Keep Your Deck Squeaky Clean With the Best Deck Cleaners
All hands on deck! Revive your outdoor oasis with our guide to the best deck cleaners! Deck
cleaners are the secret sauce to revamping weather-worn decks, whether
they're on your patio or your boat. From tackling algae to banishing mildew, these cleaners bring
back the shine without the hassle, perfect for summer lounging or smooth
sailing. We've chosen the STAR BRITE Deck Cleaner as our top choice. This high-quality cleaner quickly removes dirt and stains, leaving your surfaces shining bright! So, roll up your sleeves
and unleash the sparkle—because your deck deserves to dazzle as much as
you do!
Our Top Picks
The Best Deck Cleaners
Best Overall
The STAR BRITE Deck Cleaner is ideal for those looking to keep a clean and protected non-slip surface with minimal effort. The special chelating agents quickly lift dirt and spills without heavy scrubbing, while the protective polymers provide a barrier against future stains, making it easier to clean up any mess immediately. This cleaner is powerful enough for all surfaces, including fiberglass, vinyl, plastic, rubber, metal, and painted surfaces. Not only that, but it is also safe and effective for use on non-textured areas as well, and will not remove existing wax or polish.
This non-skid deck cleaner is part of a collection of products proudly made in the United States since 1973. These products have been developed to be environmentally friendly and provide value for their customers. Not only will you get a great result with minimal effort, but you can be sure that you are using a product that has been developed with quality in mind, making this the best overall on our list.
Pros
- Quickly lifts dirt
- Easy to use
- Super powerful
Cons
- Doesn’t work on iron stains
Most Versatile
The Better Boat Deck Cleaner is perfect for cleaning anti-stick surfaces, plastic, vinyl, fiberglass, and composite floors. It quickly cuts through the buildup of grease, grime, and hard water found on non-slip decks, patio composite flooring, boat hulls, and bilges. Plus, it leaves your deck or hull with a no-slip finish and sealant. Simply apply the solution and allow it to sit for a few minutes. With a deck brush or sponge, you can scrub away dirt without removing or damaging skid strips or other finishes such as wax or polish. It’s safe to use on rubber, plastic, aluminum, fiberglass, and composite wood decks and is often used as a boat non-skid cleaner.
This marine-grade soap is made in the U.S. to strict, tested trade-secret standards to provide superior boat and RV care and cleaning supplies. The Better Boat company is a family-owned American business that’s committed to making only the highest quality cleaning supplies available. This cleaner is perfect for getting rid of all types of dirt and debris quickly and easily without damaging the surface being cleaned. It lifts away dirt without doing any damage to the waxes or polishes that are applied to it afterward.
Pros
- Tested to meet strict standards
- High-quality ingredients
- Works on many surfaces
Cons
- May take some elbow grease
Best Multipurpose
The Scotts Deck Cleaner is a powerful cleaning solution that can tackle all sorts of dirty outdoor surfaces. It’s an easy-to-use, ready-to-spray cleaner that offers fast-foaming action to lift dirt and grime on contact. Unlike some other cleaners, its bleach-free formula is safe for use on fabrics and around plants and grasses. Add in its strong cleaning capabilities and it’s the perfect solution for hard-to-clean surfaces such as cement, stone, siding, wood, composite, outdoor fabrics, boat interiors, roof shingles, terra cotta pots, and more.
The application couldn’t be simpler; Simply connect the sprayer to your garden hose, spray the product directly onto the surface, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, scrub if necessary, and then rinse. The result? A deep clean that leaves the surface looking fresh and new again. The Scotts Deck Cleaner is an effective and easy-to-use outdoor cleaner that’s suitable for a variety of surfaces indoors and out.
Pros
- Lift dirts and grime on contact
- Strong cleaning capabilities
- Great for wood, cement
Cons
- Bottle isn’t refillable
Eco-Friendly Choice
The Simple Green Deck Cleaner is an ideal product to help you keep the outdoor structures of your home looking fresh and new. This 128-ounce cleaner uses the power of peroxide to lift grime without harsh chemicals that can damage your outdoor surfaces. It is perfect for cleaning decks, fences, pergolas, gazebos, and carports. It effortlessly lifts away tough grime, oils, grease, tree sap, and other unwanted stains that have built up over time.
