How to Make Deck Cleaner

Are you tired of looking at your dirty deck? Luckily, diy deck cleaner is easy to do and will help extend the life of your outdoor space.

Keeping your deck clean is essential for maintaining its appearance and longevity. Over time, dirt, mildew, and grime can accumulate, leading to a dull or weathered look. Thankfully, making your own deck cleaner at home is simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. By using easily available ingredients, you can create a solution that removes stains and restores the natural beauty of your deck. Additionally, making your deck cleaner allows you to avoid harsh chemicals that can be harmful to kids, pets, and plants.

This guide on how to make deck cleaner will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare and use a homemade deck cleaner effectively.

What Are the Benefits of Making Your Deck Cleaner?

Making your own deck cleaner has several advantages over store-bought alternatives. Here are the top benefits:

1. Cost-Effective: Store-bought cleaners can be expensive, especially if you have a large deck or need to clean it frequently. By making your deck cleaner, you can save money in the long run.
2. Customizable Ingredients: With homemade deck cleaner, you have control over what ingredients are used. This allows you to customize the solution based on your specific needs and preferences.
3. Environmentally Friendly: Most store-bought cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can harm the environment and wildlife. By using natural ingredients, you can reduce your environmental impact and keep your outdoor space safe for plants and animals.
4. Versatility: Homemade deck cleaner can be used on more than just decks. It can also be used on other outdoor surfaces such as patios, fences, and even outdoor furniture.
5. Less Harsh on Wood: Store-bought cleaners can sometimes be too harsh on wood, causing damage or discoloration over time. By using a homemade solution with natural ingredients, you can clean your deck without worrying about potential damage to the wood.

What Will You Need?

To make your own homemade deck cleaner, you will need the following materials and ingredients:

• A large bucket or container
• Warm water
• Liquid dish soap or laundry detergent
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Scrub brush or broom with stiff bristles
• Garden hose or pressure washer (optional)

Once you have gathered all of your materials and ingredients, you are ready to make your homemade deck cleaner.

10 Easy Steps on How to Make Deck Cleaner

Step 1. Prepare Your Workspace 

Before you start making your deck cleaner, it’s important to prepare your workspace to ensure you have everything you need and can work efficiently. Start by clearing your deck of any furniture, plants, or other items that may obstruct the cleaning process.

Sweep away loose debris, such as leaves, dirt, and twigs, to create a clean surface for the cleaner to work effectively. If possible, choose a day with mild weather—avoiding rain or excessive heat—to ensure optimal results. Gather all your materials and tools in a convenient location near the deck so you won’t need to interrupt the process by searching for items. This preparation will set the stage for a smooth and effective cleaning experience.

Step 2. Fill the Bucket with Warm Water 

Begin by selecting a sturdy bucket that can hold enough water to last through the cleaning process. Fill the bucket with warm water, as it helps to dissolve dirt and grime more effectively than cold water. Add an appropriate amount of deck cleaning solution or mild soap to the water, following the product’s instructions for the correct ratio. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the cleaner is evenly distributed. Your cleaning solution is now ready to use on your deck.

Step 3. Add Liquid Dish Soap or Laundry Detergent 

Add a few drops of liquid dish soap or a small amount of laundry detergent to the cleaning solution if extra cleaning power is needed for tougher stains or particularly dirty areas. Make sure to use a mild, biodegradable soap that will not harm the wood or the surrounding environment. Stir the soap into the solution gently to avoid creating excessive foam. This step enhances the cleaning ability of the solution while ensuring it is safe for your deck and the environment.

Step 4. Mix in White Vinegar 

White vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner that helps remove mold, mildew, and grime while being gentle on wood. Add one cup of white vinegar to the cleaning solution and stir thoroughly to combine. The vinegar’s acidic properties effectively break down stubborn dirt and contaminants, ensuring a deep clean without damaging your deck. Additionally, it is an eco-friendly option that won’t harm plants or soil around your deck.

