Purpose Formula is safe to use on most surfaces, it’s always a good idea to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility.
- This cleaner may not be suitable for use on very delicate or fragile surfaces.
Overall, we found Scotts Outdoor Cleaner Multi Purpose Formula to be a reliable and effective cleaner for a variety of outdoor surfaces. Its ready-to-use formula and bleach-free composition make it a convenient and safe option for most users.
If you’re looking for a versatile cleaner that can handle a range of outdoor cleaning tasks, Scotts Outdoor Cleaner Multi Purpose Formula is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best deck cleaner, there are several factors to consider. These factors can help ensure that you choose a product that will effectively clean your deck while also being safe and easy to use.
Type of Cleaner
One of the first factors to consider is the type of cleaner you want to use. There are several types of deck cleaners available, including:
- Pressure washers
- Chemical cleaners
- Bleach
- Power washers
- Steam cleaners
Each type of cleaner has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs. For example, pressure washers are great for removing tough stains, but they can also damage your deck if not used carefully. Chemical cleaners, on the other hand, can be more effective at removing stains, but they can also be harmful to the environment and your skin.
Ingredients
Another important factor to consider is the ingredients in the cleaner. Look for products that are free from harsh chemicals and are safe for the environment. Additionally, make sure the cleaner is safe for your deck material. For example, bleach can be effective at cleaning wood decks, but it can also cause damage if left on for too long.
Ease of Use
Finally, consider the ease of use of the cleaner. Look for products that are easy to apply and don’t require a lot of preparation. Additionally, consider the cleanup process. Some cleaners can be difficult to rinse off, while others may require a lot of water.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best deck cleaner for your needs. Remember to always read the instructions carefully and test the cleaner on a small area before applying it to the entire deck.