Decking and Outdoor Living

Whether cleaning pressure treated wood decking or synthetic / composite decking material, many of the same cleaning agents are effective on both surface types.

Many deck wash/cleaners contain sodium percarbonate and a detergent, which works well on normal dirt and grime and bleaches out mold and mildew stains. An oxygen bleach-based formula is another great alternative. It's effective in removing mildew stains and the weathered grey residue from UV (sunlight) degradation. Both cleaners are environmentally safe and will not harm plants or animals, damage wood's cell structure or leave a bleached-out look.

Oxalic acid cleaners are effective on rust stains left from metal furniture.

Commercial degreasers contain propylene glycol, sodium hydroxide, and various detergents for removing grease and oil stains.

Spot removers/thinners can be used sparingly on particularly stubborn grease or oil stains, but should be washed off quickly with water as they will attack the grain pattern. These normally include petroleum distillates, xylene, methanol, acetone, or other organic solvents.