Easy DIY Homemade Deck Stain Remover: Effective Method

The atmosphere is enhanced with a lovely deck, making it a warm and pleasant place to spend time with loved ones.

Even if you adore your decks, they are exposed to harsh weather and might lose their luster over time.

Therefore, are you sick of staring at your unkempt deck? You don’t have to waste a fortune to make it appear brand new. The homemade deck stain remover is an option.

Making your stain remover for the deck is an easy and affordable alternative. Simple household products like baking soda, white vinegar, and dish soap are all you need. Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle or bucket. You now own a potent, natural way to eliminate deck stains.

Knowing the recipe alone is insufficient. The appropriate ratio and application are key. We will therefore give you all the information you require on homemade deck stain removers.

Therefore, continue reading if you don’t want to waste your hard-earned cash on pricey stain removers.

How Can You Make Easy DIY Homemade Deck Stain Remover?

Deck stains can improve the appearance of your outdoor living areas, but they can fade and get dirty with time. The good news is that buying commercial stain removers will cost you little money.

Below are some of the greatest DIY home remedies for removing deck stains.

Vinegar Solution

Before starting the stain remover-making process, look at what you need. The necessary materials are: 

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Dish soap
• Warm water
• A scrub brush
• A bucket
• A pressure washer or garden hose

Now let’s move forward to the procedure of cleaning. Remove household items, toys, or dirt from your deck before cleaning.

It will make it simpler for you to clean your deck thoroughly. Then adhere to the instructions.

• In a bucket, combine one cup of white vinegar, one tablespoon of baking soda, and one drop of dish soap. The mixture should be thoroughly mixed after each stirring.
• Apply the mixture to your deck with a scrub brush. Make sure to cover any stained areas completely.
• Give the mixture 15 to 20 minutes to sit.
• Scrub the stained areas with a scrub brush after soaking the mixture. For particularly difficult stains, you might need to press harder.
• To clean the scrub brush, frequently rinse it in warm water.
• After thoroughly cleaning the deck, rinse it off with a power washer or garden hose.
• Remove all the stain-removing products to prevent harm to the deck.
• If stains still exist on your deck after the initial application, repeat the procedure.

Oxygen Bleach Solution 

The materials need for oxygen bleach=ch solution cleansing are:

• Warm water
• Scrub brush
• Oxygen bleach
• Pail
• Pressure washer or garden hose

The procedure is as follows:

• Create a thick paste by combining a small amount of warm water and powdered oxygen bleach.
• Add just enough water to the mixture to make it spreadable.
• Clean the surface while stepping away from the furniture.
• Note any stains that are particularly challenging to remove.
• For stubborn stains, apply the oxygen-based bleach paste directly to the affected area and work it into the fabric’s fibers with a stiff-bristle brush. Leave the paste on for at least 30 minutes to give it time to do its job.
• Use a power washer to rinse the paste with clean water.
• Make careful to rinse well to eliminate all bleach paste residue.

Mildew and Algae Removing Solution

You can have problems with mildew and algae on your deck if you reside in an area with a lot of moisture in the air.

It is particularly true if the deck is frequently located in a shaded region. The resulting bacterial growth can be dangerous and ugly. The Materials used in this procedure are:

• Trisodium phosphate (also known as TSP)
• Powdered oxygen bleach (found in your grocery store’s laundry aisle)
• Warm water

If you want to eliminate mold and algae from your deck area then follow this procedure below:

• Combine a gallon of water with 1.5 cups of TSP.
• If mold is abundant, add one cup of oxygen bleach. (If you are worried that the combination will be too powerful, start with just one cup of TSP. Also, use powdered oxygen-based bleach only because liquid chlorine bleach can harm the wood.
• Wash your deck with the hose to open up the timber and make cleaning much easier.
• To avoid inhaling TSP and bleach on your hands and knees, use a scrub brush hooked to a long pole or handle.
• Rinse the mixture with water, and repeat as necessary.

Safety Tips Before Making DIY Homemade Stain Remover

When making the DIY homemade stain remover there are a lot of precautions to keep in mind. You have children and pets in your home.

