The 8 Best Deck Cleaners of 2023

Best Overall

Star-Brite Non-Skid Deck Cleaner

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This deck cleaner from Star Brite is our best overall pick because it is formulated with special chelating agents that lift dirt without heavy scrubbing. This product is very effective on all types of surfaces, and it's gentle enough to use on painted and composite decks without stripping them. It contains protective polymers that can create a barrier against future stains and weathering. For added safety, it leaves behind a non-skid coating. 

Requiring no mixing or diluting, this cleaner is pretty simple to use. All you need to do is spread it out evenly with a deck brush, let it sit for a few minutes, and then rinse it off with a hose. A 1-gallon jug is enough to clean a deck up to 1,000 square feet. For decks that have really taken a beating, the manufacturer recommends a second application.

Price at time of publish: $39

_{Application Method: Brush | Volume: 1 gallon | Coverage: Up to 1,000 square feet | Use: Multipurpose}

Best Budget

Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck and Fence Pressure Washer Cleaner

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A 1-gallon jug of this cleaner from Simple Green can effectively clean up to 6,400 square feet of decking, giving you plenty of bang for your buck. It’s biodegradable, so you won’t have to worry about harsh chemicals leaking into your lawn. Instead, it uses peroxide to remove dirt, grease, and other tough grime from decks. It is safe for wood and composite decks and won’t strip their sheen. Best of all, it can also be applied on fencing and other outdoor structures, making it highly versatile.

While the cleaner is designed to be used with a pressure washer, it can also be diluted and applied manually with a brush. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized Simple Green as a "Safer Choice," meaning it is more eco-friendly than many competing products.

Price at time of publish: $22

_{Application Method: Pressure washer, brush | Volume: 1 gallon | Coverage: Up to 6,400 square feet | Use: Multipurpose}

Best for Mold and Mildew

Wet & Forget Outdoor Moss, Mold, Mildew, & Algae Stain Remover

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As its name implies, the Wet & Forget Outdoor Multi-Surface Cleaner works on various surfaces without any scrubbing or rinsing. This liquid concentrate comes with a high-capacity trigger sprayer for convenient and thorough application. In addition to decks, it can be used on other outdoor surfaces, including porch steps, driveways, and patios. It’s proven to be highly effective at removing mold, mildew, and algae, as well as the stains and discoloration they cause. 

Keep in mind that this cleaner works over time; it may take several weeks or months to see the full results. Once applied, Wet & Forget helps keep surfaces clean for up to a year or more.  One bottle can treat up to 180 square feet and has an unlimited shelf life. One downside to this formula is that it could harm surrounding plants and grass, so be sure to rinse off any foliage before and after you apply it. 

Price at time of publish: $20

_{Application Method: Trigger sprayer | Volume: 64 ounces | Coverage: Up to 180 square feet | Use: Multipurpose}

Best Pre-Staining

Defy Wood Brightener

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This deck cleaner can restore weathered wood surfaces to their natural beauty. This product is intended for use before staining to create a more uniform finish. It effectively removes stains and neutralizes wood stain strippers, allowing the wood stain to absorb better and last longer once applied. This concentrated formula needs to be diluted and applied with a pump sprayer (not included). Once diluted, you will have 5 gallons of brightening solution to treat decks up to 1,000 square feet.

While Defy does a great job of brightening and restoring wood to nearly new condition, it may also leave your wood grain slightly raised, and the deck surface a bit rough. If you’re aiming for an ultra-smooth deck, you can sand the wood before staining and sealing it. This product is part of a multi-step process, not a standalone deck cleaner, making it pricier than other options. 

Price at time of publish: $31

_{Application Method: Pump sprayer (not included) | Volume: 1 gallon | Coverage: Up to 1,000 square feet | Use: Wood}

Best Composite

DeckMAX Concentrated Composite & Wood Deck Cleaner Kit

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While other deck cleaners may be too harsh for composite decking, the DeckMAX Cleaner Kit has been developed specifically for this purpose. Free of volatile organic compounds and solvents, it removes stains, dirt, and grease from composite decking without stripping the sheen. DeckMax also does a great job of removing stubborn mold and mildew. Once diluted, this concentrated formula can treat decks up to 1,500 square feet. A high-quality bristle brush is included for easier application and extra scrubbing power. 

This versatile cleaner can be used on all composite and wood surfaces, including fencing, railings, and trim boards. Instead of a pressure washer, the manufacturer suggests using a garden sprayer with a pump to put DeckMax on your deck.    

Price at time of publish: $45

_{Application Method: Brush, pump sprayer | Volume: 64 ounces | Coverage: Up to 1,500 square feet | Use: Wood and composite}

Best for Vinyl

ZEP House and Siding Pressure Wash

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Since a vinyl deck doesn’t require paint, you don’t have to worry about cracking, chipping, or rotting. However, it can still get dirty and collect mildew over time, so this cleaner from Zep is a great choice for treating vinyl decks. It’s specially designed to be used in a pressure washer with downstream injectors, powering away tough stains like algae, mold, mildew, and grease. This versatile formula is also well suited for wood, aluminum, cement, stucco, and brick. 

After diluting with water, this 1-gallon cleaner makes up to 20 gallons, which is enough to clean up to 5,000 square feet. With an impressively low price, Zep gives you plenty of cleaning power for your money. According to the manufacturer, using this formula with pressure washing equipment will deliver the best results. It’s worth noting that Zep is not meant to revive deteriorating surfaces. Therefore, it should not be used on old wood or paint unless you intend to refinish it. 

Price at time of publish: $24

_{Application Method: Pressure washer | Volume: 1 gallon | Coverage: Up to 5,000 square feet | Use: Multipurpose}

Best for Concrete

CHOMP! Pull It Out Concrete Cleaner

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If you have a concrete deck that’s collecting greasy residue from your grill or pet odors, this product is a game changer. The cleaner penetrates deep into surfaces to remove tough oil and grease stains. It’s biodegradable, so it doesn’t contain bleach, acid, or similarly toxic ingredients, making it safer to use outdoors. 

This liquid cleaner is very easy to use—just be sure to do a spot test first. You only need to pour a small amount onto the stain and allow it to dry. Once it’s dry, you can simply brush it away. 

Price at time of publish: $18

_{Application Method: Brush | Volume: 32 ounces | Coverage: Spot treatment | Use: Concrete and brick}