The best deck cleaner will make your decking look as good as new, and the effect should last throughout the cold and rainy Fall/winter season. There's plenty of time to give your deck a scrub whatever the season.
We've created the ultimate guide to deck cleaners to ensure your outdoor space looks fresher than ever. This way you can enjoy the warm weather worry-free, and you can show off your sparkling (not so new) deck to your friends. Think of the summer parties...
With most of these deck cleaners, you simple spread and leave, though some products will need a bit of scrubbing. Scroll on to see our top choices, then check out our buying guides to the best decking paints, or the best decking oils, to complete the look.
The 6 best deck cleaner options
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Mold or moss needn't destroy your deck's good looks; it can be easily treated with a spray cleaner like this one. This deck wash is low-maintenance and non-acidic, it won’t damage your decking in the cleaning process. It’s biodegradable and not harmful to kids or pets, either, so all you need to do is spray it on the affected areas and leave it to work its magic. Users have confirmed they saw results within three days of application, without having to scrub or apply any extra elbow grease.
If you’ve got timber decking, then this deck cleaner could be the best thing to revitalize it before you re-coat it. It is potent enough to remove dirt, grease, fungus, stains, algae and mildew, and it opens up the pores of the wood which prepares it for coating with a stain or oil. You can expect your decking to last a lot longer when you treat it with this cleaner whenever it needs it. Users have said it only takes 30 minutes (with the addition of a good scrubbing) to see a difference.
For those gardens that have really been neglected over the winter months, this commercial strength deck cleaner could be just the job. You can expect to see maximum results with minimal effort, as all you need to do is mix the formula, spray it on to your decking, then leave it. There is no need to scrub the deck or use a jet washer, as it is potent enough to work on its own. You can also have peace of mind that this option isn’t harmful to aquatic life, and it is biodegradable so it’s safe for children, pets and the environment, too. The best deck cleaner if you want commercial-strength stuff!
If you use a pressure washer to clean your decking but need a little something extra to help remove that stubborn dirt, then this deck cleaner should do the trick. It’s designed for heavy duty cleaning and should remove pretty much any grease, dirt and grime. Don't have/don't want to use a pressure washer? No problem: you can simply apply this cleaner and let the rain do its job. You will need to use a fair bit of it though. Work the cleaner in with a stiff brush for even better results. The best thing about this cleaner, however, is that it keeps working for months afterwards, preventing regrowth of mold and algae.
Every year you should re-stain or oil your decking to ensure it not only looks good but is protected against the elements. If your deck is looking a little neglected, then this cleaner is a good place to start so that yours is prepared for summer. The deck wash formula is designed to remove all forms of dirt, grease and even build-up of algae, and will create a smooth blank canvas for you to work on when oiling and staining. It should be applied and scrubbed with a brush to work. Leave it for a few minutes (Cuprinol don't specify how long but we say at least 10) then rinse away. Leave to dry for the recommended time of 16 hours before taking the next steps to paint and preserve your deck.
This deck cleaner is one of the safest decking cleaning products on the market: it won't harm either your pets or the wildlife that may visit your garden. It's also super concentrated, to be diluted at a 1:16 ratio, which makes it fairly economical to use. It does work best when applied twice – you will begin to see the best results after you wash it off the second time – and when washed off with a pressure washer. If you don't mind the little bit of extra work, it's a great eco-friendly option that can also be used to clean patios, driveways, and fences. The best deck cleaner if you're after something more organic and less chemical-based.
How often should I clean my deck?
Ideally, you should clean your deck every year, preferably in spring, to clear any mold and algae that would've built up during winter. If you're finding yourself needing to clean your deck more than once a year, though, then it might be time to switch up your decking cleaner, as it shouldn't be applied too frequently.
Can I clean my deck in Fall?
Of course – there's no rule that says you can only clean decks in spring. You'll just need to choose a dry, frost-free day to do it. In fact, giving the deck a once-over ahead of winter will keep it in better condition throughout the cold months
What is the best decking cleaner?
Where to buy decking cleaner
If you have a tough job on your hands, such as moss or mold growth, a strong solution such as the Pro-Kleen Simply Spray & Walk Away, will do a good job at eradicating it quickly and efficiently. This is rated as our best deck cleaner you can buy.
Click to shop the Pro-Kleen Simply Spray & Walk Away at the best price.
Read more:
- Looking for inspiration? Don't miss our amazing decking ideas
- More garden ideas in our ultimate gallery
- Check out the best pressure washers for a quick, powerful clean
- To ensure your garden is looking its best, read our tips on how to preserve your decking