A bottle of bleach sits in almost everyone’s cabinet. You can use it for:
- Disinfecting surfaces
- Whitening laundry
- Removing mold and mildew
- Cleaning toilets and tubs
- Sanitizing kitchens
- Disinfecting toys and baby items
- Removing mold from driveways and sidewalks
- Disinfecting coolers and outdoor furniture
- Sanitizing first aid tools
But can you use it to clean your deck? Clorox thinks so. If you’re diluting it with water, maybe. And like Clorox’s guide says, you can use their Outdoor Bleach Concentrate for deck cleaning. There are better options, though. So let’s get into it.
RELATED: Is Your Deck Ready for the Summer Sun?
How Bleach Works
Bleach is sodium hypochlorite. People have been using it for decades to tackle their toughest cleaning problems.
Bleach breaks down stains, mildew, and algae through oxidation. Don’t know what oxidation is? (Don’t worry, I had to double check it; we’ve all heard of it … but what is it?).
I had to look around for a good definition. Take Cambridge. They defined oxidation as “the process of a substance or chemical element oxidizing.” Not helpful. Study.com had the best take:
“Oxidation is caused when an atom, a molecule, or even an ion comes in contact with oxygen. When this happens, it transfers electrons and changes …”
It’s a lot of chemistry. If you’re curious about the process, you can check out this article from ReAgent.
Not every bleach product uses the same process to clean, but the chemical process in each case alters the molecular structure that makes stains visible and produces their characteristic odors. The chlorine atoms in bleach react with stain molecules to form odorless and colorless compounds that can be easily washed away.
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The specific composition of outdoor bleach makes it suitable for deck cleaning. The product contains active ingredients that specifically target weather stains, organic growth, and the gray patina that forms on untreated wood. The active components of Chlorox not only conceal issues but also actively remove them from their source.
So, Can You Use Bleach to Clean a Deck?
Yes. You can use bleach to clean a deck, but I wouldn’t. There are better, safer options. If you’re set on it, though, here’s how you do it:
Begin by clearing your deck surface. Chairs, garden tools, planters, toys, rugs, they all have to go. Sweep the deck thoroughly, focusing on the spaces between boards, as that’s where dirt and debris gather. Bleach requires direct contact. You may need to use a putty knife to thoroughly remove any stubborn dirt between the bleach solution and the wood.
Prepare your solution with nine parts water and one part bleach. Add bleach to water, not water to bleach. No splashing.
(And do everything with gloves, glasses, and protective equipment. Also, don’t do anything you’re not comfortable with. I’m not saying you should do this; I’m just writing a blog).
To make deck cleaning go faster, consider using a plastic sprayer if you have a large area to cover. I’d recommend not doing that. Just use it for spot cleaning. You can test it out first, too, to see if it’s going to be an issue on your deck.
If you are using it on your entire deck, apply the solution through your sprayer to work in 4×6-foot sections, maintaining an even distribution. Try not to let any section fully dry before moving to the next one. The solution requires 10-15 minutes to take effect before you start scrubbing or notice any change.
Use a soft-bristled deck brush with circular motions to remove stubborn mildew or algae from the surface. The chemical agents should perform deep cleaning, as rough scrubbing methods can damage wood fibers.
Use your garden hose to thoroughly rinse each section, starting from the top and working your way down.
Safer, Gentler Alternatives to Bleach for Deck Cleaning
Although you can use bleach for deck cleaning, there are better options that won’t ruin your wood. Here are some that work well:
White Vinegar Solution
Another of America’s favorite things to keep on hand is white vinegar. You can create a solution for a great deck cleaning. White vinegar found in your kitchen cabinet is surprisingly effective when used to eliminate mildew and stains. A mixture of one-part vinegar with two-part water creates a solution that is safe to use around pets and plants. The natural acetic acid composition in this solution breaks down mineral deposits while simultaneously killing mold. The deck dries after the vinegar smell has completely disappeared.
Specialized Deck Cleaners
The market for deck cleaning products has grown significantly because manufacturers now produce specialized solutions for outdoor wood surfaces. The cleaning solutions contain surfactants, along with mild acids or enzymes, that specifically target stains without creating environmental problems like bleach does. The initial cost of these products is higher, but they provide effective cleaning while safeguarding your deck finish.
RELATED: 5 Best Deck Cleaners of 2025
Power Washing
A high-quality pressure washer operating at suitable PSI settings can effectively remove multiple years of surface grime without the need for chemicals. I always tell people to use these with caution, too. You can do a lot of harm. Most people set their pressure washer to 1,200 PSI for softwoods before adjusting to higher settings if needed. If you’re not a pro, your stripes can look bad, so really pay attention to the work you’re doing.
Final Verdict
You can clean a deck with bleach, but there are other options out there that I’d go with first. Check out my list of the best deck cleaners of the year (I linked to it in the specialized deck cleaners section). These are typically what I tell people to use. They’re more expensive, but they’re much less of a risk than a bleach solution or even power washing.
