Cleaner & Brightener

Deck Cleaner 101

We recommend performing annual deck maintenance to maintain the natural color of your hardwood deck. Before staining or oiling the surface, be sure to clean it thoroughly.

Preparing the surface involves the use of a deck cleaner followed by a brightener. This process will maximize the performance of any oil or staining products you choose to use. 

Step 1: Use Cleaner to remove dirt and natural graying.

• Sodium percarbonate breaks down mold and mildew.
• Restores hardwood’s original color and grain pattern.
• Coverage: about 500 sq. ft. per container.

Deck Wood Brightener Tips 

Step 2: Use Brightener to neutralize wood after cleaning by balancing pH.

• Prepares the surface for even stain or finish absorption and extends deck life.
• Removes tannin stains from cedar and redwood, as well as rust, fungi, and residual dirt.
• Coverage: about 500 sq. ft. per container.

Step 3: Finishing the Project

• After the cleaning and brightening process, finish with Ipe Oil® or WiseCoat® for long-lasting protection.
• Safe and effective for hardwoods (Ipe, Tigerwood, Cumaru) and softwoods (cedar, redwood, pressure-treated lumber).
• Eco-friendly, biodegradable formulas are ideal for homeowners and contractors.

Why Choose Manasquan Fasteners

Choose Manasquan Fasteners as your single, reliable source for everything from DeckWise® Cleaner and Brightener to your complete inventory of deck essentials. 

With decades of experience, we've been the trusted supplier to professional contractors, marine builders, and DIY homeowners nationwide. We make getting what you need easy, offering free shipping on all orders over $199 and guaranteeing fast, nationwide delivery, including to Alaska and Hawaii.

Beyond offering top-rated deck cleaners and brighteners, we prioritize quality and safety, supplying only fasteners and connectors that are meet stringent industry standards. When you purchase from us, you receive guaranteed structural performance. As always, refer to local building codes for updated requirements for your project.

Prep. Brighten. Protect.

The deck cleaner (Part 1) is designed to aggressively lift and remove all surface contaminants, including dirt, grime, mold, algae, and dead wood fibers. The DeckWise® cleaner has a high pH, making it effective at scrubbing the wood clean and “opening up” the grain.

Leaving the wood in a high-alkaline state isn’t ideal for the finish. Enter the wood deck brightener (Part 2), which contains oxalic acid to neutralize the wood, achieving a balanced pH level. This is a crucial step for locking in the wood’s natural color. You’re prepping the surface for maximum finish absorption.

Reapplying oil without using a deck cleaner and brightener yields poor results. The new oil will rest on top of the old, dirty surface. This creates a dark and blotchy finish that wears away quickly. You don’t want to seal mold and mildew under the oil! Even if your deck is secured with premium stainless steel screws, a proper cleanse is vital for a finish that lasts.

A complete deck cleaning and brightening system is the best way to ensure your deck surface remains beautiful. Shop DeckWise® Cleaner and Brightener today.