How do you clean a deck without damaging the wood?

Author: Noemie Bailey  |  Last update: Wednesday, November 12, 2025

A few drops of washing up liquid dissolved in water is sufficient. Simply spread generously over the wooden slats and then scrub them thoroughly with a brush or bristled broom. Finally, rinse the deck with clean water. Liquid soap also works.

What is the best thing to clean wooden decking with?

Sprinkle baking soda over stains. Scrub the deck using a stiff-bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose or power washer to remove all the cleaner and dirt. (If using a power washer, put it on a low setting and keep the nozzle at least 6 inches away from the wood surface).

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.

Is it better to pressure wash or clean a deck?

Pressure washing is recommended if you have an older deck or need a really deep clean. The downside to using pressure washers before you stain or paint is that they are extremely good at pushing moisture to the core of your boards.

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.

HOW TO: Clean Decking Without Pressure Washer

Will baking soda clean wood deck?

Remove Stubborn Stains

For stubborn deck stains you find during deck cleaning, create a paste of baking soda and water. Let the paste sink into the stain for 15-20 minutes before scrubbing it thoroughly and rinsing it with water.

Is OxiClean safe for wood decks?

Unfinished wood decks can be cleaned with OxiClean™. Can I clean painted surfaces with OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover? OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover is not designed to remove stains on this type of surface.

What is the best tool to clean decking with?

Suitable products for wooden decking
  • Patio cleaner.
  • Roller brushes for wooden surfaces.
  • Pressure washer.
  • Power scrubber surface cleaner.
  • T-Racer surface cleaner.
  • Wood cleaner 3-in-1.

Why is my deck fuzzy after pressure washing?

Why does my wood appear fuzzy after pressure washing it? Pressure washing removes the outer layer of dead wood, and can sometimes make it look like it has short fuzzy hairs. This is caused by the tearing of the wood fibers.

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.

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.

What deck cleaner won't harm plants?

Is 30 SECONDS Outdoor Cleaner safe to use around your lawns, plants and landscaping? Absolutely! 30 SECONDS has cleaned your sidewalks, decks and driveways since 1977. It safely breaks down in soil when used as directed, helping keep your landscape looking pristine around decks and patios.

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.

What is in 30 seconds outdoor cleaner?

30 Seconds Ready To Use Outdoor Cleaner is made from a combination of ingredients, with the active ingredient being Sodium Hypochlorite. What happens when you apply the product is that it works immediately on any organics by emulsifying the growth.

What household items can you use to clean a deck?

You can use a wide range of household items to clean your decking. These include vinegar, baking soda, Borax, dish soap and bleach.

What is the hack for cleaning decking?

To clean your deck, combine 250 ml of vinegar with 3.8 litre water. Sprinkle baking soda on any mildewed timber and use vinegar and warm water to scrub over all the boards. Borate is also a natural cleaner and versatile for indoor or outdoor cleaning. Use a ratio of 240 ml of Borax to 3.8 litre of water.

What is the best homemade deck cleaner?

What is the Best Homemade Deck Cleaner?
  1. 2 ½ tsp (12 ml) white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
  2. 1 ¼ tsp (6 ml) of baking soda.
  3. 1 gallon (3.8 liters) of water.

What is wet and forget?

Moss, Mold, Mildew & Algae Stain Remover

Simply spray and walk away! That's it. Wet & Forget goes to work with the wind and rain to gently clean the surface over time. NO RINSE: Easy Spray & Leave Application. EFFORTLESS CLEAN: No Scrubbing, Rinsing or Pressure Washing.

Is it better to power wash a deck or use deck cleaner?

To wash your deck, we recommend first applying a deck cleaning solution, and then power washing. A good deck cleaner will remove gray fibers, dirt, mold, mildew and other impurities deep in your deck boards, that power washing alone won't be able to accomplish.

Can you use vinegar to clean wood deck?

When cleaning your deck, make sure you only use oxygen bleach and not chlorine bleach, which can compromise the structural integrity of your wood deck. Vinegar - Safe for both composite and wood decking, mix a half-cup of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar to ¼ a cup of baking soda with 1 gallon of water.

What to put on a deck after pressure washing?

Sealing a deck after pressure washing is crucial to keeping it looking great and preventing damage from the elements. But the timing is key. Applying sealant too soon can trap moisture and cause the wood to warp or rot while waiting too long can leave the wood vulnerable to sun damage and water infiltration.

What is the easiest way to clean a wooden deck?

Scrubbing with a Deck Brush

Mix warm water with a mild laundry detergent or specially formulated deck cleaner in a bucket or liquid dish. Dip the brush into the deck cleaning solution and scrub the deck's surface in a back-and-forth motion. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas and areas with visible stains.

Can you mix Dawn and OxiClean?

Yes, you can add detergent to the load as well as oxyclean and it will boost the performance of your favorite kind.

How do you make homemade patio cleaner for pressure washers?

Mix 1 gallon of water with 1 cup of white vinegar. Add 1 tablespoon of dish soap to help the solution cling to vertical surfaces and improve its grease-cutting power. For tougher stains, add ½ cup of baking soda to the mixture for extra scrubbing power.

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