Use the deck brush to spread the oxygen bleach cleaning solution over the deck.
Deck cleaning solution bleach.
Spray rinse each individual deck board using a fan tip no closer than 8 from the decking surface.
This solution is also a good homemade composite deck cleaner and can be used on siding and brick.
Leave the solution on the deck for about 10 minutes.
If your deck has a pretty thick layer of dirt and algae like mine did you ll need to scrub a little to get it into the grooves.
Spray deck with soap then follow by gently scrubbing each deck board with a soft bristle brush.
Throw in 1 cup of the bleach if there is an excessive amount of mold.
For superior cleaning results be sure to choose a solution suited to your deck material.
If dirty water from cleaning is left to dry this will cause a film to remain on the decking surface.
Liberally saturate the deck by dipping the brush into the homemade cleaning solution and sloshing it over the planks.
If you are concerned about too strong of a mixture start with only one cup of tsp and be sure to always use powdered oxygen bleach because liquid chlorine bleach can damage the wood.
To clean a deck with bleach start by spraying the deck with a hose to loosen any caked on dirt or debris.
Generously apply the cleaning solution then scrub to a light lather.
Homemade soapy deck scrub.
An oxygen bleach deck cleaner is quite a bit trending in the market.
Cleaning with bleach does kill mold and mildew that may be on the deck but it does not eliminate the spores from which mold and mildew grow.
Bleach is not a great wood cleaner it can damage the wood fibers.
Once you ve prepared the bleach solution scrub the deck with it using a brush or sponge and let it sit for 5 minutes.
As a cleaner bleach provides minimal results.
It is also an environment friendly cleaning solution for your deck.
There are much better wood deck cleaners out there other than bleach or bleach based cleaners.
While not as good as trisodium phosphate dish soap makes an effective homemade cleaning solution for your deck and the extra bleach helps get rid of mildew.
It contains chemicals like sodium percarbonate which works excellently in removing stains dirt algaecide lichen fine moss and oxidation patches.
Then working outside or in a well ventilated area mix 2 gallons of water and 2 cups of powdered oxygen bleach in a bucket.
Let the deck completely dry before replacing patio furniture.
The natural bleaching action creates the impression of a cleaner surface which in reality is only bleached but still needs cleaning.