Restore-A-Deck Wood Cleaner: The BEST Deck Cleaner
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 best results are achieved when using all 3 products. This product is Step 1 Cleaner of the Restore A Deck system.
When & Where to use Restore-A-Deck Wood Cleaner
Restore-A-Deck Wood Cleaner removes dirt, grime, mold and mildew stains, and weathered graying from horizontal and vertical wood surfaces. It is recommended for surface preparation prior to application or reapplication of wood stains. For best results use Restore-A-Deck Wood Stains.
ADVANTAGES
- #1 Rated Wood and Deck Stain Cleaner
- Designed specifically for all Exterior Wood and Composite Decking
- Prep new wood, weathered wood, and maintenance coats
- Powdered formula makes 5 liquid gallons when mixed
- Extremely cost-effective. When mixed, the cost is less than $6 a gallon.
- Eco-Safe formulas safe for DIY deck cleaning
- Removes stains from wood caused by mold and mildew
- Removes wood graying caused by UV rays
- Removes dirt and debris from decks, stairs, and fences
- Safe to use on all exterior wood surfaces, not just decks
Note: Restore-A-Deck Wood Cleaner will slightly darken the wood. Use Restore-A-Deck Wood Brightener to restore all wood to its original color and as a neutralizer to further brighten other wood species that have been cleaned with Restore-A-Deck Wood Cleaner.
Coverage: 750-1000 sq.feet per container.
Restore-a-Deck Step 1 is a wood cleaner and preps stains for the reapplication of a stain. It is not a stain stripper or remover of old stains. Please see Restore-A-Deck Stripper if you are trying to remove a semi-transparent stain.
I’m restaining a previously stained deck. The previous product was an oil based stain and sealer. Will the stripper remove oil based stains?
It should, but you are asking on the Cleaner product page, not the Stain stripper page. You can find that here:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit.html
What brand and type (Example: Semi-transparent) of stain was used prior?
I have a new 4mo aged a cedar and redwood fence, so I need to use both cleaner and brightener? Or could I get away with just using brightener?
Need both. A brightener alone does not prep wood for stain, it is a neutralizer that is needed after using a cleaner or a stain stripper to restore the pH balance.
I replaced an old deck last summer but kept the old railings, just replacing the top caps. Do I need to use both the deck cleaner and deck restorer on both the new deck and old railings prior to staining/sealing? I’m not worried about removing all the old stain from the railings since I plan to use a fairly dark semi-transparent stain similar to what is on there and don’t care if it’s a little uneven.
You must remove the old stain from the railings entirely when switching to a different semi-transparent stain brand or color. Use the Stripper for the railings and then the Cleaner for the floors. Brighten all when done.
I cleaned and brightened yesterday. It’s still drying but wanted to ask, Is this ready for stain or should I clean and brighten again?
I’m worried about causing furring to my deck when I clean it. My deck is a year old. I don’t have time to fully sand it after cleaning so want to make sure I don’t cause furring anywhere. Should I use 2/3 cup of brightener per gallon of water to create a more “watered down” solution? I was planning to pressure wash the cleaner and brightener off on day 1 and then stain on day 2. Should I hose off the cleaner and brightener instead so it isn’t too rough on the deck? Will cleaning, brightening and staining all in one day help prevent furring? Anything else I could do?
Furring doesn’t happen from the cleaner or pressure washing but from removing graying/oxidation or old stains when doing the prep. It cannot be avoided by watering down the cleaner or using less pressure. BTW, “furring” is rarely an issue.
I used a semi transparent decal stain on my porch. Id like to reapply the stain as it has started to fade. Can I use the clean or do I have to strip the prior Restore A Deck semi cedar.
You clean and recoat.
How3 long does the cleaner last when mixed?
A few hours. Only mix what is needed.
We stained our deck for the first time about 3 years ago with RAD Semi-transparent stain. I want to re-stain the deck now but I’m not sure if I need to strip the old stain or if I can just use the cleaner again like I did the first time. Attached are some photos. Can you please advise?
Since it has worn unevenly, use the Stripper and then the Brightener Kit:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stripper-brightener-kit.html
Question about re-staining kids playset. In 2020 playset was new, cleaned with RAD cleaner and stained with RAD semi-transparent light walnut stain. Planning to restain next month. Planning to do RAD Cleaner and then restain with same stain type. Is this sufficient? Or need to do Cleaner+Stripper?
It would be easier to use the stripper first and then brightener afterward. There is no need for cleaner if you use the stripper.
Will this product affect freshly painted deck post and rail
No, it should not harm paint.
What happens if I leave the cleaner or brightener on longer than recommended before rinsing off? I am thinking 30 min to an hour as oppose to 15-20 minutes.
There is no benefit to doing this, but no issues if you do as long as you mist it to keep it from drying out.
