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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 Cleaning

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

by Clay
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

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 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 Cleaningdeck stainDeck Staining 101

101 Deck Staining Tips

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There is all kinds of advice on the internet when it comes to tips for deck restoration. While reviewing websites I came across this extensive article. It has 101 Deck Staining Tips that I found to be pretty much right on the money.

101 Deck Staining Tips

It is a very good read and since the site carries many of the higher end products, I thought it would be useful for others to see.

Some of the key aspects are:

  • Deck Cleaning Tips
  • Deck Staining Tips
  • Future Maintenance

One of my favorites was:

# 101. Relax, have dinner or a party on your beautiful newly refinished deck!

Since that is what having a deck is all about!

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Deck Cleaning

How to Use a Pressure Washer on a Wood Deck

by Clay
written by Clay

pw2

Pressure washing your deck is a great way to clean it up and prep it for a new coat of stain or sealer. Although some claim that a garden hose is safer for cleaning your deck, a garden hose alone doesn’t really provide enough pressure to really make a difference.

When using a pressure washer, you need to make sure that you don’t allow the tip to get too close to the wood. Getting too close will definitely cause damage. You should aim for around 1300-1500 PSI (pounds per square inch). Keep in mind that some pressure washers may go up to 3,000 PSI. This doesn’t mean that you can’t use these machines, just remember to use the widest tip (least pressure) available and hold the power washer 8-12 inches away from your decking surface to prevent damage.

Prior to using your power washer, make sure that you apply a deck cleaner or wood stain stripper to the entire surface. These powerful cleaners, along with the physical power of the pressure washer combine to restore your wood to a beautiful deck surface that will add to the beauty of your home.

pressurewashertipsOnce a high quality wood cleaner or wood stripper has been applied to the wood, it’s time to use the pressure washer. First you need to choose the appropriate tip size. Nozzles, or tip sizes vary and the angle of the tip opening will determine the amount of pressure.  The smaller the angle, the more pressure you get. A zero degree tip is the most powerful and is not recommended for decks as you will probably be able to write your name in the wood with this tip.

Some power washers come with variable degree nozzles that you can manually twist to adjust the pressure. Just make sure that you use a wider tip so the pressure doesn’t damage the wood fibers.

One other thing. Be sure that you are strong enough to handle a power washer! Using a power washer can be very physically demanding so make sure that you are capable of using this tool, otherwise you risk doing damage to your deck and yourself! Remember, this is 1500 pounds of pressure.

It’s best not to try your power washer on your deck the first time you turn it on. Maybe start on on a concrete sidewalk until you get the hang of it. If the pressure surprises you, you may end up with an area of your deck that looks damaged and sunken in.

Once you get the hang of your power washer and feel comfortable enough to begin cleaning the deck, make sure that you go about cleaning a few inches in front of your feet in a long, pendulum like motion. Be sure to wear protective shoes, boots if at all possible, because 1500 pounds of pressure on your pinky toe will not feel good! Make sure you exaggerate your sweeping motion to avoid any lines in your deck surface.

pwRemember that you are merely trying to remove the dirt that is embedded into your wood, not strip the wood of anything else. The cleaner and/or stripper will take care of removing any previous finishes. The pressure washer simply washes everything away.

When you are finished power washing you should still be able to distinguish the wood’s grain and texture. Also, if you used a stain stripper, make sure to use an oxalic acid based product or a wood brightener before staining or sealing your wood. This will neutralize any leftover stripper so you don’t have problems with the stain lifting later on.

All in all, a power washer is a great way to bring your wooden deck back to life and when used properly, can make your cleaning job much faster and easier. Whether you simply want to spruce up your deck or you need to prep it for using a deck stain or clear deck sealer, a pressure washer is a great tool to add to your arsenal of home improvement tools.

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Deck Cleaning

Deck Cleaning and Repair

by Clay
written by Clay

deck1

For many American homeowners, warm weather is an invitation to take the party out to the backyard patio or deck. Before you haul out the grill and light the tiki torches, however, take some time to do a little preventive maintenance.

“This is the time to do a few simple things that will make your deck last for years,” says home repair expert, Jim Rocchetta. “Plus, you’ll have your outdoor environment looking great before you and your friends head outside for those backyard get-togethers.”

The first step is a thorough inspection of the entire structure to ensure that it is safe and secure. Check for loose nails and screws, and either replace them or retighten them. Tighten any railings that have become loose. Then, look beneath the deck to confirm that beams and support poles remain in good working order. “If you find structural components that are loose, rotten or out of position, for your own safety, quit using the deck and call a pro in to fix the problem,” says Rocchetta.

As an additional safety precaution, replace broken or rotten deck boards before they break through completely. Boards that have become bowed or warped will also need to be replaced because they hold water and make the deck surface uneven, and create another potential safety hazard. If you’re replacing those boards with pressure-treated lumber, maximize the life of your deck by using stainless steel or high-grade galvanized fasteners designed to combat the corrosive effects of modern lumber treatment chemicals.

cleaner-smallOnce everything is secure, clean the deck boards with a biodegradable deck cleaner to remove dirt, mildew and algae. These environmentally friendly wood deck cleaners are now commonly available and actually perform better than previously popular outdoor wood cleaners such as bleach. Even if your deck is made from a composite material, most manufacturers still recommend a thorough annual cleaning. During the cleaning process, also take a little time to sand down any spots that have become rough or splintered.

Finally, ensure your deck looks great by protecting it from mildew and water damage with a high-quality finish and preservative. There are many good products on the market. “The best wood preservative products contain UV-resistant compounds which will really liven up the deck surface and add a high-degree of protection from the elements,” says Rocchetta.

A newer technology recently introduced to the market utilizes nano technology. These deck stains have nano-sized zinc oxide particles that are highly mold resistant and reflect UV rays without adding color to your wood. Since there are over 30 trillion zinc particles in a single square inch, they’re so small that they are invisible to the naked eye. This nano-technology is still in it’s infancy in the deck stain market, but there is already a product made by a company called Defy that has this technology. Check out Extreme Wood Stain for clear protection. Look for others in the future, but for now this one has the longest lifespan by far.

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