DIY Deck Cleaning Made Easy: Tips for the Right Way to Wash

Keeping your deck clean doesn’t just improve its appearance—it also extends the lifespan of your deck by protecting it from dirt, mildew, and stains. Whether you’re maintaining a natural wood deck, composite decking, or preparing a new deck for its first season, knowing the best way to clean and care for your deck surface is essential.

Last summer, I took on the challenge of restoring my deck after years of wear and tear. With a little elbow grease, a deck brush, and the right homemade cleaners, I turned my deck from grimy to gleaming. I’ll share my tips, tricks, and even a few different recipes for DIY deck cleaners so you can achieve the same refreshed look. Curious about my other DIY projects? Check out my About page.

This guide will take you through everything you need to know, from preparing your outdoor deck to creating effective cleaners and mastering the cleaning process—all without the need for toxic chemicals. In all likelihood, you don’t need commercial deck cleaners; I’ll walk you through some natural solutions that have worked for me, including my best homemade deck cleaner.

Prepare Your Deck

Weathered wooden deck with cleaning tools like a broom and leaf blower, surrounded by garden beds. — Preparing your deck is the first step to achieving best results—clear debris, protect nearby plants, and inspect for repairs.

Taking time to prep ensures your cleaning efforts will be efficient and effective.

Inspect Your Deck: Check for loose boards, protruding nails/screws, or cracks. Repairing problem areas is especially important for wood decking to avoid splintering.
Sweep and Clear Debris: Use a broom or leaf blower to remove loose debris, leaves, and dirt. This prevents clogging your cleaning tools.
Protect Nearby Areas: Shield nearby plants and garden beds with a tarp to avoid potential damage from cleaning solutions, even natural ones like oxygen bleach solution or apple cider vinegar.
Rinse the Surface: Use a garden hose to rinse off dirt and prep the deck surface for scrubbing. I have used a pressure washer for this stage in the past, however, you have to be careful since the stream can mark up the wood significantly. Only do this if you are comfortable with the varying pressure levels of your washer. I will say, nothing removes deck stains like a good pressure washer.
Move Furniture: Clear your deck of outdoor furniture and rugs to give yourself complete access to the entire surface.

Create a DIY Deck-Cleaning Solution

DIY deck cleaning supplies, including vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide, arranged on a countertop. — Create an effective DIY deck cleaner with common household items like vinegar and baking soda.

Making your own homemade cleaners is a great way to save money while using natural ingredients. These solutions are effective for various stains without relying on harsh chemicals. This is particularly important to me as I have small children.

Recipes for DIY Deck Cleaning:

All-Purpose Cleaner: Combine 1 cup of sodium percarbonate, 1 cup of baking soda, and a gallon of water. This is perfect for general dirt and grime.
Stain and Mildew Fighter: Mix 1 cup of sodium carbonate, ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide, and 2 gallons of warm water. Let it sit on tough stubborn stains before scrubbing. Wooden decks often have a lot of mildew on them (at least mine does).
Gentle Cleaner for Composite Decking: Blend 1 cup of dish soap, 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, and a little warm water. This ensures you avoid damaging composite material.

Pro Tip: Always test your cleaning solution on a small, hidden area of your deck to ensure it’s safe for your type of deck. I always label my container as “deck wash” once I have landed on a good solution so I don’t mix it up with my many other concoctions.

Looking for more natural cleaning ideas? The Spruce offers a great breakdown of green cleaning solutions.

Clean Your Deck

Person scrubbing a wooden deck with a long-handled brush and sudsy cleaning solution, with a garden hose nearby. — Use a sturdy deck brush and a homemade cleaning solution to scrub away dirt and stains.

Once you’ve prepped your deck and created your own DIY deck cleaner, it’s time to start cleaning.

Apply the Cleaner: Spread the solution using a mop, sponge, or spray bottle. Work in small sections to prevent the cleaner from drying too quickly. Go with a light lather at the beginning to see how stubborn your stains are.
Scrub for Best Results: Use a stiff-bristled brush, soft bristle brush, or scrubbing brush to tackle grime, stubborn mildew, and mildew stains. Focus on areas like deck boards, railings, and corners. If you don’t have one, get down to your local hardware store and find a good scrub brush. I like the ones with long broom handles. This saves you from hunching over too much.
Rinse Thoroughly: After scrubbing, rinse the deck with a gentle pressure power washer or a garden hose. Be cautious not to use high-pressure settings that can damage the deck’s surface.
Dry on a Cloudy Day: Cleaning on a cloudy day is ideal to avoid the cleaner evaporating too quickly and leaving streaks.

Pro Tip: Even though you are not using toxic chemicals, I recommend wearing rubber gloves. Things like white vinegar can be tough on the old skin. Protective gear is never a bad idea, even in small amounts.

Is cleaning your deck just one part of your backyard cleanup? If so, check out my guide on How to Clean Up the Backyard for some ideas on how to get your yard looking its best.

Special Tips for Deck Maintenance

Freshly cleaned wooden deck with outdoor furniture and a potted plant, ready for relaxation. — Regular maintenance, including sealing and periodic cleaning, keeps your deck looking its best.

To keep your deck looking great, regular maintenance is key:

Remove Stubborn Mildew: Use a cup of borax, trisodium phosphate, or oxalic acid in your cleaning solutions for tougher mildew. On some occasions, I have thrown in a cup of oxygen bleach as well.
Protect Your Deck: Apply a sealant or stain to prevent future damage. Composite decks may only need a rinse and light cleaning to maintain their look.
Clean Regularly: Tackle dirt before it builds up by rinsing your deck every few weeks with a garden hose or pressure washing (again, be careful with this).

For more expert advice on deck care, including when to reseal and how to handle tricky stains, check out Bob Vila’s comprehensive deck cleaning guide.

When to Call in the Pros

Professional cleaner using a low-pressure washer on a wooden deck with intricate railings. — For large decks or deep stains, calling in the pros can save time and effort.

While DIY cleaning is effective for most decks, certain situations call for professional help:

Deep Stains and Damage: If your deck has oil-based stains or deeply embedded mildew that regular cleaning can’t remove, professionals can use stronger techniques without harming the surface.
Large Areas: For multilevel or large areas, pros can handle the job efficiently with specialized tools.
Composite Deck Cleaning: Certain brands of composite deck cleaners may require professional handling to maintain warranties.
Deck Railings and Edges: Professionals can clean intricate areas like railings and edges for a more polished finish. I found the railings on my deck extremely tedious to clean and stain. Next time, I may consider paying someone to do this.
Regular Maintenance Plans: Some companies offer ongoing services to keep your deck spotless year-round.
Expert Equipment: Pros often use advanced equipment, like low-pressure washers and cleaning products, to achieve superior results.

For more guidance, check out resources like Home Depot’s pressure washing tips or hire a local deck-cleaning specialist to ensure your deck is always at its best.

Conclusion: Enjoy a Refreshed Deck

Cleaning your deck doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right preparation, a homemade cleaning solution, and a little effort, you can restore your deck to its former glory. Whether it’s a composite decking surface or a natural wood deck, these steps will ensure it looks great for years to come.

Ready to get started? Gather your supplies, follow this guide, and enjoy the satisfaction of a clean deck that’s ready for entertaining, relaxing, or simply enjoying the great outdoors.

Looking for additional tips or more DIY inspiration? Check out my post on Best Outdoor Backyard Party Ideas for hosting the perfect gathering. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more home and garden tips!