Cleaning your outdoor deck doesn’t have to be a hassle or an expensive chore. With the right homemade deck cleaner, you can restore your deck’s natural beauty using everyday items you probably already have at home.
Whether you’re maintaining a new deck or bringing life back to an older one, a homemade cleaning solution can do wonders for wood decks and other materials. Let’s dive into how to create the best homemade deck cleaning solutions and make your deck look brand new!
Key Takeaways
- Homemade deck cleaners are cost-effective, eco-friendly, and use simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and oxygen bleach, making them safe for kids, pets, and plants.
- Easy-to-make solutions like vinegar and baking soda mix, oxygen bleach power cleaner, or dish soap and warm water effectively tackle dirt, stains, and mildew on wood decks.
- For the best results, always sweep the deck before cleaning, test your solution on a small area, scrub gently, and rinse thoroughly to avoid residue buildup.
Why Use a Homemade Deck Cleaner?
Store-bought deck cleaners can be effective, but they’re often loaded with chemicals that might harm the environment – or your wallet. A homemade deck cleaner is a cost-effective, eco-friendly way to keep your deck looking great. Plus, you have full control over the ingredients, making it safer for kids, pets, and plants.
Key Ingredients for a Homemade Deck Cleaner
The best part about making your own deck cleaner is that it only requires simple, affordable ingredients. Here’s a quick list:
- White vinegar: Great for breaking down dirt and grime.
- Baking soda: Perfect for scrubbing away tough stains.
- Liquid dish soap: Helps lift grease and debris.
- Oxygen bleach: A powerful yet safe alternative to chlorine bleach.
- Warm water: Essential for mixing your cleaning solution.
Easy Recipes for a Homemade Deck Cleaner
1. The Classic Vinegar and Baking Soda Cleaner
This tried-and-true homemade cleaning solution is perfect for tackling dirt and grime on wood decks.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 1/4 cup of baking soda
- 1 gallon of warm water
- Instructions:
- Mix the ingredients in a bucket until the baking soda dissolves.
- Use a deck brush to apply the solution to your outdoor deck.
- Scrub gently, focusing on any stained areas.
- Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose.
2. Oxygen Bleach Power Cleaner
This homemade deck cleaning solution is ideal for tough stains and mildew.
- Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of oxygen bleach
- 1 gallon of warm water
- Instructions:
- Dissolve the oxygen bleach in warm water.
- Apply the cleaning solution with a deck brush or sprayer.
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Scrub and rinse with a garden hose or pressure washer.
3. Dish Soap and Warm Water Mix
If you’re looking for a gentle, DIY deck cleaner, this is a great option.
- Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of liquid dish soap
- 1 gallon of warm water
- Instructions:
- Mix the ingredients in a bucket.
- Apply the homemade cleaner to your deck with a deck brush.
- Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose.
How to Use Your Homemade Deck Cleaner Safely
- Sweep First: Before applying your homemade deck cleaner, sweep the deck boards to remove debris.
- Spot Test: Test your cleaning solution on a small area to ensure it doesn’t damage your deck’s finish.
- Scrub with Care: Use a deck brush with soft bristles to avoid scratching your deck boards.
- Rinse Well: Always rinse with a garden hose or pressure washer to remove any residue.
Tools That Make Cleaning Easier
- Deck Brush: A sturdy brush helps scrub dirt without damaging your deck.
- Garden Hose: A good rinse is essential after applying your cleaning solution.
- Pressure Washer: For deeper cleaning, a power washer can blast away dirt and mildew.
Tips for Maintaining Your Outdoor Deck
- Clean Regularly: Clean your deck at least twice a year to prevent dirt buildup.
- Seal or Stain: Protect your deck by applying a sealant or stain after cleaning.
- Keep It Dry: Remove leaves and puddles promptly to avoid mold and mildew.
Natural Alternatives for Deck Cleaning
Lemon Juice and Baking Soda
Lemon juice is a natural cleaner that’s great for breaking down dirt and removing stains. When combined with baking soda, it forms a gentle scrub that’s perfect for wood decks.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup of baking soda
- 1 gallon of warm water
Instructions:
- Mix the lemon juice and baking soda in warm water until it dissolves.
- Apply the solution to your deck with a sponge or deck brush.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing gently.
- Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose.
Essential Oils for a Fresh Scent
Adding a few drops of essential oils like tea tree or lavender to your homemade deck cleaning solution can help fight mold and leave your outdoor space smelling fresh. Tea tree oil is especially effective at killing bacteria and mildew.
How to Use:
- Add 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil to any cleaning solution.
- Mix well and apply as usual.
- Enjoy the added benefit of a pleasant scent while cleaning!
Ash and Water Paste
For stubborn grease or oil stains, you can use wood ash from your fireplace. Ash has natural abrasive qualities that can help lift tough spots without damaging your deck.
Instructions:
- Mix wood ash with a small amount of water to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Scrub gently with a deck brush and rinse off with a garden hose.
How to Store Leftover Homemade Cleaners
If you make more cleaning solution than you need, proper storage is key to keeping it effective for future use. Here’s how to do it:
- Store in a labeled, airtight container to avoid contamination.
- Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
- Use solutions containing fresh ingredients, like lemon juice, within a few days to ensure they stay fresh.
By incorporating these natural options and tips, you can expand your cleaning arsenal and take care of your outdoor deck in an environmentally friendly way.
Which Ingredients Shouldn’t Be Mixed?
When making a homemade deck cleaner, it’s important to keep safety in mind. Some ingredients can become dangerous when mixed:
- Vinegar and Bleach: Never mix these! The combination creates toxic chlorine gas, which harms your lungs. Stick to using one or the other, but not both.
- Ammonia and Bleach: This is another no-go. Mixing these releases dangerous fumes that can be very harmful to breathe in.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar in Closed Containers: While safe to use together in open air, combining them in a closed container can cause a build-up of pressure that might burst.
Always double-check before combining ingredients, and stick to the recipes above for safe, effective cleaning solutions. If you’re unsure, it’s better to keep things simple and avoid experimenting!
FAQs About Homemade Deck Cleaners
Transform Your Deck with Deck Bros
Keeping your deck in top shape is easy with the right cleaning methods, but sometimes you need professional help. At Deck Bros, we specialize in deck building and repairs to make your outdoor space look its best. Whether you need a deep clean or a full restoration, we’re here to help.
Contact Deck Bros today (402) 369-5724 for a free consultation and let us transform your deck into a space you’ll love to use year-round!