Best Deck Cleaner And Brightener (2025 Update)

I have used this wood cleaning product many times and have been very satisfied with the results. It washes the grime that settles on the deck boards over the winter and makes the deck look brighter.John

Used to spray wash outdoor cushions. Worked really well. Also used on cement deck and screen cage and aluminum. Worked well.Mommom03

I used this on my Trex deck and was satisfied with the results. It suds up well, cleaned the surface dirt, and rinsed out well.Tom N

This works good on lightly soiled areas But for heavily soiled areas Bleach works better. Unfortunately it is not recommended to use bleach with the power washer.235sharon

Dish soap works better!!!! I had to use dish soap to get the white film that the safe wash left behind. What a waste of time and money!matkru-69

This stuff is fantast!ic!!! Our composite deck hasn't been this clean since it was new!! Sprayed it on and it started working in an iinstant. Will definitely purchase again for fall cleanup and probably followup with a good sealing..margorie

Every time i wash my deck i use Star Brite. I have found it is the next best thing instead of using bleach to get scuffs and fish blood off my deck. Obviously bleach being a much harsher product not only for my deck but also the environment i looked for another product to use that over time would not deteriorate my deck or fabric. I have been using Star Bright for almost 2 years now and it cleans and leaves a non slippery finish, keeping my deck looking like new. It is very slippery when wet and that would be my only caution i have busted my butt a few times now.Cliff

Worked really well at removing spots and stains from my non skid deck.The key is to let the product sit for a few minutes after applying with a brush, so that it takes effect and then brush briskly and wash off. Might need a second application for really stubborn stains, but overall works really well for intended purposes!Jegermiester

Boat Detailing firm ceased to operate, so I had to do this myself. I chose to put in maximum effort, so I washed all non-skid surfaces thoroughly with West Marine Boat Wash, rinsed thoroughly, let the deck dry. Then I light hosed down the deck, started firmly brushing in Star Brite Deck Cleaner, kept it up for a while, using a stiff brush. By the way, knee pads help! – did this on hands and knees, very thoroughly. I waited until it dried (not exactly package instructions). Then I rinsed off the deck. I was surprised how great – brand new – the deck looked wet and after thoroughly drying – awesome, and this is a 16 year old boat. Starbrite cleaner lifted most stains that Boatwash and elbow grease didn't completely get. Admiral was also amazed, wondering why I don't work this hard cleaning at home. Rain overnight – and the deck looked wonderful the next morning, even after drying. I tested to see if the deck was slippery, and it was literally "squeaky clean" and non-slippery with Topsiders on. So, I'm very impressed, I'm looking forward to seeing how long this great, new appearance continues to look a month and two months later. I'm likely to make this an every other month priority, as I feel confident that this frequency will keep the deck cleaner, even more non-skid, sound and easier to clean in the future. I'll use this product without the Boatwash prep next time.Sandy1949

I fish the gulf with squid "nasty stuff" add some fish blood and guess what, it gets the boat well you know nasty. This suuff makes clean up a snap, Wet the floor, give it a spray, a little brush action, and behold a clean non skid deck ready for the next trip. I love this stuff! Captain Petepeter b.

bleach free. Easier on my allergies. I also like the fact it is multi purpose. It can be used on wood, cement, stone, vinyl, terra cotta pots and patio furniture. I am sure a lot more as well, as I continue my cleaning. This product can be applied with a tank sprayer, power washer, or with a bucket. Just dilute with water per directions. This cleaner has a foaming action that seems to work on contact. I applied the cleaner, let it set for a few minutes, scrub and rinse. Easy to use and safe around plants and grasses. I am having good luck with this cleaner. So far I have cleaned my sidewalk to my porch as well. I am sure I will be purchasing more in the near future. It has a pleasant fragrance which I love. I do recommend this product to others. All opinions are 100% my own.ppopp45

The Scotts Outdoor Cleaner Multi Purpose Formula is incredible! This product is so useful for cleaning all of your outdoor furniture and tools! It's highly effective and you can easily get the job done without wasting or spending a lot of valuable time on it. By using this formula, you can get rid of all the grime and gunk being kept on any outdoor surfaces like tables. I have a table outside and using this product is super beneficial because it wipes off all the gross dirt and leaves that fall on. This product is able to completely get rid of surface-level dirt after letting it sit for a couple of minutes which is so impressive! I appreciate that this product is bleach-free and there's no overpowering or annoying smell, especially because I have a dog who roams outside and I don't want her to be harmed by it. It's completely safe to use on carpets, grass, and plants, which is amazing. Overall, I highly recommend this product!Roxana35

