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Deck Cleaning

Deck Cleaningdeck stainDeck Staining 101

Deck Staining Myths and Tips 2025

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Deck Stain Tips & Myths

When it comes to staining your exterior wood deck, there’s a lot of misinformation out there. Avoid these common myths to ensure a long-lasting, professional-quality finish.

Common Deck Staining Myths Debunked

? Myth: Thicker or More Stain Lasts Longer
? Truth: Applying excess stain doesn’t mean better protection. Wood can only absorb so much stain—any extra will sit on the surface, leading to premature peeling, flaking, and uneven wear, especially in high-traffic areas.

? Myth: New Wood is Ready to be Stained
? Truth: Fresh wood needs proper preparation before staining. Always clean new wood with a deck cleaner and follow up with a deck brightener to open the wood’s pores. This allows the stain to penetrate effectively, ensuring better adhesion and longevity.

? Myth: Water Should Bead on the Wood After Staining
? Truth: Water should shed off the wood, not bead up. Beading typically means the surface is completely sealed with waxes or silicones, which prevent the wood from breathing. Over time, this can trap moisture and lead to wood damage.

? Myth: 5-6 Year Deck Stain Warranties Mean Long-Lasting Protection
? Truth: No deck stain will last more than 2-3 years on a horizontal, exposed wood surface. Weather, dirt, UV rays, and foot traffic all contribute to natural wear and tear. Many extended stain warranties come with exclusions that make them virtually meaningless.

? Myth: A Deck Should Look Like a Hardwood Floor
? Truth: A glossy, polyurethane-like finish on an outdoor deck is a bad idea. These finishes trap moisture, peel, and flake, causing a maintenance nightmare. The best deck stains penetrate the wood rather than forming a surface film, ensuring better durability.

? Got Deck Staining Questions?
Leave a comment on our website! We’re here to help you achieve the best results for your deck in 2025 and beyond.

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Deck CleaningGray Weathered Deck

Restore-A-Deck’s Two Step Deck Cleaning Products

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We highly recommend looking at the Restore-A-Deck Prep and Stain products. They are highly efficient wood and deck prepping products. Available in different size kits, the packages consist of a Step 1 Wood Deck Cleaner and a Step 2 Wood Deck Brightener. Used together they will make sure your wood is properly prepped for a new coat of stain.

Restore-A-Deck Wood Cleaner is a powdered concentrate that is mixed with water. It safely cleans and restores the natural beauty of exterior wood commonly found on decks, stairs, and fences. This product also cleans weathered composite lumber, removing mold, mildew, and algae along with the silver-gray color that can develop over time. This product restores all wood surfaces back to their original appearance. Restore-A-Deck Wood Cleaner will not harm wood fibers, pets, grass, or most plants.

Restore-A-Deck Wood Cleaner has consistently been rated the best wood and deck stain cleaner year over year and is used by pros and homeowners alike.

The Restore A Deck system is a multistep deck cleaning system, and the best results are achieved when using all 3 products. This product is Step 1 Cleaner of the Restore A Deck system.

Some of the key benefits to Restore-A-Decks Products:

Faster Cleaning: Restore- A- Deck cleaners make the job go much quicker for you.

  • Bring life back to older, gray wood decks
  • Get rid of mold, mildew, and dirt.
  • Prep new construction for stain.
  • Remove failing stain from your wood.
  • (R-A-D) will not remove solid or acrylic stains.

Please visit www.restore-a-deck.com website for more information regarding these products.

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Deck Cleaningdeck stainGray Weathered Deck

Where to Buy Defy Deck Stain in Canada?

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Defystain.com is pleased to announce that all Defy and Masonry Saver products are now available to be shipped to Canada! Order direct and save on all the Defy exterior wood and deck restoration products. All Defy products ship duty-free to Canadian residents.

Defy Extreme Stain Canada – The Defy Extreme Wood and Deck Stain is the newest and longest-lasting of the Defy Stains. It offers advanced UV protection by incorporating nano-sized zinc oxide particles that reflect the UV light.

Defy Wood Cleaner Canada – Defy Exterior Wood Deck Cleaners, Strippers and Brighteners

Defy Concrete Sealers Canada – Defy and Masonry Saver concrete sealers and water repellents offer the highest level of protection for all types of  Masonry surfaces.