Hi, I last stained my deck in 2022 from a 5 gal container of TWP 116 and had around two gallons left over. I put both gallons in a new gallon paint can when I was done. Is this stain still good to use?
Thanks
Shelf life of opened TWP stain is 12 months.
I stripped, brightened and stained my deck in 2013. Cleaned, brightened and recoated in 2015 and again in 2019. I use TWP 100 Cedertone. I am ready to redcoat this summer. Can I use cleaner and brightener before recoating? For the third time?
We would strip and brighten this time. It’s the same amount of work, but it just gets you down to the bare wood.
Thanks!
Hi, I cleaned and brightened my cedar deck Friday as shown in the attached pictures. The deck was cleaned, brightened and stained with TWP 116 in 2022. It appears that the cleaning has almost stripped the stain (it looked pretty good before the cleaning). Should I use just one coat or two coats wet on wet (I plan to use TWP 116 rustic again)? Thanks for you assistance!
One coat.
I forgot to ask – I last stained my deck in 2022 from a 5 gal container of TWP 116 and had around two gallons left over. I put both gallons in a new gallon paint can when I was done. Is this stain still good to use?
Hard to say. Shelf life after opening is 12 months.
I cleaned, brightened, and coated a new pressure treated pine deck 12 months ago with your semi-transparent natural stain. I have read from your site that I should apply a “light maintenance coat” 12-18 months later. But there are other comments on your site that say I should do all three steps again, even though it’s only 12 months later on a new deck. The deck still looks great, and I want to keep it that way using your products. Do I need to use the cleaner and brightener again, or just a single step of applying the same stain as I used last time?
Hi Tom. If it still looks good then leave it alone this year and do the prep and stain next Spring.
Great, thanks!
I put a new deck up last year and used the cleaner and brighter before staining. Now I just want to clean the deck off after winter because it is just a little bit dirty. Can I use the restore deck cleaner only?
No, only use the prep products if you are recoating. Try warm water and some dish soapy for general cleaning.
Would it damage the existing stain I applied? It is sold as a deck “cleaner” so that is a little misleading if in actuality it is more of a stripper.
You cannot use any “deck cleaner” on the market for general cleaning off dirt on top of the stain. They are all for prep when applying a new coat of stain as it gives a deep clean and may lighten the current coating. This is normal.
Can this be used on outdoor teak furniture?
Yes.
Spent all day cleaning and brightening and used the pressure washer as recommended. It created “furry” connected wood fibers in all of the wood. Should I not have pressure washed or did I make the cleaner solution too concentrated? Very frustrating and took way longer than expected. I think solution and scrubbing would have been better. What to do now? Do I have to sand it with low grit sandpaper all over and brighten again? Or can I stain as is? Using RAD semi transparent stain – 5 month weathered untreated doug fir, 300 sq ft deck.
That happens when the wood is over-oxidized and the top layer of wood cells has to come off. It is not related to the prep products and typically not the pressure washer. See this for tips on why it sometimes happens. https://www.deckstainhelp.com/wood-fuzzies-furring-on-deck/
The easiest thing to do is rent a floor buffer and a sanding screen or pad and buff the floor. It will take 30 minutes for your sized deck. You can get this at any rental yard.
The wood turns grey and oxidizes as part of the weathering process, so I don’t see how this is avoidable. What will happen if I just stain it like this? Will it look bad or not be as protected? Will the furries eventually wear off? I have a strong preference for just staining, as renting a buffer and brightening again realistically adds another day to the project. Thanks for your help.
You can stain it like this, the stain will last just as long. As for looks, it may show slightly. You could try a test board to see.
I stained my deck with Armstrong Clark Semi-Transparent Sierra Redwood stain in 5-2022. The second picture is of an area in the sun that is not too worn, but darker. The third is in the shade and shows how it has weathered. Do I need to strip it first (and will it harm my house paint) or can I use the cleaner and brightener?
Strip and brighten for prep. No need for the cleaner. It does not remove paint unless the paint is already peeling.
I think I used your wood cleaner and brightener combination a couple of years ago to remove a transparent stain. I put on a semi-transparent stain that has darkened a lot. Can I use the same cleaner/brightener or do I need a stripper first? Your site doesn’t say whether the stripper will remove acrylic house paint since my deck is on the second floor and that would be impossible to protect.
Post some pics for help in the comments.
Last year, I used the stripper (sanded), brightener and 2 coats of stain. Looked great but will need a refresh this year. Can I just use the cleaner, brightener and 1 coat of stain?
Hello! I have a Cabot transparent cedar stain on a cedar entryway porch. The porch has gotten slipper due to moss and algae build up but the stain was in good shape last I checked. Can you further dilute the cleaner to use it to remove the moss/algae without damaging the stain? We plan to restain it in the summer, but wanted to clean it so it isn’t a trip hazard, but don’t want to leave it unstained over the winter. Thanks!