Spring is just around the corner and I cannot wait to start cleaning up my patio area for all the BBQ's this coming year! I have a concrete slab, very big, and it tends to turn dark and spotty throughout the year with rain, snow, ice, dirt and whatever. I tried this on a small section just to see what I will be able to do in a few weeks to clean it off and it looks fantastic! I can't wait to clean up everything around the yard including the exterior areas with the white vinyl siding on it. Most of the exterior is brick and looks great but the siding is grimy and dirty. Can't wait to get it done! This product is strong, efficient and actually WORKS!!! LOVING IT! Highly recommend to use!!goddit

I figured with the Rust-Oleum name, this might be good. I was very wrong. Used exactly as directed, this was the worst deck cleaner I've ever used in 35 years. Even simple green mildew in shady places were almost completely untouched and unremoved. I tried doing it again over the same previously 'cleaned' area, and still almost no cleaning effect. A huge waste of money and more importantly, my time. Save yours.Baycap Chessie

I tried this on a variety of grease stains on the composite deck (Trex 'heritage'). It worked great on the recent stains, not too bad on the somewhat-older stains, and not very well on the ancient stains. My fault for not trying it sooner, but I couldn't find a supplier in Canada. Will keep the bottle on stand-by now for the next time we get a grease splatter.kwlarsenii

The window in my Jeep got broke. I live in a moist humid area. I went on vacation and came back to my Jeep covered in mold on the inside. I tried everything else on the market. I used this once and it was like the mold disappeared. I sprayed again and wiped. Miracle and handy to keep your family healthy. Wonderful product!Angelena

People are not using this product correctly. To remove mold stains use bleach or high strength peroxide. After the stain is gone, use mold control in the same area to prevent mold returning. Bleach does not kill the roots of mold, but it does remove the discoloration. The mold control product has successfully kept mold at bay in my house. Only failures I have had are with fabrics, Insulation around air ducts.Mya Linderbaum

I paired this with Mold Armor and it obliterated the mold I had on the studs in my bathroom. I emptied the bottles on all of it approx 5'x8' space. Made sure to apply at least 2 coats(3 on the heavy stuff). I scraped the mold off with a paint scraper and steel wool. Wiped off with blue shop towels, dried, and then sprayed again. 24 hours later the wood is mold free and I can start painting it over with Kilz.Charles Hennings

1st let me say….I read and followed the instructions….2nd, I have HardyPlank siding. It kinda works…but on the textured siding, you really need to scrub. It kinda reaches second floor but not all the way to peak. It kinda covers the sq footage but plan on buying refill and needing it all to do 4 sides of your house.shawn

I have used this product before. It is a great item to clean the outside surfaces of your home especially when mold, mildew and other water stains build up. I have already recommended it to other home owners.Channie

What an awful design! First, the product inside the spray bottle works great. Smells like bleach, stings like bleach, and ruins your clothes like bleach, when trying to use the spray bottle. So empty the contents into a tank sprayer, and throw away the container, or just start with much cheaper bleach. Note to the product development wizards: move the water on on off switch to the water input side. Leave the output side for spray and rinse only. As you have implemented this, we must move through rinse to off with a difficult to turn knob. Poor design.BleachedPants

not only did this product not work but, I cant clean it off my windows! I tried the spray and rinse window cleaner. I tried hand washing, pressure washing and now i'm using plastic scrubbing pads on it. So far I've got 30 minutes into a 2'x2 1/2' window and I'm not done! DON"T USE THIS PRODUCT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!bruno9710

bleach free. Easier on my allergies. I also like the fact it is multi purpose. It can be used on wood, cement, stone, vinyl, terra cotta pots and patio furniture. I am sure a lot more as well, as I continue my cleaning. This product can be applied with a tank sprayer, power washer, or with a bucket. Just dilute with water per directions. This cleaner has a foaming action that seems to work on contact. I applied the cleaner, let it set for a few minutes, scrub and rinse. Easy to use and safe around plants and grasses. I am having good luck with this cleaner. So far I have cleaned my sidewalk to my porch as well. I am sure I will be purchasing more in the near future. It has a pleasant fragrance which I love. I do recommend this product to others. All opinions are 100% my own.ppopp45

The Scotts Outdoor Cleaner Multi Purpose Formula is incredible! This product is so useful for cleaning all of your outdoor furniture and tools! It's highly effective and you can easily get the job done without wasting or spending a lot of valuable time on it. By using this formula, you can get rid of all the grime and gunk being kept on any outdoor surfaces like tables. I have a table outside and using this product is super beneficial because it wipes off all the gross dirt and leaves that fall on. This product is able to completely get rid of surface-level dirt after letting it sit for a couple of minutes which is so impressive! I appreciate that this product is bleach-free and there's no overpowering or annoying smell, especially because I have a dog who roams outside and I don't want her to be harmed by it. It's completely safe to use on carpets, grass, and plants, which is amazing. Overall, I highly recommend this product!Roxana35