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Deck Cleaning

How to Clean a Deck (Don’t Use Chlorine Bleach) 2025

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written by Clay

no-bleach

How to Clean a Wood Deck the Right Way in 2025

Many homeowners make the mistake of using chlorine bleach to clean their deck, thinking it will effectively remove mold and mildew. However, using bleach can cause long-term damage to your wood, leading to discoloration, splintering, and premature aging. The good news? There’s a safer and more effective way to clean your deck in 2025.

Why You Should Avoid Chlorine Bleach on Your Deck

Chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite) is a powerful sanitizer that kills bacteria and viruses, but it is not designed to clean wood decks. Here’s why using bleach is a bad idea:

  • It Damages Wood Fibers: Bleach destroys lignin, the natural glue that holds wood fibers together. This weakens the wood, causing it to splinter and turn an unattractive gray color.
  • It Doesn’t Kill Mold at the Root: Mold has deep roots in porous surfaces like wood. Bleach only removes mold on the surface, while the water content of bleach actually feeds the mold underneath. This often leads to faster, darker regrowth.
  • It Strips Deck Stains and Sealers: If your deck is stained or sealed, using bleach can cause premature failure, fading, and a blotchy appearance.
  • It Harms Surrounding Plants: Bleach runoff can kill grass, flowers, and landscaping around your deck, requiring extra precautions to protect your yard.

When it comes to chlorine bleach, think of it as a household cleaner for non-porous surfaces—kitchens and bathrooms—not for outdoor wood decks.

The Best Way to Clean Your Wood Deck in 2025

If you want a safe and effective way to clean your deck, use Restore-A-Deck Cleaner. This specialized wood cleaner is designed to remove dirt, mildew, and stains without harming the wood’s natural structure.

Why Restore-A-Deck Cleaner is the Best Choice:

? Safe for Wood: Unlike bleach, it preserves the lignin and fibers, keeping your deck strong and looking great.
? No Power Washer Needed: The formula is strong enough to clean the wood with just a garden hose. Simply apply, let it sit for 10–15 minutes, and rinse off.
? Safe for Plants and Grass: No need to cover or protect surrounding vegetation—it won’t cause harm.
? Prepares Wood for Staining: If you plan to stain or seal your deck, Restore-A-Deck Cleaner ensures a clean surface for the best adhesion and longevity.

How to Use Restore-A-Deck Cleaner:

  1. Mix the cleaner according to the instructions.
  2. Apply with a pump sprayer, brush, or roller.
  3. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose or pressure washer on low.

Final Thoughts

To keep your deck looking its best, avoid using chlorine bleach, which can do more harm than good. Instead, choose Restore-A-Deck Cleaner for a deep clean that protects your wood and extends the life of your deck.

For the best results, get Restore-A-Deck Cleaner online or at your local hardware store today!

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Deck CleaningGray Weathered Deck

Properly Preparing a Wood Deck for Stain 2025

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Deck Cleaned

Deck Cleaned

When you’ve come to the decision to refinish your deck it’s important to understand the right and wrong way to do it. Cleaning a deck is the most crucial step in the wood restoration process. While some people may think the only thing that matters is the brand or type of deck stain they use, it’s really the preparation of the wood surface that makes the most difference.

A properly cleaned deck will hold a deck stain for a certain amount of time. If that same deck is not cleaned correctly and the same deck stain is used, it’s certain it won’t look as good or last as long. So regardless of the deck stain, the surface preparation is what will determine a lasting finish so always use the best deck cleaner reviewed.

Deck Cleaning 2025

This isn’t to say that the brand of deck stain you use isn’t important or that the application methods don’t matter. Those are important factors as well, but it starts with the prep work. Get the prep work wrong and you might as well throw in the towel.

The few common mistakes that homeowners will make in preparing their wood deck for a new finish is not cleaning the deck at all, not using the right deck cleaners, or not using a deck brightener.

Best Deck Cleaner 2025

First of all, let’s be clear, you have to clean the wood before you stain it. This doesn’t mean to blow it off with a leaf blower or rinse it with the garden hose. A contractor grade deck cleaner should be used with a pressure washer or a stiff broom. This will loosen the dirt and gray wood fibers to reveal new wood. If an old stain is present, you need to use a deck stripper instead of a cleaner. The deck stripper will soften the old stain as well as remove dirt and gray wood fibers.

After cleaning or stripping the deck, whichever is the case, the wood then needs to be brightened back to the proper pH so the deck stain will penetrate properly. This is not a hard step but a very necessary step. After washing the deck, a deck brightener is applied, allowed to dwell, and then rinsed off. Now the wood is prepped correctly. After it dries for several days the deck stain can be applied.

