Home Topics Cleaning Cleaning Products
ByToni DeBella and Madi Koetting
Updated: Jun. 14, 2024
Get your deck or patio ready for summer with these high-performing cleaners. Using the right patio or deck cleaner makes all the difference.
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.
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After taking a beating all winter long, your patio and deck could use a little tender loving care. And cleaning the dirt and grime from your outdoor space is the first step before painting or staining.
Whether you have a wood, vinyl or composite deck, or a concrete or natural stone patio, choosing the best deck cleaner for the material you’re working with is essential. We’ve researched the best ones.
Best Overall Deck Cleaner
30 Seconds Spray and Walk Away
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Best Budget Deck Cleaner
Olympic Premium Deck Cleaner
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Best Wood Deck Cleaner
DeckWise Deck and Wood Cleaner
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Best Vinyl Patio and Deck Cleaner
Zep Pressure Wash
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Best Teak Deck Cleaner
Star Brite Premium Teak Cleaner
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Best Concrete Patio and Deck Cleaner
Edou Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner
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Best Pressure Wash Patio and Deck Cleaner
Sun Joe House and Deck All-Purpose Pressure Wash
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Best Mold and Moss Patio and Deck Cleaner
Wet and Forget Moss, Mold, Mildew and Algae Stain
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Best Environment-Friendly Patio and Deck Cleaner
Scott's Multi-Purpose Outdoor Cleaner
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Best Oil Stain Patio and Deck Cleaner
Chomp Pull It Out Oil Stain Remover
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1/10
via merchantvia merchant
Pros:
- Leaves a long-lasting clean
- No pressure washing or scrubbing required
- Kills lichen, moss, mold and algae
- Doesn’t cause dinginess or discoloration
- Safe for decks, brick, roofs, siding and fences
Cons:
- Results aren’t instantaneous
- Some Amazon reviewers advise wearing gloves while applying
- Must watch where you spray to avoid damaging exterior surfaces and killing plants
30 Seconds Spray and Walk Away patio and deck cleaner doesn’t just win for its all-purpose function. It revives a deck without scrubbing and rinsing.
Simply mix with water, apply to the outdoor surface and let the pH-neutral, phosphate- and bleach-free formula work its magic. In two to four weeks. you’ll notice the results. Appearance improves the longer it sits on surfaces. Amazon reviewers love this formula for cleaning away old stains while leaving surfaces slip-free.
2/10
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Pros:
- Fast-acting
- Compatible with all wood types
- Ready-to-use formula, no mixing required
- Restores the natural look of wood, concrete and composite
Cons:
- Some HomeDepot.com reviewers needed two applications to clean especially filthy decks.
Olympic Deck Cleaner is a ready-to-use formula that combats stains, mold and mildew. It’s the first step in preparing decks for staining. Plus, it works on non-wood surfaces like concrete and composite decking. Just apply to your deck, let sit for 10 minutes and rinse. After it dries, let the barbecues commence.
3/10
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Pros:
- Easy to mix and dispense
- Cleans stains, graying, dirt, pollen and grime
- Restores wood to its original condition
- Non-corrosive formula
- Works on other wooden objects like railings, benches and fences
- Biodegradable formula
Cons:
- Not ideal for use with a power washer, so it could take longer to clean your deck
Wood decks collect a lot of dirt, pollen, grime and stains. The nontoxic DeckWise deck cleaning concentrate not only cleans the wood, it rejuvenates its natural color.
Mix the concentrate with water and scrub with a non-metal brush. After thoroughly rinsing your deck, let it dry for one hour in direct sunlight. Pair with the DeckWise Deck and Wood Brightener Part 2 for optimal shine.
4/10
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Pros:
- Kills stubborn dirt, mildew and mold
- Safe on vinyl, wood, aluminum, fiber cement, hard coat stucco and brick
- Mixes up to 20 gallons to clean 5,000-sq.ft.
Cons:
- According to the manufacturer, pressure washers with downstream injectors may not work best, and it won’t revive deteriorated surfaces
Unlike natural decking material, vinyl doesn’t require paint and won’t crack, chip, split or rot. It will, however, get dirty and mildewy. Use this pressure wash concentrate with a power washer.
Spray on your deck, siding or another tough outdoor surface. Wait about five to 10 minutes for the cleaner to penetrate grime, then rinse off.
5/10
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Pros:
- Restores old weathered teak surfaces
- Safe, effective commercial-grade formula
- Cleans in minutes
Cons:
- Some Amazon reviewers find the formula works best on wet rather than dry teak wood
If your teak deck has seen better days, Star Brite Premium Teak Cleaner safely removes oils and stains without raising the wood grain.
This commercial-grade formula restores weathered, gray teak decks and furniture. It cleans without harsh acids, so it won’t strip paint or other fine wood surfaces. Apply to dry teak wood, let sit for one to two minutes, lightly scrub with a stiff bristle brush and rinse with water.
6/10
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Pros:
- Includes two 15-in. pressure washer extension wands
- Compatible with 1/4-in. quick-connect cable wands
- Effectively cleans concrete driveways, patios and decks
Cons:
- Requires manual use that could take longer than fast-acting cleaning detergents
The Edou Pressure Washer Surface Cleaner isn’t a detergent, but a powerful tool that effectively cleans large flat surfaces like concrete. Two spinning nozzles emit high-pressure jets of water, washing away years of grime from patios, driveways and walkways.
Amazon reviewers say it makes concrete look fresh without leaving lines. This is the next best thing to hiring a professional cleaner to revive concrete. Learn how to clean a concrete patio.