Spring is just around the corner and I cannot wait to start cleaning up my patio area for all the BBQ's this coming year! I have a concrete slab, very big, and it tends to turn dark and spotty throughout the year with rain, snow, ice, dirt and whatever. I tried this on a small section just to see what I will be able to do in a few weeks to clean it off and it looks fantastic! I can't wait to clean up everything around the yard including the exterior areas with the white vinyl siding on it. Most of the exterior is brick and looks great but the siding is grimy and dirty. Can't wait to get it done! This product is strong, efficient and actually WORKS!!! LOVING IT! Highly recommend to use!!goddit

bleach free. Easier on my allergies. I also like the fact it is multi purpose. It can be used on wood, cement, stone, vinyl, terra cotta pots and patio furniture. I am sure a lot more as well, as I continue my cleaning. This product can be applied with a tank sprayer, power washer, or with a bucket. Just dilute with water per directions. This cleaner has a foaming action that seems to work on contact. I applied the cleaner, let it set for a few minutes, scrub and rinse. Easy to use and safe around plants and grasses. I am having good luck with this cleaner. So far I have cleaned my sidewalk to my porch as well. I am sure I will be purchasing more in the near future. It has a pleasant fragrance which I love. I do recommend this product to others. All opinions are 100% my own.ppopp45

The Scotts Outdoor Cleaner Multi Purpose Formula is incredible! This product is so useful for cleaning all of your outdoor furniture and tools! It's highly effective and you can easily get the job done without wasting or spending a lot of valuable time on it. By using this formula, you can get rid of all the grime and gunk being kept on any outdoor surfaces like tables. I have a table outside and using this product is super beneficial because it wipes off all the gross dirt and leaves that fall on. This product is able to completely get rid of surface-level dirt after letting it sit for a couple of minutes which is so impressive! I appreciate that this product is bleach-free and there's no overpowering or annoying smell, especially because I have a dog who roams outside and I don't want her to be harmed by it. It's completely safe to use on carpets, grass, and plants, which is amazing. Overall, I highly recommend this product!Roxana35

Spring is just around the corner and I cannot wait to start cleaning up my patio area for all the BBQ's this coming year! I have a concrete slab, very big, and it tends to turn dark and spotty throughout the year with rain, snow, ice, dirt and whatever. I tried this on a small section just to see what I will be able to do in a few weeks to clean it off and it looks fantastic! I can't wait to clean up everything around the yard including the exterior areas with the white vinyl siding on it. Most of the exterior is brick and looks great but the siding is grimy and dirty. Can't wait to get it done! This product is strong, efficient and actually WORKS!!! LOVING IT! Highly recommend to use!!goddit

Used it last fall to clean a deck that was heavily souled with visible mold and mildew. It worked great! Used it straight from the jug, scrubbed and sprayed it off. I had to go over it twice, but was already prepare to do that. Good product, will use againDes59

Needed to clean a 60 foot wooden fence that had been constructed about 8 months ago. There was some mud and dirt that splashed up near the bottom and other stains as well. The Behr Cleaner worked quite well. I bought a pair of neoprene gloves, mixed 1 part water, 1 part cleaner and used a large sponge to scrub the fence. It is now ready to have a clear stain applied.burger4

Bought it to treat new fencing with a green hue to it. Tried a 50/50 mix, did nothing. Then tried full strength and again nothing. Used a pressure washer on both times and still have the green hue on the pockets. Read directions 4 times and followed to a tee. Behr recommends using this before you paint or stain even new wood. I think they tell you that to sell you their product. Hate I wasted money buying their stain now.Keith68

Soapy water and a good scrubbing brush was just as effective – albeit teak deck only laid 6 months so maybe more effective on older decksSamantha W

I received the Oxalic Acid expecting the label to indicate that it was Ok to use on Honey Bee Hives with supers on. The example showed that label to be used but the product delivered did not have the label, It is against the rules to use this without the proper label. Would appreciate a replacement with the proper labeling.Peter

Came delivered very quickly. Mixed 3 to 4 oz per gallon of warm water. Used a new unused garden sprayer. Let soak 15-20 minutes. Then, power washed with wide tip. My deck now looks brand new. Thank you, Mr. Oxalic Acid!2010benotafraid1947

