Hey Larry, You were told right, basically they are the same. both name are synonymous and used in our trade to decribe the same thing.(Man I hope I spelled that word right) It is oxygenated bleach and usally comes in a powder form. Like Sun Brites "Safewash" and Wolmans "Deck brightener" I am no chemist and someone who is may write in and explain what the difference exactly But basically it's the stuff you mix w/ hot water spay on a deck let sit and powerwash off the dirt. Hope this helps Chris