Step 5. Include Baking Soda 

Baking soda is a versatile and gentle abrasive that works wonderfully to lift dirt and grime from surfaces. Add half a cup of baking soda to your cleaning solution and mix well. Its natural deodorizing properties help eliminate odors, while its mild scrubbing action effectively loosens stubborn stains without scratching the wood. Baking soda also enhances the cleaning power of your solution, making it an essential addition to your deck-cleaning routine.

Step 6. Stir the Solution 

Use a long-handled stirrer or a wooden stick to thoroughly mix the solution until all the ingredients are well combined. Make sure there are no clumps of baking soda left at the bottom of the container, as an even mixture will ensure effective cleaning. Take your time to achieve a uniform consistency, which is key to maximizing the solution’s performance on your deck.

Step 7. Apply the Cleaner to the Deck 

Using a mop, sponge, or soft-bristled brush, generously apply the cleaning solution to the surface of the deck. Start at one end and work your way to the other, ensuring that every board is coated evenly. Pay special attention to areas with visible dirt, stains, or mildew, applying extra solution if necessary. Allow the cleaner to sit on the surface for 10-15 minutes to break down grime and stains, but avoid letting it dry completely. This soaking time is crucial for loosening tough debris and ensuring a thorough cleaning.

Step 8. Scrub the Surface 

Use a stiff-bristle brush or a push broom to scrub the surface of the deck thoroughly. Focus on areas with stubborn stains or heavy grime buildup, using firm, even pressure to lift the dirt. Work in the direction of the wood grain to avoid damaging the surface or creating scratches.

For large decks, it may be helpful to divide the surface into sections and clean one area at a time. Rinse your brush or broom frequently to prevent spreading dirt back onto clean areas. This step ensures the deck is deeply cleaned and prepares it for any additional treatments or sealing.

Step 9. Rinse Off the Cleaner 

Using a garden hose or a pressure washer on a low setting, thoroughly rinse off the cleaner from the deck. Begin at one end and work systematically to ensure all cleaning residue is removed. Pay extra attention to corners, cracks, and gaps between the boards, as dirt can accumulate in these areas. Leaving residue behind can affect the appearance of the deck and interfere with subsequent treatments. Make sure the water runs clear to confirm that all cleaner has been washed away. Allow the deck to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 10. Allow the Deck to Dry 

Once the deck has been thoroughly rinsed and cleaned, allow sufficient time for it to dry completely. This drying process is crucial to ensure that any treatments, such as staining or sealing, adhere properly to the surface. Depending on the weather conditions, such as temperature and humidity, this may take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours. It’s important to check the forecast and avoid scheduling further work if rain is expected. A properly dried deck provides a clean and stable surface, ensuring the longevity of any finish applied in the next steps.

Now your deck should be clean, refreshed, and ready to enjoy!

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Using Harsh Chemicals 

  Avoid using cleaners that contain harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia. These can damage the wood fibers, discolor your deck, or harm surrounding plants and lawn.

2. Skipping Dilution Instructions 

  Always read and follow the dilution instructions provided on store-bought deck cleaners. Using the product at full strength can be overly abrasive and cause harm to the deck’s surface.

3. Mixing Random Ingredients 

  Combining random household cleaners or chemicals can result in dangerous chemical reactions. Stick to tested recipes or recommended products to ensure safe and effective cleaning.

4. Ignoring Safety Precautions 

  Never skip wearing protective gear such as gloves and masks when handling cleaning solutions. This is not only important for your safety but also prevents damage to your skin or respiratory irritation.

5. Underestimating Rinsing 

  After applying a cleaner, failing to rinse thoroughly can leave residue behind, which might attract more dirt or prevent future treatments, like sealers, from properly adhering. Always rinse the deck completely with water.

Conclusion

How to make deck cleaner is a simple and effective way to maintain your outdoor space while avoiding harsh chemicals.

By combining common household ingredients such as vinegar, baking soda, or dish soap, you can craft a solution tailored to your deck’s material and specific cleaning needs. Always ensure you test your mixture on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire surface.

Combine proper cleaning techniques, thorough rinsing, and safety precautions to achieve a clean, well-maintained deck that lasts for years.