This deck cleaner is easy to use and can help you clean up to 6,400 square feet efficiently. Simply mix it with warm water in a pressure washer before applying it to the surface you are cleaning. After letting it sit for about five minutes, you can easily remove all dirt and debris with a pressure washer. It is colorless to pale straw and completely unscented so that it will not leave any difficult-to-remove residue or lingering odors.
Pros
- Perfect for decks, fences
- Easy to use
- Can clean 6,400 square feet
Cons
- Not ideal for pressure washing
Best for Deep Cleaning
The Wash Safe Deck Cleaner is a great choice for those looking to deep clean their composite decking. This unique product offers multiple features that make it an ideal choice for homeowners. First, the formula of this cleaner is safe and non-abrasive while also being effective at removing hard-to-tackle organic stains such as moss or algae. As you use this cleaner, you’ll be able to see it remove stains instantly.
The powerful formula works on all major brands of composite decking so it’s the perfect choice if you have an existing deck that could use some deep cleaning. Using this composite cleaner couldn’t be easier! There’s no need to scrub; just spray the cleaner on the deck and let the chemicals do all the work. Plus, it can be used diluted in a sprayer for occasional cleaning to keep your deck looking new.
Pros
- Can be diluted
- No need to scrub
- Safe and non-abrasive
Cons
- No sprayer included
The Best Deck Cleaners: A Buyer’s Guide
Factors To Consider When Buying Deck Cleaners
Purpose
Before adding a deck cleaner to your cart, consider its cleaning abilities and the type of stains and buildup you want to remove. If your deck has fungus, mildew, algae, or other stains, ensure you pick a deck cleaner that can remove them without needing vigorous scrubbing.
Versatility
A cleaner that cleans more than just a deck is ideal because you can use it to clean your coffee table, chair, or other furniture and fixtures. Some deck cleaners may also protect the deck from elements, preventing it from dust, filth, mildew, and other stains.
Benefits of Deck Cleaners
Maintain the aesthetics
Sun exposure, along with rain and snow, can deteriorate your deck, causing it to fade and discolor. Autumn leaves and other plant waste can cause dirt to build up and may offer a perfect environment for mold spores, resulting in an untidy deck. Deck cleaners refresh the appearance of your deck, making it as good as new and enhancing the appearance of your outdoor space.
Clean sticky materials
Mold and algae produce unappealing black and green stains on your deck and make it dangerous to walk on. You can easily remove them with the right deck cleaner to keep your deck in pristine condition.
Extend the life of your deck
By eliminating components that deteriorate the wood over time, you can extend the lifespan of your deck. By removing the parts that are slowly wearing your deck, you may expect it to last longer and save money on repairing the deck every season.
Features To Look for in Deck Cleaners
Cleaning power
Certain deck cleaners need scrubbing to remove stains while others do the job on their own. You should choose a deck cleaner that’s easy to use, like a portable vacuum cleaner, or you can go for more powerful formulas that quickly dissolve even stubborn dry stains.
Price for value
When selecting a deck cleaner, you should consider the price to get the best out of your investment. You might expect to spend more for a product with spray-on action and a convenient applicator than you’d get from a premixed, pour-on solution. Some items come in value packs, which allow you to get more bang for your buck when you shop in bulk.
Brand’s reputation
We suggest sticking with a reputable brand when purchasing a deck cleaner. The brand behind a product must have a proven history of manufacturing high-quality items for your yard and deck.
People Also Asked
Is it possible to clean my deck in the fall?
There is no rule stating that deck cleaning should only be done in the spring or early summer. It's possible to clean your deck in the fall, but it's important to choose a time when weather conditions are still relatively mild and dry. This ensures effective cleaning and proper drying of the deck surface before winter sets in.
I don’t have a pressure washer. How can I clean my deck?
You can clean your deck without a pressure washer by using a combination of a stiff-bristled brush, a mild detergent or specialized deck cleaner, and a garden hose. Scrub the surface thoroughly with the brush and cleaner solution, then rinse off the debris and cleaning solution with the hose. For tougher stains, you may need to apply a little extra elbow grease or use a scrubbing pad.
How often should I clean my deck?
It's recommended to clean your deck at least once a year to remove dirt, grime, and mildew buildup, but the frequency may vary depending on factors like climate, usage, and the type of decking material. Regular cleaning helps maintain the appearance and longevity of your deck.