Extremely quick shipping but the most important thing is it brightened by darkened wood deck. Cleaned the deck with TSP and Oxy and a pressure washer, then put the acid mixed water and left for awhile and the darkness was vertically gone. Good stuff.Phillip

Olympic Deck Cleaner is one of the top products out there. All of the complaints out there about how the wood is turning out, I would bet they are not telling the whole story. First, let the cleaner do it's job. Put the power washer away! Your are only destroying the wood and prematurely aging it when you blast 3000 psi of water into wood, particularly if it's dry and never had a protectorant applied! Second, if you've neglected the wood or have inherited a worn deck, whether you use ODC or some other cleaner, plan on doing some sanding. Most of what you're trying to remove is organic of nature, whether it's moss, mildew or completely grayed out cedar siding, but a lot of it is pollution based. This is the only product I've found in over thirty years of painting that effectively handles both! And tree sap; some of the hardest substance to remove; doesn't stand a chance! And remember, like all cleaners, protect everything around where you are cleaning from overspray; bushes, plants; etc. Rinse thoroughly, but do it without having to plug something in or gas something up. Sorry my power washing buddies. Leave the wood alone.Tecolote79

I use it on my stained deck in late fall and then early spring. After halloween or so, deck does not get any sun really. Starts to get mildew and whatnot. I actually use a brush and scrub it in. Let it sit for ten minutes or so and rinse like hell. Keep rinsing until no suds come up from the wood. Deck ends up looking brand new again and no more mold and mildew.

I'm not sure who else would use this product. When I re-did my deck, I pressure washed and then sanded. There's no need for this product if you are pressure washing and sanding like you should, unless you got side tracked and waited a month after the pressure wash/sanding. This product is good for maintaining your deck more than anything.Steve Miller

I just wrote this review on consumeraffairs.com So this will be my 2nd review I have ever written. But once again as I clean my deck in 2016, I am amazed at how wonderful this product is. OK folks. This is the first and only review I have ever written. You may have heard that statement before and I’m not quite sure how to prove this statement, but it is true. We installed Timbertech composite decking in 2009. We have a 3 tiered connecting deck that wraps around the corner of our house. The cost of JUST the materials was over $10,000. We decided to go with composite decking because Timbertech advertised “MAINTENANCE FREE” (they now advertise LOW MAINTENANCE — load of garbage!) We didn’t want the hassle of re-staining, etc. every year. Well, about 2 years after the summer installation we noticed black mold spots starting to develop. That summer it was a small amount and seemed to be just on the surface. We lightly pressure washed it and it was gone. But by the next summer the mold was back and with a vengeance! My husband and I were mortified. So we pressure washed it again but by late summer it was all back again. Next summer, same thing but worse again. My husband and I were considering ripping down the deck because it looked so awful. We stopped entertaining at our house because it looked like our deck had a contagious disease. Every year I would go to Lowes, Home Depot, etc. asking for some type of cleaner. Tried lots. Krud Kutter, to homemade stuff. Nothing worked. At one of my visits to Lowes looking for paint, I by chance asked one of the employees if they have come out with anything that cleans composite decking. He said yes he did have a product for me. It is called Olympic Deck Cleaner. Told me to just spray it on, wait 5 minutes and hose it off. Said if it is really bad you may need to pressure wash it off instead of hosing it off. I rudely laughed in his face. He told me that it doesn’t say to use it on composite decking but to try it. He just saw how it worked at a conference. So I bought 1 bottle of it at the cost of around $13 bucks. Got home, filled the garden sprayer and applied. Didn’t need to dilute it down. Just spray it on. I just did a small patch in the corner of the deck to make sure it didn’t do anything worse than what I was already dealing with. I was pressure washing the deck furniture at the same time so I went to the garage to pull out some of the patio chairs. Returned to check on the spot I was cleaning and OMG it worked. It had dissolved the dirt and mold. I couldn’t believe it. I did the rest of one level of deck and couldn’t believe what I was looking at. My husband was shocked. I had taken some before pics because I fought and fought with Timbertech to replace the deck. They pretty much laughed at me. After cleaning, I took some pics and took both the before and after pics up to show the guy at Lowes. He didn’t seem surprised but was thrilled for me because I just saved $10,000 by not replacing the deck. About a week, I returned to lower to purchase more paint. When I went up to the paint counter I was shocked to see that they had my before and after pictures in a frame sitting on the counter. I was so excited. I could have stood there all day proudly promoting the product and what it did for my deck. So like I said, this is my first review and I am not sure how to prove that this product really worked, but for $13 bucks its worth a try vs. replacing the whole deck. Sorry for the giant long review.dana23