5 Homemade Deck Cleaner Recipes That Work

If you’re a homeowner with a wooden deck, you know how important it is to keep it clean and well-maintained. Deck cleaning can be a chore, but it’s essential if you want to protect your investment and keep your outdoor living space looking its best.

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There are plenty of commercial deck cleaners on the market, but many of them contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and your family. Luckily, there are several effective homemade deck cleaner recipes you can try that use natural, eco-friendly ingredients.

These five DIY solutions are easy to make, budget-friendly, and gentle on your deck, but they still deliver impressive cleaning power. Whether your deck is weathered, stained, or just in need of a good scrub, these recipes have got you covered.

Homemade Deck Cleaner Recipe #1: Vinegar and Baking Soda

If you have no mildew and your deck is relatively clean, you can just scrub it with white vinegar and baking soda. This dynamic duo packs a powerful punch when it comes to cutting through dirt, grime, and even stubborn stains on your deck.

NOTE: do not mix them together! They fizz at first, which seems like a good thing, but then they neutralize each other and are no better than water. You want to apply one and then the other.

Here’s what you’ll need:

White vinegar
Baking soda
A scrub brush or broom

Use a brush or cloth to apply the vinegar, then sprinkle baking soda over it. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the vinegar and baking soda to work their magic.

Then, scrub the surface thoroughly with your scrub brush or broom to lift away any dirt or debris. Finally, rinse the deck with a garden hose or pressure washer when you’re done. The vinegar and baking soda work together to break down and dissolve tough buildup, leaving your deck looking fresh and clean.

This homemade deck cleaner is great for regular maintenance, as it’s safe for both wood and composite decks. Plus, the ingredients are inexpensive and easy to find.

Homemade Deck Cleaner Recipe #2: Oxygen Bleach

If your deck is looking a little worse for wear, with stubborn stains or discoloration, an oxygen bleach solution can be a game-changer. Oxygen bleach is a gentler, more eco-friendly alternative to chlorine bleach, and it’s highly effective at restoring the appearance of weathered wood.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1/2 cup oxygen bleach powder
1 gallon of warm water
A scrub brush or broom

To make the cleaner, simply mix the oxygen bleach powder with the warm water in a large bucket or container. Stir the solution until the powder is fully dissolved.

Next, use your scrub brush or broom to apply the solution directly to your deck. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, giving the oxygen bleach time to work on breaking down the stains and discoloration.

After the soaking period, scrub the deck thoroughly to lift away any remaining dirt or grime. Rinse the deck with a garden hose or pressure washer to remove the oxygen bleach solution.

This homemade deck cleaner is particularly effective at tackling issues like:

Mildew and mold stains
Weathered, gray wood
Stubborn oil or grease stains
Dirt and grime buildup

The oxygen bleach formula is gentle enough to use on both wood and composite decks, and it won’t cause any damage to the surface. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and rinse thoroughly to avoid any residue.

Homemade Deck Cleaner Recipe #3: Castile Soap and Hydrogen Peroxide

For a more gentle, all-purpose homemade deck cleaner, try a solution made with castile soap and hydrogen peroxide. This combination is effective at cutting through dirt and grime while still being safe for your deck and the environment.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1/4 cup castile soap
1/4 cup hydrogen peroxide
1 gallon of warm water
A scrub brush or broom

To make the cleaner, simply mix the castile soap and hydrogen peroxide in a large bucket or container. Then, add the warm water and stir to combine.

Use your scrub brush or broom to apply the solution directly to your deck, working in sections. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the ingredients to do their work.

After the soaking period, scrub the deck thoroughly to lift away any dirt, grime, or stains. Rinse the deck completely with a garden hose or pressure washer to remove any residue.

This homemade deck cleaner is a great choice for regular maintenance, as it’s gentle enough to use on a frequent basis. The castile soap provides a mild, plant-based cleaning power, while the hydrogen peroxide helps to brighten and whiten the wood.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s safe for both you and the environment. Castile soap and hydrogen peroxide are non-toxic and biodegradable, making this a great eco-friendly option for your deck cleaning needs.

Homemade Deck Cleaner Recipe #4: Lemon Juice and Borax

If you’re looking for a homemade deck cleaner that can tackle tough stains and discoloration, consider a solution made with lemon juice and borax. This dynamic duo works together to break down and lift away even the most stubborn buildup on your deck.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup borax
1 gallon of warm water
A scrub brush or broom

To make the cleaner, simply mix the lemon juice and borax in a large bucket or container. Stir in the warm water until the borax is fully dissolved.

Use your scrub brush or broom to apply the solution directly to your deck, working in sections. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the lemon juice and borax to work their magic.

After the soaking period, scrub the deck thoroughly to lift away any dirt, grime, or stains. Rinse the deck completely with a garden hose or pressure washer to remove any residue.

This homemade deck cleaner is particularly effective at tackling issues like:

Mildew and mold stains
Weathered, gray wood
Oil or grease stains
Stubborn dirt and grime buildup

The lemon juice and borax work together to break down and dissolve even the toughest buildup, leaving your deck looking refreshed and revitalized. Plus, both ingredients are natural, eco-friendly, and safe for your family and the environment.

Homemade Deck Cleaner Recipe #5: Dish Soap and Bleach

For a powerful, deep-cleaning homemade deck cleaner, try a solution made with dish soap and bleach. This combination can effectively tackle even the most stubborn stains and discoloration, restoring your deck to its former glory.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1/2 cup dish soap (preferably a degreasing formula)
1/2 cup bleach
1 gallon of warm water
A scrub brush or broom

To make the cleaner, mix the dish soap and bleach in a large bucket or container. Slowly add the warm water and stir to combine.

Use your scrub brush or broom to apply the solution directly to your deck, working in sections. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the ingredients to work their magic.

After the soaking period, scrub the deck thoroughly to lift away any dirt, grime, or stains. Rinse the deck completely with a garden hose or pressure washer to remove any residue.

This homemade deck cleaner is particularly effective at tackling issues like:

Mildew and mold stains
Stubborn oil or grease stains
Deeply ingrained dirt and grime
Severe weathering and discoloration

The dish soap provides a powerful degreasing and cleaning action, while the bleach helps to brighten and whiten the wood. Just be sure to use this recipe with caution, as bleach can be harsh on both the deck and the environment. Always rinse thoroughly and avoid using it too frequently.