Frequently Asked Questions
Surface Preparation
Q: Can I use household bleach to clean a deck?
A: No, we do not recommend using household bleach, because it is not effective in removing two of the three culprits in producing a weathered gray deck: ground-in dirt and UV degraded surface fibers. When you use chlorine bleach-based solutions (sodium hypochlorite) to clean a wood surface, all you are doing is removing the mildew stains. While using a bleach-based commercial product can show a dramatic change in color as the mildew is removed, dirt, debris and degraded surface fibers remain. Left behind on the surface, this white-washed residue will contribute to coating failures. In fact, in our laboratory tests comparing the performance of chlorine bleach solutions against our formulated Deck & Fence Brightener products, coating failures have appeared 60% faster over chlorine-bleach prepared surfaces.
Remember, you would never do laundry with bleach only and expect to have clean clothes!