Deck cleaners come in a variety of types and each one has its own pros and cons that you should take into consideration when you are trying to determine which one is best for your situation. Regardless of which one you choose, it is important that you follow all of the instructions on the bottle.

The instructions are designed to help you prevent accidental injuries, damage to your deck, and potential harm to the environment. It is up to you to make sure that you read and heed all of the recommendations and precautions. Failure to follow all of the instructions can lead to a number of concerns.

There are two different types of deck cleaners on the market and each of them is capable of delivering high-quality results. The two types of deck cleaners are; Oxygenated Deck Cleaners and Bleach Based Deck Cleaners.

Oxygenated Deck Cleaners – These types of cleaners all contain basically the same active ingredient that is approved by the FDA called Sodium Percarbonate. This powerful ingredient works exceptionally well on mold and mildew, which happens to be the two most common types of staining found on decks. Typically the oxygenated deck cleaners come in a powder form and then it is mixed with water and applied using a multipurpose type sprayer. Depending on the instructions that are located on the package label, the cleaner is sprayed on and worked in after sitting for about 20 minutes with a garden hose or light pressure washer. Oxygenated deck cleaners are considered eco-friendly and generally won’t cause damage to the wood.

Bleach Based Deck Cleaners – Bleach based deck cleaners all contain the primary ingredient called Sodium Hypochlorite which is commonly known as bleach. They will also include a surfactant that helps to boost the cleaning strength of the cleaner. This type of cleaner comes in a liquid form and it is mixed with water and sprayed directly onto all of the wooden surfaces of the deck. Bleach-based deck cleaners are really good for removing dirt and grime. Unfortunately, there is a big downside to all bleach based deck cleaners they tend to damage the lignin of the wood. Bleach-based deck cleaners are very good for cleaning and removing algae and mold from the wood surfaces of any deck.

For a number of reasons the oxygenated type of deck cleaners have been growing in popularity these days among new deck owners and they are frequently recommended by professionals. They are very powerful cleaners and yet they are gentle enough not to cause severe damage to the wood while they are cleaning away the dirt and grime. The bleach-based deck cleaners can be a bit harsh on the wood which is often why this type of cleaner is often overlooked.