No, that is not possible. Only use a deck cleaner if you plan on recoating.
I have an Alaskan Yellow Cedar deck that is one year old, and it is raw wood (never had any finish on it). My main objective is to have the most time until I need to reapply more finish. I plan to use RAD cleaner and brightener before applying your stain. I am open to a solid or semi-solid stain and would like your opinion. Also, if I understand it correctly, solid needs two coats while semi only one. Can you explain why that is?
Have you considered a two-toned deck? They look great and it reduces maintenance in the future as you clean and recoat the floors every 2-3 years while the railings only need touch ups if anything for the first 4-6 years.
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/two-toned-decks-with-restore-a-deck-wood-stains
Please confirm coverage of the Cleaner. The description of the Cleaner alone says “Coverage: 750-1000 sq.feet per container.” However, the RAD 300 pkg says “(600-800 total sq. feet)”. I need to clean ~ 900 sf and don’t know how much to buy. Thanks.
Coverage will vary based on how dirty or gray the wood is. You are borderline with 1 package of the cleaner at 900 sq feet.
I sent an inquiry last week. Can you send me the email address where I can forward your requested pictures. My phone is outdated. Thanks
sales@restore-a-deck.com
Four years ago I sanded , cleaned , brightened my cedar deck. Used tap stain. Came out great. I have a shingled roof I’ve it. Sees little in the way of weathering and still looks good. The exception is at the exterior door where dogs go out. The boards are scratched and show some wear. Ill probably have to sand to remove the scratches, but 2/3rds of the board are untouched by wear. Can I use a combination of sanding and cleaning, or does the whole board need to be sanded, cleaned and brightened? Using the same TWP stain.
Post some pics so we can offer proper prep advice.
California
Lots of sun, though partial oak shade.
Redwood, circa 1990’s, good condition
No apparent mold or mildew
September 2020, after stripping and neutralizing old red stain we did not like (alkyd and various oil over the years), I stained with TWP 1500 clear transparent to make as natural as possible, though knowing this would provide less protection. It turned dull and gray after a year. I wonder if I need Restore-A-Deck stripper, or just Cleaner prior to Brightener and re-staining, perhaps with cedar tone this time? Never impressed that my now-leaking pressure washer did any more than hose nozzle unless I got so close as to damage wood, so expect to use scrubbing brush and hose nozzle for prep. Water is scarce here, yet I don’t see any way to conserve water on this job.
Any advice?
Strip and brighten to remove the clear if you want to use a tinted color. Pressure washing works best but you can scrub and rinse.
Hi… I used RAD (semi-transparent light walnut) exactly 2 years ago. At that time, I used your stripper, brightener but had to sand everything because I had to get close with pressure washer – stubborn old stain. Since I sanded, I was told only 1 coat of stain. Now, the horizontal surfaces need to be re-stained – they get full-on sun all day long, plus pool water in the summers. Do I need to use cleaner, rinse, then brightener, rinse? Do I do rinsing with pressure washer, or just on jet with hose? I won’t get close if using pressure washer. Do I need to let completely dry before applying new RAD stain? I have 1 unopened and 1 almost full opened 2.5gal jugs of stain left from 2yrs ago. Should I stick with 1 coat of stain this time around, or try for 2 if I have enough product? If 2 coats, how long between coats? Thank-you!
Hello,
Use the Cleaner and pressure wash off. Brightener next with a rinse after. You can apply the RAD stain to damp or dry wood. Hard to say about the number of coats as it depends on how porous the wood is. You want the stain to fully soak into the wood, not dry on top of the wood.
Thank-you! If I decide to hit with second coat, how long should I wait before second coat?
Also – do you see any issues with using the opened jug of stain? It’s been sealed tightly and kept in the house since I completed the deck 2yrs ago. I’ll shake all product well before using, of course.
It has to be wet on wet for a second coat:
https://www.restore-a-deck.com/restore-a-deck-stain-wet-on-wet-application
The shelf life of opened stain is 12 months. We cannot guarantee it will be good or bad.
The opened and unopened product performed the same for me – no noticeable difference in how it went on, or how it looks. This maintenance coat of stain makes my deck look new again. Love your products! I tell people about them all the time!
Hello. I used RAD (Natural stain) two years ago around my large pool deck. It is chipping away in many spots. Do I need to clean an brighten before I recoat with the natural stain again? Also, when re staining can I get away with one coat? Thanks
Reply back with some pics of the deck for prep advice.
I am getting ready to stain a pressure treated pine post that was attached to the deck last year. Will using your cleaner and or brightener on the post do any harm to the existing deck that was stained last year? Do I need to use a tarp to protect the deck floor??
Yes, it could create some issues. Prep product should only be used where you are planning on staining after.
