Formulating a homemade deck cleaner or patio scrub is not only simple, but it's often more economically and ecologically friendly than what you find in the aisle of your grocery store. Next time it's time to clean your deck or patio, try a homespun concoction that will effectively get the job done on the first try.
DIY Deck Cleaner and Patio Cleaner Recipes
The following are only a few recipes to try. Ask around when you chat with your favorite neighbors if you are looking for even more great ways to clean your deck thoroughly and efficiently.
Mildew and Algae Eliminator for Decks and Patios
If you live in a region with a high level of moisture in the weather, you may encounter issues with mildew and/or algae on your deck. This is especially true if the deck is regularly in a shaded area, and this development of bacteria can be unhealthy and unsightly.
Materials
- Trisodium phosphate (also known as TSP)
- Powdered oxygen bleach (found in your grocery store's laundry aisle)
- Warm water
Directions
- Mix one and a half cups of TSP with a gallon of water.
- Throw in one cup of oxygen bleach if there is an excessive amount of mold. (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.)
- Wash down your deck with the hose, which opens up the wood and makes it much simpler to clean.
- Use a scrub brush attached to a long pole or handle so you are not down on your hands and knees breathing in the TSP and bleach.
- Hose off the mixture and repeat if necessary.
If you have a lot of moss or grass growing between pavers or deck boards, make a spray of two parts water and one part salt to spray on the weeds and moss. It's easier if you mix it up using hot or boiling water and then allow it to cool before you put it in a spray bottle.
Once-a-Year Homemade Patio Cleaner and Deck Scrub
While too harsh for regular cleaning, this recipe gives your deck or patio a good scrub down once or twice a year.
Materials
- Water
- Powdered oxygen bleach
- Liquid dish detergent
Directions
- Add two cups of oxygen bleach to two gallons of water.
- Pour in ¼ cup of dish detergent and mix until it suds.
- Use a broom or another large brush and cover the entire deck.
- Scrub where there is stubborn dirt and grime and then rinse off.
Yearly Mildew-Busting DIY Deck and Patio Cleaner
If you find that your once-a-year cleaner doesn't have enough juice to get rid of the mildew, you can add a bit of borax.
Materials
- Borax
- Oxygen bleach
- Dish soap
- Water
Directions
- Mix two gallons of water, two cups of oxygen bleach, and one cup of borax.
- Stir the recipe until everything dissolves.
- Add ¼ cup of dish soap and stir.
- Apply the cleaning solution and scrub with a brush.
- Hose off the solution.
Kile's Magic Mildew Wash for Decks
Named after the man who invented it, this cheap and extremely simple recipe has proven to work as effectively as store-bought brands. However, it does call for liquid bleach, which, as mentioned previously, can potentially damage the structure of the deck's wooden surface, so be forewarned. (Note that the original recipe called for the addition of rubbing alcohol, which is extremely dangerous when mixed with bleach. This cleaner will work just fine without the alcohol.)
Materials
- Water
- Chlorine bleach
- Murphy's oil soap
Directions
- Mix together one gallon of water, four cups of chlorine bleach (ensure it is inexpensive laundry bleach), and two tablespoons of Murphy's (or another ammonia-free detergent).
- After the ingredients are mixed, simply brush it onto your deck or patio and rinse very thoroughly with hose water.
DIY Patio Cleaner With Baking Soda
Baking soda is a superstar natural cleaner for a reason; it just works super well. Make this simple homemade patio cleaner to get your concrete or pavers looking brand new.
Materials
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Scrub brush
- Hose
Directions
- Make a paste with two parts of baking soda to one part of vinegar.
- Spread the paste on the patio surface and scrub with a brush (we like a long-handled one so you don't have to bend over).
- Hose off the paste when you're done, keeping in mind that you should steer it away from bushes and vegetation.
Important Tips
Creating DIY patio cleaners and deck wash recipes can be very effective and cheap. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when it comes to creating your own cleaners.
- Remember to always mix your solution outside or in a very well-ventilated room.
- Check the warning on any bottled chemicals you use to ensure they will not adversely mix with another ingredient in your recipe. Failure to do so can result in a chemical reaction that can be very dangerous.
- Keep all deck cleaner away from small children. This can be trickier if you don't have a contained, factory-made container, so designate a bottle or bucket for your cleanser that will remain out of reach at all times.
- Be sure to wear protective gear like gloves and goggles when working with chemicals to avoid burns.
- Do not mix products containing ammonia with bleach. This can create a toxic chemical.
- Dispose of unused cleaner when you are done.
- Make a fresh batch of cleaner every time to clean your deck.
- Be sure to keep your cleaners with chlorinated bleach away from grass or plants; it can kill them.
Homemade Deck Cleaner for a Sparkling Patio
Store aisles are full of different cleaners for your deck. However, you don't have to waste your money to get it clean. You can clean your patio or deck easily with a few chemicals you have at home. Just remember to be safe when using these chemicals and mix them outside with protective gear.
