Is Deck Cleaning With Vinegar Safe? (2024)

April 18, 2022 Posted by WOCA WOODCARE

Cleaning your deck with vinegar may sound out of the ordinary, but did you know it’s actually a go-to DIY option? With any easily-sourced, at-home alternative, however, there are always questions to consider — Is it effective? More importantly, is it safe to use?

Why Do People Use Vinegar to Clean Decking?

People often choose vinegar as a DIY solution because it’s cheap, not toxic, readily available, and easy to use.

Commercial cleaning agents often contain harsh chemicals. Understandably, this has also led to the search for a natural alternative. Though vinegar fits this requirement well, it may not be the most efficient way to clean wooden decking.

Vinegar combats mold and mildew, which is an essential element in a deck cleaning agent. But, there are potential downsides to using this popular homemade cleaning solution.

Is Deck Cleaning With Vinegar Safe?

Deck cleaning with vinegar is perfectly safe. It is a natural cleaning product, most commonly mixed with baking soda and then applied to the decking.
Unlike some harsh chemicals, vinegar is non-toxic, so it doesn’t pose any viable health risks. If you’re concerned about the safety of your deck, rest assured that vinegar will not damage the wood or composite decking as long as it is diluted and only applied for the appropriate length of time (usually about 60 minutes).

That being said, due to its high acidity, vinegar can harm or even kill most plants on contact. So, if you’re at all concerned about surrounding vegetation, be sure to opt for environmentally-friendly cleaners.

Is Deck Cleaning With Vinegar Effective?

As a basic cleaning solution, vinegar works fairly effectively. It removes three of the main adversaries of decking — mildew, mold, and dirt.

The cons? Since the concentration and formula of vinegar isn’t designed with for wood or deck cleaning, it may take a few attempts before you achieve the desired result. When using vinegar, be prepared to go over the decking multiple times before it will be cleaned thoroughly.

Will Vinegar Stain My Decking?

Vinegar is acidic so, normally, it’s actually used to remove stains. Issues can arise when vinegar is left to sit on decking for too long, as doing so can seep the color out of the wood.

Using undiluted vinegar is especially harmful, as the stronger concentration results in even more acidity that can damage your deck. If you choose to use vinegar as a cleaning agent, ensure it is properly diluted and be prepared to remove it after the recommended amount of time has passed to protect the wood.

WOCA Woodcare Offers An Effective, Natural Deck Cleaning Solution

WOCA Denmark takes all the reasons that vinegar is a popular cleaning agent — namely its natural, environmentally-friendly qualities and ease of use — and improves on them to offer a deck cleaning solution, formulated for wood, that’s both safe and functional.

WOCA Exterior Deep Cleaner spray only requires 3-4 minutes to effectively remove deeply ingrained mold, mildew, and dirt. This cleaner only requires one layer, so you can skip the repeat cleaning required with vinegar. Tackle the toughest jobs with ease while knowing that the cleaning solution you’re using was created with a singular, targeted purpose.

Beyond its efficacy, the WOCA Exterior Deep Cleaner spray is notable for upholding the values of WOCA Denmark. It has been created to be eco-friendly, emitting lower volatile organic compounds (VOCs) than other products. It is a natural, sustainable, and safe alternative to many of the other chemical-based cleaning agents on the market.

Try this intensive cleaning solution to bring old, weather-beaten decking back to life. Find the reliable, exterior products and cleaning solutions you need for your deck here.