That’s why you need to be more careful around them because these chemicals can be risky. Below are some factors to consider: 

• Create a plant-safe DIY deck cleanser. Using only harmless cleaners is best because toxic chemicals and harsh substances on an outdoor deck might damage the grass and other plants. Sodium percarbonate, a hydrogen peroxide precursor in OxiClean, effectively removes challenging stains and spills. The best part is that it is biodegradable and eco-safe; it won’t hurt plants or damage the environment.
• Avoid using homemade deck cleaners with pressure or power washers. Small nozzles used in power washers and pressure washers produce high water pressure. Therefore any granular cleaning that doesn’t completely dissolve can block the nozzle and render the washer ineffective.
• These homemade deck cleaner recipes require no strong water pressure because the active ingredients provide the cleaning power. A standard garden hose is more than adequate for rinsing the cleaner away.
• Wear gloves to safeguard your hands and skin while preparing your cleaner. Cleaning and stimulating chemicals like borax can irritate the skin in excessive doses. Wearing rubber gloves when preparing and using this DIY deck cleaning solution is a good idea, even if it isn’t poisonous. Rinse off any droplets that may have gotten on your skin.
• Bleach and ammonia-based substances should not be combined. Some items can be used without risk. However, you shouldn’t combine ammonia-containing goods with bleach solutions.
• When these two substances are combined, a hazardous gas called chloramine can irritate the eyes, nose, mouth, and lungs.
• Before using treatments, let the cleaner with bleach as its main ingredient entirely dry. To avoid the bleach components reacting with other chemicals, other deck treatments, such as staining, creating art, or protecting the deck, should only be applied once the deck is dried. Before making any deck repairs, including replacing rusted screws or strengthening deck boards, it’s best to wait till the deck has dried off.
• Keep your homemade deck cleaning solution in a well-ventilated place. Although this homemade deck cleaner isn’t a hazardous chemical, it will produce a stench that some people could find unpleasant. Since it is intended for outdoor use, keep it outside until you clean the deck and throw away any leftovers. Each time you clean the deck, make a fresh batch.
• Keep children away from your solution. A bucket of hot sudsy solution could be something fun for kids to play with because they are naturally curious. Although mild compared to other deck cleaners, this homemade version is still cleaner and should be kept out of children’s reach, just like any cleaner.

Tips To Avoid Damage And Discoloration From Deck

It’s crucial to employ these DIY fixes cautiously to prevent harm to your deck. Consequently, the following professional advice can assist you in avoiding harming your deck when using diy stain removers.

Below are the tips to consider:

Use the Appropriate Components

Please make sure the homemade deck stain remover is appropriate before applying it. For instance, avoid using a stain remover formulated for composite or PVC decks if your deck is wood.

Additionally, ensure the solution’s components won’t damage the surface of your deck. For example, vinegar is a great natural cleaner, but it might only work on some deck surfaces.

Try The Solution First

Any new deck cleaning product should always be tested on a small, discrete section of your deck.

You can use it to see how your deck will respond to the cleaning solution and make sure the remainder of the deck won’t be harmed or stained.

Bleach Shouldn’t Be Used On Wood Decks

While bleach works well to clean various surfaces, wood decks shouldn’t be cleaned with bleach. The wood fibers may weaken and become more vulnerable to harm if exposed to bleach.

Use hydrogen peroxide as a natural bleach substitute if you want one.

Use the Correct Instruments

When utilizing a homemade deck stain remover, it is crucial to use the correct instruments. Marks and other damage can be brought on using hard bristle brushes.

Thus, refrain from utilizing them. To avoid harming the surface of your deck, use a soft-bristled brush and scrub in the direction of the wood grain.

Rinse Completely

After using the stain remover, thoroughly rinse your deck with fresh water.

It will assist in getting rid of any leftover cleaning solution and stop it from drying on the deck’s surface, which could eventually result in discoloration or other damage.

Since it is intended for outdoor use, keep it outside until you clean the deck and throw away any leftovers. Each time you clean the deck, make a fresh batch.

Clean Your Deck with The DIY Homemade Stain Remover

Sweeping your outdoor deck frequently throughout the year prevents mildew stains, buildup, and other organic material from amassing and staining the deck.

