Updated on Sep. 30, 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.
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.
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Pros:
Cons:
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.
Pros:
Cons:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