Skipping any of these steps, or not using a quality 2-step deck restoration system will give you poor results. The deck won’t look as good and the deck stain won’t last as long. Do the right prep work with quality cleaners and use a good deck stain and you’ll get results like the pros.

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Deck CleaningUncategorized

Wood and Deck Strippers – Removing Failing Deck Stains 2025

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Deck Stripping Tips for 2025

Restoring a deck starts with proper wood preparation, which means thoroughly cleaning the surface and removing any old, failing deck stain. If the old stain is left behind, the new stain won’t penetrate the wood correctly, leading to premature failure. Stripping the deck down to bare wood is essential to open up the pores and ensure long-lasting protection.

Peeling Deck Stain

Peeling Deck Stain

How to Remove Old Deck Stain

To effectively strip an old stain, use a high-quality deck stripper. These products are designed to remove most:

  • Clear and tinted semi-transparent stains
  • Film-forming clear sealers and water repellents
  • Common contaminants like dirt, mold, mildew, and mill glaze (often found on newer wood)

Dealing with Peeling Deck Stain

If your deck has a solid-color stain or paint, removal can be far more challenging. Many of the worst offenders come from big box stores—these 100% acrylic or silicone-enhanced stains tend to peel quickly yet are extremely difficult to remove.

For these stubborn coatings:

  1. Apply a strong deck stripper and let it dwell for at least 30 minutes, rewetting it occasionally to keep it active.
  2. You may need to repeat the process multiple times for heavy buildup.
  3. Sanding may be necessary for over-applied or particularly stubborn spots to fully expose the bare wood.

Best Deck Stain Stripper & Pro Tips

  • Always choose a professional-grade deck stripper for maximum effectiveness.
  • Patience is key—stripping a deck properly takes time, and there are no guarantees with solid stains or paints.
  • Prevention is the best solution—avoid solid stains and deck paints altogether, as they are expensive and time-consuming to remove once they fail.

Final Step: Brightening the Wood

After stripping, apply a wood brightener to restore the wood to its proper pH level. This step is crucial because it:

  • Enhances the wood’s natural color
  • Helps the new stain absorb evenly and deeply
  • Neutralizes any leftover stripper residue

By following these steps, you’ll ensure your deck is prepped correctly, allowing for better stain adhesion, deeper penetration, and longer-lasting protection.

 

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Deck Cleaning

How to Remove Mold on Decks

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Mold is a general term used for fungal growth. It will grow on just about any exterior surface including decks. Wood is not naturally resistant to mold infiltration. Even pressure treated pine will get mold on it if the conditions are right. Most decks have seen their fair share of mold depending on climate, humidity, and sun exposure. Shaded areas of decks are typically more prone than sunny areas. Even some deck stains can be more prone to mold than others.

Mold and wood do not mix. Mold will win every time. Spore infiltration may be surface mold or it could go deeper into the wood fibers. Damage can range from unsightly appearance to major structural damage. The good news is that mold on decks can be removed safely before damage is done. Most decks should be cleaned and re-stained every year or two to keep a maintained appearance. Regular maintenance will increase the deck’s longevity. Knowing how to remove mold on decks does not include any big secrets. If you follow a general cleaning method you will remove mold in the process.

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Deck CleaningGray Weathered Deck

Restore-A-Deck – Professional Results

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Restore-A-Deck Cleaners

Restore-A-Deck Cleaners

For many years consumer grade deck maintenance products have been nothing more than soap and bleach. Restoration professionals have known for some time that bleach is not the best cleaner to put on your deck. The contractor grade deck cleaners and secrets of the professionals have been kept safe within the industry. The enthusiastic DIYer was left in the dark with no knowledge of the right cleaners or methods needed to get professional results, until now!

The Restore-A-Deck system is designed specifically for DIY homeowners looking for professional grade results. This two step state of the art process will give you results like the pros. Restore-A-Deck will not only give you results you never thought possible, it’s environmentally safe and landscape friendly.

This amazing 1-part deck cleaner 1-part deck brightener is concentrated so the packaging is smaller saving you on huge shipping costs. This deck restoration product was actually developed by deck restoration specialists using special buffers and surfactants causing it to be gentle on the wood yet highly effective.

The Restore-A-Deck cleaner dives deep to get rid of mold, mildew, and dirt. It draws out the sun faded wood fibers to bring grayed out decks back to life. The cleaning instructions are simple and easy to follow. After cleaning the wood, the Restore-A-Deck wood brightener is used to brighten the wood back to the proper pH level. This restores the woods natural grain characteristics and prepares the deck for a deck stain. This is the perfect two step system, used by professionals, to maintain new decks and revitalize neglected decks. It not only makes old decks look new again, it preps the wood giving deck stain the best possible surface for longer lasting results.