Given the weather where you live, you shouldn’t need to undertake a deep clean at least twice a year. Always start by sweeping up any debris accumulating on the deck surface with a brush with firm bristles. 

Use a knife to remove the material wedged between the cracks; otherwise, it could spread to the rest of the deck. Then, to protect them from the cleaning solution, wrap the plants with a plastic sheet.

In the unlikely event that the acidity from the vinegar or lemon damages the plants, we recommend using the homemade deck cleaner made with organic ingredients as well.

After following the precise instructions for each DIY deck cleaner solution, look for mildew and algae growth. If required, repeat the procedure.

If stains are still present, scrub with the powerful mildew remover. Apply a sealant when the deck has completely dried to make it spotless and ensure it will still look good next year.

Use A Pressure Washer

Although pressure washing is not required, anyone with a larger deck will benefit from it. You can rent it if you don’t want to buy this kind of equipment for your house.

A minimum of two feet should be left between the edge of the nozzle and the deck when utilizing pressure washers, and the tip should be used at an angle. 

If you hold it excessively close to the deck, especially if your tool is exceptionally strong, you risk damaging it. To prevent misuse, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly.

Deck Maintenance Tips

If you have a deck then it is important to maintain it as required otherwise it will damage and cause you problems. Below are some tips for deck maintenance: 

Borax is a Mildew Remover

Add 1 cup of powder borax to the mixture as the oxygen bleach if the deck surface has obvious mildew stains.

The natural mineral substance known as borax won’t harm neighboring plants used for landscaping. Use the remedy as described above.

Apply Oxygen Bleach Paste on Stains

To remove a stubborn stain, make a paste by combining warm water and powdered oxygen bleach. After applying directly to the stain with a stiff-bristle brush, wait 30 minutes before rinsing.

Quickly Sweep Any Dirt Away

Your deck can be free of loose soil, fallen leaves, and other debris by lightly sweeping it daily to prevent it from becoming ground into the wooden surface.

Apply a Penetrating Sealant Annually

Since wood is a natural material, even a pressure-treated deck will eventually deteriorate from exposure to harsh UV radiation, wet/dry cycles, and temperature changes.

Treat your deck periodically with an excellent penetrating sealer to extend its useful life. Following a thorough deck washing is the ideal time to apply a sealant!

Considerations When Making DIY Homemade Deck Stain Remover

Most people use a deck cleaner at the beginning of the summer to get rid of mildew and plant decay stains and renew the deck surface for the next outdoor entertaining season.

Before finishing or staining a deck, a thorough cleaning is also necessary.

It’s crucial to remember that the finest solutions for a particular deck might not even be designated as deck cleaners but rather as exterior home or siding cleaners that can be used on decks.

Continue reading to learn more about the crucial elements when choosing the best deck cleaners.

Concentrated vs. Premixed

The easiest to use are premixed liquid deck cleaners: Pour into a pump hose or pail, spray, and then use a deck brush to apply. Both concentrated liquid and powdered granule deck cleansers must be diluted using water before use. 

You can also use concentrated liquid deck cleaning that hasn’t been diluted in a hose-end sprayer or the attached dispenser of a high-pressure washer.

Coverage

If you are making a gallon of water-based deck cleaner, it will typically treat between 250 and 500 square feet of decking. Still, the exact amount will depend on how much dirt, mold, and stains are on the deck.

Since pressure washers have far higher water pressure than hose-end dispensers, they are better at removing tough stains when used to apply deck cleaner.

A helpful hint is to wet the deck with a garden hose to help the cleaning solution reach a larger surface area by softening some surface dirt and debris.

Safety

Certain deck cleaners solutions you make contain substances that can harm the neighboring plants and lawns.

After washing the deck, the best strategy to minimize damage is to rinse off any grassy or plant-covered areas immediately.

Some products like bleach need to soak down grass and plants before washing the deck, followed by a second rinse.

There are a few additional safety concerns while using a pressure washer since the high pressure of the water coming out of the nozzle has the potential to sever skin on open legs and feet and even remove small pieces of delicate deck wood. 

