By Glenda Taylor | Updated Oct 25, 2021 10:36 AM

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Rubber Gasket 3mm

How to Make and Use Homemade Deck Cleaner (DIYer's Guide) - Bob Vila

An outdoor deck sees lots of traffic. Muddy shoes, spilled food, and wet dogs can leave it dirty, stained, and smelly. Even if the deck isn’t a party platform, it’s up against the elements—pollen, leaves, and algae all take their toll. But you needn’t use a harsh, expensive deck detergent to restore it. For a refreshed deck in under half an hour, mix up a batch of eco-friendly homemade deck cleaner, apply it with a deck brush and a little elbow grease, and then rinse away all manner of dirt and grime.

For full instructions on making and applying homemade deck cleaner, continue reading below!

Clear the deck of whatever furniture, grill, gardening containers, and other miscellaneous outdoor equipment you can easily stash elsewhere. Spray the deck amply with plain water from your garden hose to loosen and soften mud and debris, making it easier to remove.

While the ingredients suggested here are relatively safe and won’t damage garden greenery, it’s a good idea to wear goggles and rubber gloves to protect sensitive eyes and skin, should the homemade deck cleaner accidentally splash.

Liberally saturate the deck surface by dipping the brush into the homemade cleaning solution and sloshing it over the planks. Starting at one end and working your way to the other, clean your deck with the brush to work up a light lather, rewetting the brush’s bristles as needed. Give the solution 15 minutes of dwell time to allow the oxygen bleach to work.

Spray off the DIY deck cleaner with the garden hose. Let your deck dry naturally and completely in the sun’s rays before redecorating it.

Now that your deck is clean as new, take a look around you. If wood handrails, balusters, even outdoor wooden furniture seem less than fresh, mix up some more DIY cleaner to safely restore them and you’re fully prepared for any outdoor gathering large or small.

RELATED: So, You Want to… Build a Floating Deck

Gasket Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.