After a long winter, your deck’s probably accumulated dirt and debris, and maybe it’s gone a little green as moss and algae have thrived in the damp conditions, so you’re probably good and ready to get out there and clean.
There are a couple of ways to clean a deck. The first is to use one of our pick of the best decking cleaners – more on those below. Picking our top buy (again, see below), makes the job pretty easy, especially if you tackle it on a warm(ish), dry day and enjoy being outside anyway.
Another way is to use one of the best pressure washers you can afford (again, we have a guide). These need a bigger budget (to buy or hire) and storage space if you've bought it, of course.
We'd always start with a decking cleaner for a low-effort way to clean up a deck. If yours is a huge deck or hasn't been cleaned for quite some time, a combination of both decking cleaners and pressure washers might be needed. Anyway, read on for tips and recommendations – and for more, see our full guide on how to clean a deck.
Our favourite decking cleaner
Our top deck cleaner is Cuprinol Decking Cleaner. This nifty cleaner will not only remove dirt and grease from your decking, plus kill mould and algae that have accumulated, but it will also get it ready for re-staining or oiling – something you should do annually to keep your deck protected from the elements. Here's how to use it:
1. Just apply by brush, spray or watering can with a rose.
2. Next, you’ll need to tackle the deck with a stiff brush.
3. That done, then rinse with water.
The best news? This cleaner will sterilise the surface of the deck to protect against regrowth of nasties, too.
Our next best decking cleaner – no scrubbing required
Like the idea of a no scrubbing required solution to your dirty deck? Then check out our number two deck cleaner. Pro-Kleen Patio Cleaner simply needs spraying on with a watering can or pump sprayer, then leaving. You’ll just need to keep children and pets off the deck until it’s dry.
If your deck’s in particularly desperate need of revival, you might have to re-treat these areas, but we've had great results without scrubbing, which (you won’t be surprised to hear) we’re all for.
- Best decking oils (for after you've cleaned yours)
- Best decking paints
- Best decking stains