7/10
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Best Pressure Wash Patio and Deck Cleaner
Sun Joe House and Deck All-Purpose Pressure Wash
Pros:
- Gentle yet effective cleaner
- Breaks down years of oil, stains and grime
- Biodegradable, bleach-free formula
Cons:
- Check your pressure washer owner’s manual to see if it’s compatible
Sun Joe House and Deck All-Purpose Pressure Wash is a concentrated solution for a pressure washer. The fast-foaming formula lifts and rinses dirt, leaving patios and decks squeaky clean and shiny. Plus it’s safe for the environment so you can use it around outdoor plants and vegetation.
8/10
via merchantvia merchant
Best Mold and Moss Patio and Deck Cleaner
Wet and Forget Moss, Mold, Mildew and Algae Stain
Pros:
- Attacks mold, moss and algae at their roots
- Safe on just about every outdoor surface
- Prevents future mold growth
Cons:
- Protect your outdoor plants and fabric before applying
This mold, moss and algae stain remover is a non-acidic, bleach-free cleaner that powerfully removes stains caused by moss — no scrubbing required. It’s safe on outdoor surfaces like patios, decks, home surfaces, furniture and fences. The best part is, it prevents future mold growth.
Mix with water and apply with a spray bottle or garden hose, no need to rinse. Rain does the wiping for you, washing slimy stains away.
9/10
via merchantvia merchant
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Bleach-free formula
- Environment friendly
- Safe on fabric and around plants and grass
- Cleans a variety of outdoor surfaces
Cons:
- Some Amazon reviewers say it requires some scrubbing to clean surfaces
If you don’t own a pressure washer, Scott’s Outdoor Multi-Purpose Cleaner has your back. A ready-to-spray attachment connects to most garden hoses, allowing for safe and easy spraying. And since it’s safe for the environment, you don’t have to worry about harming flowers and vegetation.
Spray the fast-foaming cleaner directly on your deck, patio or outdoor furniture. Let sit for five to 10 minutes, scrub as needed, then move the lever to “water” and rinse.
10/10
via merchantvia merchant
Pros:
- Fast-acting formula
- Acts as an oil stain spot cleaner
- Bleach- and acid-free
Cons:
- Might require more formula for large oil stains
Remove barbecue stains from your outdoor kitchen or motor oil from your driveway with Chomp Pull It Out Oil Stain Remover for Concrete. It dissolves and encapsulates grease by penetrating deep into porous surfaces like concrete without bleach or acids. No pressure washer necessary. Simply pour it on, let it dry and brush away.
What to Consider When Buying Patio and Deck Cleaners
Time spent on your deck or patio is meant to be relaxing, but since they’re exposed to the elements they can get dirty quickly, making it the last place you want to sit out on a nice day. Before picking just any cleaner, you want to make sure to get one that will work with your specific deck or patio. Here are a few things you should take into consideration:
- Material: Your deck may be made of wood, concrete, stone, composite, vinyl or other materials. Not every cleaner is made for every type of deck or patio material. Make sure to choose a cleaner that won’t damage the material of your deck or patio.
- Application: Some cleaners are sprayed on and meant to sit for an extended period of time, some require scrubbing to get the surface clean, some can be attached to your hose for an easy application and others are meant to be used with a pressure washer. Depending on the material and size of your deck or patio, one may be more convenient than the other.
- Environmental impact: Many of these cleaners are meant to remove some pretty serious stains or discoloration. Because of that, they can kill plants and grass surrounding your deck or patio. If that concerns you, look for eco-friendly and safe options for surrounding greenery.
Why You Should Trust Us
Toni DeBella has covered many topics for Family Handyman and is an expert in reviewing products. She knows how to gather new items that the FHM audience will love, taking into account price, durability and customer reviews.
Madi Koetting is a shopping editor for Family Handyman. Her job consists of curating and testing products and writing about what makes them such a great buy. She updated this article.
How We Chose The Best Patio and Deck Cleaners
When selecting the best patio and deck cleaners, we began by researching a wide range of available options, considering factors such as ease of use, formula, specialty and price. To narrow down our choices, we analyzed customer reviews to understand each cleaner’s real-world performance and durability. Finally, we selected patio and deck cleaners that offered a balance of quality, functionality and value, ensuring that there was an option suitable for every type of outdoor mess.
FAQ
What is the best household product to clean your deck with?
Warm, soapy water, baking soda, bleach or vinegar are all great options for cleaning your deck, which you most likely conveniently already have in your kitchen. However, these products may not be safe on every material of decking. Do a quick search on the web to see if it’s safe and test it in an inconspicuous area before cleaning the entire deck.
Can I use patio cleaner on my wood deck?
This depends on the specific cleaner and its compatibility with wood decks. Some patio cleaners contain abrasives or chemicals that can discolor and damage wood decks. Carefully read the product label and instructions before using any patio cleaner on your deck. If it says it’s safe on wood, test the cleaner in an inconspicuous area (like household cleaning products) first.
Is Dawn dish soap safe to clean my patio or deck?
Yes, Dawn dish soap is safe to use when cleaning your patio or deck. It will remove built-up dirt and grime. Mix a small amount of warm water and apply with a scrub brush to clean your patio or deck.
Originally Published: April 28, 2021
Author
Toni DeBella
Toni DeBella is a culture and lifestyle writer, reviews expert and DIYer covering everything from pest control to pool cabanas to painting. A home body and organizational whiz, when Toni DeBella is not playing tennis or container gardening, she's crocheting a menagerie of amigurumi animals.
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Author
Madi Koetting
As Family Handyman's social video shopping editor, Madi curates the best gifts, kitchen appliances, cleaning gear and viral home buys to help readers create their dream living space. She has over five years of experience writing and editing for various lifestyle outlets including Better Homes & Gardens, The Everygirl and Stylecaster.
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