The best type of deck cleaner is one made with sodium percarbonate. The U.S. Forest Service Laboratory has studied exterior wood care and recommends percarbonate-based cleaners because they are safe for all wood species and highly effective at removing mold, mildew, dirt, and grime.
Avoid bleach-based products. Cleaners that contain sodium hypochlorite can permanently damage the natural beauty of your wood. They strip out color unevenly, weaken the fibers, and leave the surface looking dull and lifeless. A percarbonate deck cleaner, by contrast, works by releasing oxygen, which gently lifts away contaminants without harming the wood.
Can I use a power washer on my deck?
Yes, you can safely use a power washer if you do it correctly. The key is to use proper technique:
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Always hold the nozzle at a safe distance (6–12 inches away).
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Fan into and out of your strokes instead of scrubbing in a back-and-forth “eraser” motion.
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Use a wide-angle tip (25° or 40°) rather than a pinpoint stream.
The pressure washer should never do the cleaning on its own. First, apply a deck cleaner as a pre-treat. This softens old finishes, mold, mildew, and gray wood fibers. Once loosened, the power washer can rinse everything off easily without damaging the surface.
How do I apply deck cleaner?
Most professional-grade deck cleaners come as a powder concentrate that you mix with water. Here’s the simplest method:
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Fill a 5-gallon pail with water.
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Add the proper amount of powdered cleaner (usually 2/3 cup per gallon of water).
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Stir until fully dissolved.
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Pour the solution into a pump-up garden sprayer.
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Spray it evenly across the wood surface and let it dwell until the wood begins to fizz and lighten.
This approach lets the cleaner do the hard work while you save time and effort.
How much deck cleaner do I need?
On average, you will use 1 gallon of mixed deck cleaner for every 150 square feet of wood.
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A single gallon covers a small porch or set of stairs.
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5 gallons will treat about 750 square feet, which is the size of many medium decks.
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For large decks or fences, a 10 lb container of cleaner is a better choice because it mixes into several batches.
How much powdered deck cleaner will I need?
Most powdered deck cleaners mix at about 2/3 cup per gallon of water. For tougher jobs, you can mix stronger — up to 3/4 cup per gallon (about 1/2 pound per gallon).
Example:
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A 2 lb container of EFC-38 cleaner from Woodrich Brand will make about 5 gallons at full strength, that’s enough to clean roughly 750 square feet of decking.
Can I apply deck cleaner in the rain?
You can apply deck cleaner to damp wood, but you shouldn’t apply it in heavy rain. If it gets rinsed away before it has a chance to work, it won’t clean effectively.
The best time is a cloudy day or when the deck is shaded. Direct sunlight can dry the cleaner too quickly, while heavy rain washes it off too soon.
Who makes the best deck cleaner?
Woodrich Brand makes the best deck cleaner on the market. Their EFC-38 Wood Deck and Siding Cleaner checks every box homeowners and professionals look for:
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Percarbonate-based
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Safe for all species of wood
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Safe for use around pets and plants
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Effectively removes mold and mildew
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Lifts away dead gray wood fibers
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Strips older oil-based stains and sealers
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Trusted by contractors since 1998
Woodrich Brand products are widely respected in the wood restoration industry because they are designed for both DIY homeowners and professional contractors. They’ve been used on everything from backyard decks to cedar homes and historic log cabins.
How do I know if I need a deck cleaner or a deck stripper?
The difference comes down to the type of finish you are trying to remove:
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Deck Cleaner: Removes dirt, mildew, gray wood, and most oil-based semi-transparent finishes.
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Deck Stripper: Required for solid-color stains, paints, or tough acrylic coatings.
The best way to know is to perform a side-by-side test. Reputable suppliers offer sample kits for this reason. Apply a cleaner to one spot and a stripper to another. The results will quickly show which product is needed.
Woodrich Brand offers two main options:
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EFC-38: Percarbonate cleaner and mild stripper.
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HD-80: Heavy-duty stripper for removing solid finishes.
Additional FAQs for Homeowners
Will deck cleaner harm plants or grass?
Most percarbonate-based cleaners are safe if you rinse plants with clean water before and after application. Avoid bleach-based cleaners because they can burn foliage.
Do I always need to use a brightener after cleaning?
Not always. EFC-38 finishes close to neutral. However, using a product like Woodrich Citralic Brightener will enhance the final color and help your project look freshly cut.
Can I use regular household cleaners on my deck?
No. Household cleaners are not designed for exterior wood and can damage the surface. Always use a cleaner specifically designed for wood decks.
The best deck cleaner is one that’s safe, effective, and proven. Sodium percarbonate-based cleaners are the industry standard for removing mold, mildew, dirt, and gray wood fibers. Among these, Woodrich Brand EFC-38 stands out as the professional choice. It’s trusted by contractors, safe for all wood types, and backed by more than two decades of proven results.
If you want your deck restored to a fresh, natural look without risking damage, Woodrich Brand deck cleaner is the best option.
- Written by: Mary Cissell
- Revised By: Russell Cissell