DIY deck maintenance has never been so easy. Get lasting results that will save you time and money in constant refinishing. The number one reason a deck stain will fail before expected, is because the wood was not prepped correctly. The Restore-A-Deck system eliminates that problem giving you more longevity out of your deck stain. Make your neighbors jealous with professional results at a fraction of the cost.

See here for Deck Cleaner Reviews

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Deck CleaningGray Weathered Deck

Cleaning and Staining Your Own Deck

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Cleaning and Staining Your Deck

Cleaning and Staining Your Deck

It is possible for you to restore your own deck, but you should have some knowledge of the chemicals, equipment, and methods used. Before tackling a complete deck restoration, you should research and read as much information on the subject as possible.

Most of the woods used in deck construction are considerably soft in terms of wood. When washed with excessive pressure they can easily fur up or splinter. Most people don’t realize the methods and chemicals that are required in restoring a deck properly. This is where they make the mistake of blasting the wood with water and then slapping some deck stain on it. This situation results in a deck sealer or stain that doesn’t last as long as it should have. When a wooden deck isn’t cleaned or sealed properly, it ends up costing you more time and money to restore it the next time.

The proper wood and deck restoration products such as deck cleaners, deck brighteners, and deck stains are all an essential part of getting great results that will last. Most deck stains, when applied to a properly prepared surface, will last a couple of years before needing maintenance. When not done correctly, you will be refinishing the deck almost every year to keep it looking the way you want.

It isn’t uncommon for homeowners to attempt a deck restoration without any knowledge and wonder why the deck stain is fading or peeling off so quickly. Then they fall into the cycle of searching for a “better” or best deck stain that will last longer when in reality it wasn’t the fault of the deck stain but rather the preparation work.

You don’t have to be certified or trained to restore your deck back to a beautiful state. But researching the proper wood deck cleaners, deck stains, and proper methods will go a long way when restoring your own deck.

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Deck Cleaningdeck stainDeck Staining 101Gray Weathered Deck

Deck Staining Products Help

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Many customers have become confused to all the info on the Internet as to what is the “Best Deck Stain” and what products should I use to prep the wood. The Sealer Store has created a very useful online page to simplify the products needed to restore your wood deck. On this page you will find:

  • Product filter that will narrow all the choices of deck stains available. This will help you decide what is the best deck stains for you and your type of wood.
  • Steps to properly prep the wood prior to applying a stain
  • Many articles and How To tips for restoring your wood. These articles will help guide you through all the needed procedures to restore properly.

Wood Deck Staining Help

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Deck CleaningGray Weathered Deck

How To Restore Your Deck With Defy Wood Restoration Products

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Defy Wood Cleaner

Here is a great article on the necessary steps to take when restoring your wood or deck using Defy products.

Restore Your Deck with Defy

It is imperative to always follow the proper procedures when prepping your exterior wood or deck. Failure to do so can cause the stain to fail much faster. It may cost a little extra and time but in the long run you will save!

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Deck CleaningGray Weathered Deck

How To Apply A Wood Brightener To A Deck

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There are two basic steps when prepping your exterior wood or deck for re-staining. The first step consists of using a wood cleaner or a wood stain stripper. This will help remove dirt, grime, mold, mildew and old deteriorated wood stains. When using a wood cleaner or stain stripper, the pH balance of the wood will rise to a 11 or 13 on the pH scale.

The second step is the use of a wood deck brightener. The brightener will lower the pH balance to a neutral state of 7 on the pH scale. Basically the wood deck brightener cancels out the high alkalinity of the wood deck cleaner/stripper. This is needed prior to applying the wood stain, helping overall stain performance.

To use a wood deck brightener:

  1. Prep the wood first with a wood cleaner or stain stripper.
  2. Makes sure all dirt and grime has been removed.
  3. Apply wood brightener while wood is still wet from the cleaning. Using a pump type sprayer is best.
  4. Wait 10-15 minutes then lightly rinse.

Why use a Wood Deck Brightener?

  • Easiest step in entire process
  • Immediate results
  • Brightens the wood
  • Sets wood to neutral pH balance after using wood cleaner or stripper
  • Removes Mill Glaze on new wood
  • Helps with stain performance
  • Least expensive step
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