Can you use simple green on wood decks?

Author: Cathryn Vandervort IV  |  Last update: Monday, March 30, 2026

USING A PRESSURE WASHER Apply Simple Green to the deck in sections, keeping the tip at least 2 feet from the surface of your deck. Allow 5-10 minutes for the solution to loosen soils.

Is Simple Green safe on wood?

Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner removes grease and grime from wood surfaces, while the biodegradable* formula makes it safer for use at home. The powerful degreaser also wipes away fingerprints and removes dirt, grease, grime and built up residue, leaving behind a streak-free surface that won't harm the wood's finish.

Where should you not use Simple Green?

Environmental Precautions: Do not allow into open waterways and ground water systems.

How do you clean a deck without damaging the wood?

How to Clean Your Deck the Right Way
  1. Be sure to use cleaning products and materials that won't harm your deck — or you. ...
  2. Clear Off the Deck. ...
  3. Sweep the Deck Boards. ...
  4. Pre-rinse the Deck. ...
  5. Apply Deck Cleaner. ...
  6. Rinse the Deck. ...
  7. Pre-rinse the Wood. ...
  8. Use a Stiff Bristle Brush.

What is the best thing to clean decking with?

To clean the deck, make up a gentle cleaning solution with warm water and liquid dish soap. Alternatively, you can use a speciality wood deck cleaner. Saturate the surface and scrub the deck with a stiff-bristled brush or sponge until the cleaning solution starts to lather.

Cleaning plastic lumber deck using full strength simple green

What is the best household cleaner for a deck?

7 Most Effective DIY Deck Cleaners
  • Baking Soda and Water. A gentle yet effective cleaner, baking soda mixed with water is great for removing general grime, water stains, and discolouration. ...
  • Vinegar and Baking Soda. ...
  • Bleach Cleaner. ...
  • Borax and Dish Soap. ...
  • Dish Soap and Water. ...
  • Tea Tree Oil and Water. ...
  • Safety Tips.

Can I use Dawn to clean my wood deck?

Yes, Dawn dish soap can be safely used to clean your deck. In fact, a mixture of Dawn dish soap and hot water is a popular and effective cleaning solution for decks. However, if you have hard water, be cautious as it may leave some residue.

Can I use simple green to clean a deck?

Apply Simple Green to the deck in sections, keeping the tip at least 2 feet from the surface of your deck. Allow 5-10 minutes for the solution to loosen soils. Do not allow the solution to dry on the surface. Scrub visibly dirty areas lightly to remove heavy soils.

Does vinegar damage a wood deck?

You also don't want vinegar on your decking for long periods of time. The reason behind this is that vinegar contains acid. That's the main reason why it can remove stains. But if you leave it out on your decking for a prolonged period, the acid can potentially remove the colour of your decking.

Can you use pine sol on a wood deck?

Step 1 Clear the deck and sweep away any dry debris. Step 2 Dilute ¼ cup Pine-Sol® in two gallons of water. Step 3 Mop the deck with this mixture. Avoid using Pine-Sol® on wood that is unsealed, waxed, oiled or visibly worn.

Does Simple Green need to be rinsed off?

No scrubbing necessary. Allow treated surfaces to air dry or wipe off with clean cloth. When using on food contact surfaces: counter tops, stovetops, highchairs, kitchen appliances, thoroughly rinse all treated surfaces with potable (tap) water after the wet-contact time has been reached.

What are the cons of Simple Green?

This product may be “safer” but is it safe? One problem that Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner can lead to is the damage of red blood cells. The product also is a possible human carcinogen and is banned in supplies that are certified by Green Seal or EcoLogo.

Can Simple Green be used outdoors?

You can use Simple Green Oxy Solve Concrete and Driveway Cleaner to clean a concrete patio with or without a pressure washer. It removes oil, grease, grime and most stains and discolorations. Its biodegradable formula is safe for lawns and pets.

Is Dawn dish soap safe on wood?

Surfaces to avoid with Dawn® Powerwash:

Wood, including unsealed, varnished, stained, or painted wood surfaces & furniture. Safe on wood cutting boards if rinsed. Glass with UV coatings or other specialty treatments.

Can you use Simple Green on pressure treated wood?

Just get some light cleaner like Simple Green or just scrub with a stiff bristle boom and spray with the hose. It will be fine.

Why does Simple Green work so well?

Simple Green is non-abrasive and non-corrosive, making it safe for use on a wide range of surfaces. It also carries the U.S. EPA Safer Choice label, ensuring that it works well, is effective, and is safer for people and the planet.

What is the best thing to clean a deck with?

Homemade Deck Cleaners.
  • OxiClean and Dish Soap (must be ammonia-free). Mix a bucket of water with two cups of OxiClean powder until it has dissolved. ...
  • Baking Soda, Vinegar and Dish Soap. Mix 1 cup of vinegar with two tablespoons of dish soap in a bucket of water. ...
  • Borax. ...
  • Powdered Laundry Detergent for Grease.

How do you fix rotten wood on a deck?

Unfortunately, there's no way to repair the damaged wood itself. You'll have to replace any rotten decking and wood. However, you can prevent further deck rot by inspecting the damage, identifying the cause, preventing water exposure, and maintaining your deck.

What happens if you leave vinegar on wood?

Diluted vinegar can dissolve the finish that protects the wood and leave it looking cloudy, dull, or scratched. (The same goes for wood furniture.) Follow the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations or pick a cleaner that's made specifically for hardwood flooring.

Is it OK to use Simple Green on wood?

Although Simple Green is safe enough to use on almost any washable surface, it is not intended for use on unfinished or untreated wood. Using the directions below, spot-clean any time you notice fingerprints, spatters and other marks, and deep clean at least once a month.

Can I use Dawn dish soap to clean my deck?

Clean your deck with dish soap

The easiest, and preferable, way to clean a deck without a pressure washer is to use a dish soap solution, which will freshen a deck and is strong enough to remove mild stains. Simply squeeze dish soap into a bucket and run some hot water over it. Then mop the solution on to the deck.

How do you get rid of green mold on a wood deck without scrubbing?

Hydrogen peroxide (AKA oxygen bleach) – A lot of places recommend using hydrogen peroxide to clean your deck. The result is a foamy covering on your deck that loosens the grip of algae, dirt and grime on the surface of your wood.

Does Simple Green clean decks?

Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck and Fence Cleaner is ideal for both manual and pressure washing to lift and remove dirt and debris from the deck surface. The fast-acting foaming formula eliminates stains from mold and mildew, tree sap, pollen, oxidation, weathering and other grime.

Can I use Murphy's Oil soap on my wood deck?

Mix 1/4 cup (or 1/2 cup if your deck is very dirty) of Murphy's Oil Soap Wood Cleaner with a gallon of warm water. Use a mop or soft-bristled scrub brush to Clean the decking with a mop or a soft-bristled scrub brush, and rinse well.

How to clean deck wood without a pressure washer?

Instructions:
  1. Mix warm water and liquid dish soap in a bucket.
  2. Dip a soft-bristle brush into the soapy water and scrub the deck gently.
  3. Rinse the deck thoroughly with a garden hose and let the deck air dry completely.

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