How to clean a deck without a pressure washer – experts recommend the best deck cleaners to use instead

Did you know it's actually best to clean a deck without a pressure washer? Yes, using one will make the job quicker and so much easier, but the strength of the water pressure can also damage the wood by raising its fibers, meaning your deck will just need more cleaning, more often in future.

'Cleaning a deck is best done with a much gentler approach,' says H&G's garden expert Drew Swainston. 'If you are fairly diligent with your routine, you may find that simply using a dish soap solution and a stiff broom is enough to get yours looking as good as new. Failing that, there are some good eco-friendly deck cleaners to use.'

Below, we look at the various options for cleaning a deck without a pressure washer, and answer your questions on safe ways to remove green mold and mildew from a wood deck as you clean.

How to clean a deck without a pressure washer

'Whatever approach you are taking, first clear your deck of all containers, furniture and debris, cut back plants that are overhanging, clear dirt out of any areas where it might have gathered and ensure plants surrounding your deck are protected,' continues Drew Swainston.

'If you aren't using a harsh chemical product, you can protect surrounding plants simply by wetting them with a hose. Otherwise, use plastic drop cloths to protect them. I like these plastic drop cloths from Amazon because they have good tear-resistance, meaning you can reuse them time and again.'

Clean your deck with dish soap

The easiest, and preferable, way to clean a deck without a pressure washer is to use a dish soap solution, which will freshen a deck and is strong enough to remove mild stains. 

Simply squeeze dish soap into a bucket and run some hot water over it. Then mop the solution on to the deck.

Brush in the direction of the grain with a stiff-bristled brush (one with a long handle is easier to work with).

Rinse off with a hose, allow to dry, inspect the deck and repeat if necessary.

Clean your deck with deck cleaner

If you are using a deck cleaner to remove more stubborn stains or to clean up a really neglected deck, the key to success is to follow the manufacturer's instructions, and to test it on a small, tucked away area, first. You can use deck cleaners on all your deck ideas, from the main surface to railings.

Most deck cleaner instructions will run something like this:

• Work on a dry, overcast and cool day: this will ensure the deck cleaner doesn't evaporate or get washed away before it's had a chance to work its magic.
• Work in sections: if you have a large deck, keep the areas you are working on manageable, completing entire lengths of timber at a time before moving on.
• Apply deck cleaner to a dry deck: usually generously so that the cleaning is thorough and not patchy. We really rate DeckMAX Composite and Wood Deck Cleaner.
• Wait for the allotted time: usually five minutes.
• Brush in the cleaner with a stiff-bristled broom: in the direction of the grain.
• Apply more cleaner if needed: wait again for a few minutes, brush in again.
• Rinse off with a hose: spray plants, too, if they have been spattered with deck cleaner. Note: not all deck cleaners are designed to be rinsed off, so read instructions carefully.
• Allow to dry: then repeat if necessary.  
• Apply a deck brightener: this restores the wood after cleaning to like-new, and helps it better absorb protection, such as stain. We like Defy Wood Brightener, at Amazon.
• Protect the deck if needed: allow the deck to dry thoroughly, for up to three days first. Whether you need to stain the deck or paint the deck, this cleaning process might be all you need, though for best effect, you may need to sand the deck instead. 

Which is the best deck cleaner?

If you need something stronger than dish soap, a for-purpose deck cleaner will do the job for you. There are different types and you will need to choose one that doesn't strip off any existing finishes or damage plant life surrounding the deck.

'This means avoiding chlorine bleach-based cleaners,' says H&G's senior content editor (gardens) Holly Crossley. 'No matter what you read elsewhere, don't believe the hype: chlorine bleach will kill mildew on your deck but will also damage both the wood and any surrounding plant life.

'Instead, look for deck cleaners that are safe for plants and pets. Oxygen bleach-based cleaners will remove mildew, but are safe for plants and animals.'

These are our favorites:

Best deck cleaner overall: We like DeckMAX Composite and Wood Deck Cleaner, at Amazon.

Best deck cleaner for painted decks: Starbrite, at Amazon, is non-slip and biodegradable.

Best deck cleaner for mold and mildew: Scotts Outdoor Cleaner Multi Purpose Formula at Amazon – can be used for cleaning patio pavers without a pressure washer, too.

Best wood brightener: post cleaning, Defy Wood Brightener, at Amazon will help restore the wood's color, and help it better absorb protection, such as stain.

FAQs

Cleaning a deck without a pressure washer becomes easier with good maintenance year round: if you notice patches of algae, for example, question the reason for their presence and take action if possible to minimize or remove them. It might be that they are caused by poor drainage or a dripping faucet, for example. And even in winter, get out and sweep up debris, especially fall leaves, which can leave stains behind. Regular maintenance year round will make cleaning a deck without a pressure washer that much easier.