HOW TO: Cleaning a Deck with Oxygen Bleach (NOT Chlorine Bleach!)

A bunch of years ago, I made a promotional video which vaguely illustrated how I clean a deck with oxygen bleach (a.k.a. sodium percarbonate / OxiClean / etc). It was never meant to be a "how to" but it sure lead to a lot of "how to" questions!

This video here is a basic HOW TO... sort of like "Deck Cleaning 101." As any professional exterior cleaner or deck restorer knows, *much* more can be said and done about cleaning a wood deck, but I hope this video answers the zillion basic questions I continue to get to this day, all based upon that silly promotion video from years ago.

For those wondering where to buy the chemicals used in this video, you can click the links below. Note that I earn a small commission if you purchase the products by these links:

Oxalic Acid powder:

Sodium percarbonate:

Some safety equipment I use:

If you want to do this by HAND (no power washer), here's a video on how to:

I clean exterior surfaces for a living here on beautiful Cape Cod. If you want to learn more about my services, please check out these links:

Thanks for watching.

[antonhuman]

I watch hundreds of videos. Literally hundreds. But only of practical content. And make notes. So accurate grading is at hand.
And this presentation is most certainly in the top . Only TWO.
No bulldusting. No beating around wasting time. To-the-point. Perfectly executed. Very well done.
Thank you kindly.

[TheChupacabra]

This is the internet version of a great neighbor. Gets right to it. No milking time for ad revenue and no pushing products with shadow sponsors

[Surprise_Me]

Well done video, short and sweet, complete with notes, mix ratios, before & after samples, clear speaking presentation, and...NO LOUD ROCK'N ROLL MUSIC drowning out the video. I have literally left comments telling other creators to "put down the camera".

You sir, are a true professional. Thank you.

[jpwalsh]

Always so generous with fantastic knowledge. Been Powerwashing for years and always learn something from Nate at outside cleaners

[markjames]

Thank you for the concise informative video. No nonsense no rambling no self promoting. Perfect how to. Rare. Thank you.

[Ctdrules]

Absolute genius. I followed all of your instructions and my deck looks like it’s brand new. Yes, it was a bit of work, but the results were fantastic. Thank you for your video, it’s worth its weight in gold.

[troyf]

Best video I’ve watched so far. I’ve been trying to find the proper steps to prep a deck to be stained, most videos are controversial to others lol.

[Bob_Adkins]

I like it that OC doesn't say to wear a respirator, spiked shoes, rubber gloves, goggles, and don't try to plug a power washer with your finger. I call this "an instructional video for adults"! Thanks!

[rudyw.]

I put several scrubbers in my Home depot cart but was not sure which head size to buy, came back to your video (bookmarked before for reference) to get an idea of what you used, saw that you used the Quickie 12" scrub brush and that's what i am going to buy, you solved my indecison, also thank you for giving the mixing instructions, i want to follow instructions from a pro, you gave very clear step by step instructions

[anonymous]

I tried out these products & process on my cedar siding on my house. Pressure washing alone only got about 80% of the mildew. After washing with the Sodium percarbonate and Oxalic Acid it cleaned off the remaining crud and left the cedar looking new. Cedar is over 45 years old! Thanks for the video!!

[ThatGuy-djqr]

Thanks so much for this valuable information!

[shanecrawford]

What do you use on the wood afterwards to treat it in stopping it from getting dirty again.🇨🇦

[darrendanger]

Excellent video, every maintenance contractor should watch.

[antmoore]

Nice video and thanks for using convectional chemicals you can buy relatively cheap.
There is a lot of deck washers out there that are very expensive but your buying a brand name instead
Cheers from Down Under

[a.c.k.propertyservicesllc]

I have a deck wash coming up how do you mix sodium pre carb? I herd it’s hard to dissolve and best to use warm water? Do you do this prior to arriving at the customer home? Also how do you apply, down stream, 12v ?

[olafschermann]

Awesome tips. Didn’t know that expensive ani-grey just is a spoon of cheap oxal-acid powder + 1.5 gallons / 5 liter water

[coxbethanne]

how do you clean the railings and spindles? I am 68 and have so many of them. is there any way to spray a solution and rinse without scrubbing each side?

[michaelWells-efbx]

Now thats a Quality Now that Im Older ~ I can tell people ( Its not that I can’t Understand ) ... I just don’t learn the way you Teach...Im gonna try that Acid stuff like U said ~ ive done 40 decks without it and I would love to see how it comes out .

[brainswole]

Just started a small pressure washing business of my own. Used to work beside a self made millionaire who started with pressure washing and eventually moved on to epoxy and modified cement overlays. Just want to say that your technique for pressure is flawless. The "flicking" motion does wonders for preventing damage. Do you use your pressure washer to apply the chemical cleaner? Im assuming downstream and if so what chemical are you using? I used to get something called New Again for asphalt shingles and wood, but don't know what is was made of, can't find it, and have never used bleach directly on wood. Any tips? Great job. I'll be looking into oxalic acid as well. The product i mentioned worked phenomenally as well. You might be able to get it. Thanks

[fannymampasa]

Thanks for going straight to the point