As a general guideline, please start with the lowest setting while using a pressure washer and progressively raise it until the pressure is high enough to complete the task.

Application

Deck cleaner is frequently applied using a pressure washer. Still, it can also be applied with a pump sprayer or hose-end sprayer, and then the dirt that has become stuck to the surface should be scrubbed off with a deck brush.

Another approach is to combine concentrated deck cleaning with a sizable bucket of water, then use a scrub brush to apply it.

While many homemade deck cleaners require rinsing after application, some need to stay on the deck to soak the wood in substances that battle mildew and algae. 

How to Clean Deck Wood of Oil-Based Stains?

Although it’s not difficult, there is a technique you should follow if you wish to remove oil-based stains from wood.

You must take precautions since wood stain removers are potent and shouldn’t be inhaled. To remove oil-based stains from wood, use these instructions:

• wear a face mask, safety goggles, and gloves.
• Organize your workspace.
• Fill a clear plastic bowl with a stripper.
• Over the oil-based wood stain, apply the remover with a clean natural bristle paint brush.
• Give the stripper 20 minutes to sit. Observe the bubbles on the surface.
• Take a scraper to the wood stain and scrape it off. Do not exert excessive pressure.
• A steel wood pad can remove the wood stain by letting it soak in the remover.
• Sand the area with medium-grit sandpaper.
• With a fresh, moist towel, wipe the surface.

What is Deck Stripping?

Deck stripping, as the name implies, is a technique for returning the wood to its natural state by removing oils or stains.

They also have the added benefit of eliminating wood grain tannins, mold, mildew, algae, other organic components, and coatings.

Using chemicals, this technique strips or removes the existing finish on decking or other exterior wood surfaces. With a chemical stripper, you benefit from a product that serves as both a stripper and a deep cleaner.

To remove old stains, a deck stripper must delve deeply into the wood, opening the pores. 

It creates a fantastic foundation for when you want to give your deck a new coat of stain. By soaking deeper into the wood grain, the stain will be more uniform and provide a long-lasting finish.

Are Organic Deck Cleaning Methods Secure In My Garden?

They are secure if you use them with proper guidance.

It’s crucial to remember that while using natural cleaning products to clean your deck or furniture made of wood is safer than using powerful chemicals, they still pose some risks to your plants and soil. 

These compounds are still chemicals and won’t stay in your soil even though they are less poisonous, concentrated, and biodegradable than those found in commercial cleansers.

Even so, it would help if you were careful not to get these substances on your plants (unless they are weeds, you can avoid pulling them out by using vinegar, baking soda, or bleach).

Avoid cleaning your decks too frequently to lessen the chemicals’ influence.

Does Vinegar Remove Deck Stains?

Vinegar is ideal as a natural solution to clean your stained deck. Vinegar is environmentally friendly, won’t damage the stain or wood, and will sanitize the surface.

Vinegar may destroy mold and mildew, eliminate aromas that won’t go away, and remove grease and filth from stained decks.

How Do You Remove Stains From A Deck Without Chemicals?

Natural cleaners, vinegar, and baking soda make a potent duo. Use 3.8 liters of water and 240 ml of vinegar to clean your deck. Apply baking soda to any mildew wood, then scrub the boards with vinegar and warm water.

What Is The Best Thing To Clean Deck Stains?

Warm water and one cup of liquid soap or laundry detergent is the best thing to clean deck stains, they should be combined.

The liquid should soak into the stained decking for 15 minutes after application. After that, scrape the spots off the surface with a stiff-bristle nylon brush. If required, repeat the rinsing process with clean water.

Conclusion

In conclusion, maintaining a clean, well-kept deck doesn’t have to be an expensive endeavor.

You can make a powerful homemade deck stain remover that will make your deck seem brand new with just a few basic pantry ingredients.

Always test the solution on a tiny portion of your deck before using it, whether using an oxygen bleach solution or a cleaner based on vinegar.  And remember to rinse well to prevent any harm or discoloration.

Using this advice and methods, you may have a lovely and welcoming outdoor living area all year.

So wear gloves, roll up your sleeves, and be ready to attack those tough stains! Both your lovely deck and your wallet will appreciate it.