Hi. I used solid deck stain almost 3 years ago. Do I need to clean and brighten or just clean before reapplying solid deck stain? Thank you!
Just the deck cleaner will be okay for a solid stain.
I have semi-transparent stain on my deck and also have mildew on the wood. What steps do I need to take? Cleaner 1st, 2nd stripper, 3rd Brightener, then stain? or Does the stipper remove the mildew?
What brand of stain was used prior? You do not need to use the cleaner if stripping. The stripper will remove mildew.
SRD Transparent Matte PPG ProLuxe which i believe is the new name for sikkens
Do you have any pics of the stain on the deck that you can add in the comments? We want to make sure you get the correct products to strip it off.
currently wet from storm
Used RAD solid stain 2 years ago and would like to reapply a new coat. In reading the Q&/A below I was still not real clear (most are about semi-stain). Since it is solid stain, I just clean and reapply right (do not have to strip)? Do I use your cleaner or is that for unstained wood? thx
No need to strip. Use the cleaner while pressure washing to remove dirt, etc.
Can restore a deck be used on vertical posts and the underside structure of a deck?
Yes, it can.
Hi, I have a deck with a semi transparent stain, last time it was done was about 15 years ago. Do I need RAD cleaner or the RAD stripper?
Stripper and then brightener.
Hi, I have a pouch of RAD cleaner from two yrs ago that has been resealed after using only half, any reason I can’t mix it with water now?
thank
Joe M.
No issues.
Hello, We have a 3 month old deck. Since we are going to stain the pressure treated posts black, can I just do the cleaner & then stain?
You have to brighten after the cleaner to neutralize it.
Will the cleaner damage painted, uncoated wood surfaces?
What do you mean by painted but uncoated? Paint is a coating. It does not harm paint.
Hi, I have a very large deck to clean/stain. Can the cleaner be left on the deck longer than 15 minutes before power washing off without any adverse affect? I would like to lay down the cleaner on a large portion of the deck before power washing. This will take longer than 15 min. thanks!
It can sit on the wood longer but it cannot dry out. Mist to keep wet.
Hello, We used RAD stripper then sanded our beat up cedar deck with 60 grit. This process has taken us some days to do. We have not yet used the brightener. We just had some unexpected rain and the cedar is developing some dark spots. See pics attached. My question is: will the RAD brightener (which we have) remove those stains or do I need to use the RAD cleaner, then the brightener? Thank you for the advice!
You have rust stain from your screws or nails. Brightener will remove it but they rust will probably come back around the mail heads when it rains.
Oh really? Shoot. Oh well. Thank you for taking time to answer my question.
I thought those blue-black spots were mildew or something because they were not there after we stripped and sanded but appeared after we had overnight rain. I’ll try brightener on a spot and see if that works. Otherwise I’ll buy some cleaner and clean then brighten.
I recently stripped, brightened, and stained using your products, however I accidentally bought and used some of the wrong color stain. Most of my vertical surfaces are stained correctly in Cedar, but I began staining the horizontals in Natural. What do I need to do to get everything stained in Cedar and when can I do this?
You will need to strip it all and start over. You can do this now or in the future.
Strip the cedar stain too?
Yes all.
I have a metal
screened porch under my deck. Will the cleaners hurt the paint finish on the metal? The deck is not very dirty so mild cleaning solutions would be sufficient
No, it will not harm it.
I just want to re stain with my Armstrong stain, I think i use both cleaner and brighter but i dont need to power wash correct?
You pressure wash while using the prep products.
Can I use this on trex to remove mildew stains, I have some left over.
Yes.
also does cleaner get rid of potential mold and mildew, or we need seperate product for this?
Cleaner while pressure washing will remove mildew and mold.
can we just use cleaner pre stain? product is neutralized and ready to receive stain. it is not essential to use brightener correct?
Cleaner and brightener is needed.
how soon after you use this product to clean the deck can you stain it the next day?
Same day or next day. https://www.restore-a-deck.com/Deck-Cleaning-Reviews-and-Tips/how-to-restore-a-deck-stain-to-damp-wood.html
If my pressure treated deck is only 2 years old with limited stains, can I just hose down and stain? Do I need cleaner and brightener when I plan to use Cedar semi-transparent restore a deck stain?
You need to prep kits when restaining.
Sorry I was unclear. There is no stain on it; only the original pressure treatment that is fading. Do I need prep kits?
Yes. Use the RAD Cleaner and Brightener Kits.
Finally have almost 3 days of decent weather. We built a new deck in August of 2020, composite decking for the deck itself, new pressure treated railing and spindles. I have the RAD Cleaner and brighter, and plan on using the RAD solid white stain. Many of the posts are real close to the composite decking, do I need to tape them off and use plastic to prevent haring the compost decking in this process?
Yes, tape or tarp to composite decking.