This is a multipurpose product specialy formulated to remove grime, dirt, and oily deposits from concrete, steel, and wooden decks.
The main purpose of deck cleaners is to remove contaminants such as dirt, oxidation (graying), mold, algae, and in some cases, a very deteriorated stain that has failed.
Note: Deck cleaners are not designed to remove old stains. You would need a deck stain stripper for this.
Free from caustic / Alkali based materials, While general Deck cleaners are typically made up of caustics soaps that will aid in the scrubbing or pressure washing of your wood during the prepping process. Most deck cleaners will raise the pH balance of the wood resulting in a neutralizing acid (deck brightener) application to cancel the caustic of the cleaner, leaving the wood in a neutral state.
OTHER DECK CLEANER :::
Oxygenated Deck Cleaners
These cleaners contain the active ingredient Sodium Percarbonate. Deck cleaners that contain this ingredient will also contain additional surfactants that will effectiveness when cleaning exterior wood. These cleaners come in powdered concentrates that are mixed with water then applied to the wood’s surface. Best applied with a garden pump sprayer then scrubbed or lightly pressure washed off.
Feature : Environmentally safe and effective cleaner. Very cost effective. Excellent at removal of contaminants.
Cons: Must be mixed with water to desired concentration. Only active for 30 minutes. Some need warm water for best results.
Bleach Based Deck Cleaners
Many of the older deck cleaners contained the active ingredient called Sodium Hypochlorite or what is commonly known as “bleach”. These deck cleaners will contain bleach that “whiten” the wood and some additional soapy surfactants that will aid in the cleaning of dirt and grime. Bleach based cleaners have recently been found to damage the wood’s lignin that help bind the cellular structure of the wood.
Feature : Premixed in liquid form. Excellent mold and algae remover.
Cons: May damage the wood cells. Average cleaner.