C2 Wood & Deck Cleaner

C2 Wood & Deck Cleaner is a concentrated powder that does the work of three separate products: it cleans embedded dirt and grime, removes mold and mildew stains, and brightens weathered wood discoloration — all in one step.

The formula is hydrogen peroxide-based. When mixed with water and given time to activate, it releases millions of tiny oxygen bubbles that penetrate deep into wood pores, lifting and loosening contamination from within — not just scrubbing the surface. You'll actually see the solution bubble when it hits dirt and mold. That's the oxygen doing the work.

Once activated, the solution biodegrades back into water and oxygen within 4–6 hours. No chemical residue left behind on your wood, your yard, or in runoff. It's safe for pets, people, and plants.

Why cleaning before staining matters more than most people think:

Sealing or staining over a dirty surface doesn't just look bad — it traps existing mold and mildew spores beneath the finish, creating an incubator for faster decay. Pressure washing without cleaning first can actually make things worse by driving spores deeper into the wood and spreading them across the surface. C2 Wood & Deck Cleaner removes the problem at the source so your stain or sealer bonds to clean, open wood and performs the way it should.

Use it for:

• Annual deck, fence, and siding maintenance
• Prep before applying C2 Guard, stain, or sealer
• Removing gray weathering, green algae, and black mold stains
• Restoring the natural color of neglected or aging wood
• Cleaning wood furniture, pergolas, docks, and play structures

C2 Wood & Deck Cleaner is Step 1 in the C2 Guard system. Proper cleaning opens wood pores and removes surface contamination so C2 Guard can penetrate deeply and bond with the wood's cellular structure — which is how Guard delivers up to 6 years of waterproofing protection on decks and up to 10 years on vertical surfaces like fences and siding.

There are two ways to clean with C2 Wood & Deck Cleaner: hand scrubbing or pressure washing. Both start the same way.

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Mix & Activate

Add ½ cup of powder to 1 gallon of warm water in an open-topped container. Stir well until the granules are fully dissolved. Then let the solution "perk" — sit undisturbed for 15 minutes while the oxygen activates. You'll see tiny bubbles forming. Stir occasionally. Once activated, pour the solution into a garden-style pump sprayer.

Important: The activated solution has a working life of 4–6 hours before it biodegrades back into water and oxygen. Mix only what you'll use in a single session.

Option 1: Hand Scrubbing

This is the more controlled method and works well for most homeowners.

What you'll need: Pump sprayer, mixing pail, stiff long-handled deck brush, garden hose and nozzle.

1. Spray the activated solution onto the wood surface, working in sections — roughly 12 planks wide by 5 feet deep. Only spray an area you can keep wet.
2. Let the solution work for about 10 minutes. Keep the surface wet — if it starts to dry, spray more solution. You'll see it bubble as the oxygen lifts contaminants to the surface.
3. Scrub with a stiff-bristle deck brush, working with the grain of the wood.
4. Rinse off the loosened debris with a garden hose and nozzle.
5. Move to the next section and repeat.

Option 2: Pressure Washing

Faster coverage, but requires a light touch to avoid damaging wood fibers.

What you'll need: Pump sprayer, pressure washer with a soft wash tip (25° fan tip recommended — such as a 25 DEG-080).

1. Spray the activated solution onto about half the surface you plan to clean.
2. Let it work for about 10 minutes, keeping it wet.
3. Pressure wash at 1,000 PSI or less. No brush scrubbing needed — the pressure does the work. Spray with the grain.
4. Move to the next section and repeat.

Tips for Best Results

• Time your work to avoid direct sun. Heat causes the solution to evaporate before it can loosen moss, algae, and mold. Overcast conditions or morning/evening hours are ideal.
• Pre-wet nearby plants and landscaping. The formula is safe for plants, but pre-wetting is always good practice.
• Start at the farthest point from your exit and work back so you're not walking over cleaned sections.
• Don't forget railings and stairs. Use a smaller handheld brush for detail work.
• Follow up with C2 Guard. After cleaning, let the wood dry (typically 24–48 hours), then apply C2 Guard for lasting waterproof protection. Sprinkle water on the surface — if it soaks in, the wood is ready.

Product Code: G4050
Form: Concentrated powder — mix with water before use
Active Formula: Hydrogen peroxide-based (oxygen-activated)
Mix Ratio: ½ cup powder per 1 gallon of warm water
Activation Time: 15 minutes after mixing
Working Life: 4–6 hours per batch (biodegrades to water and oxygen)
Coverage: 2 lbs: 600–800 sq ft · 10 lbs: 3,000–4,000 sq ft · 40 lbs: 12,000–16,000 sq ft
Compatible Surfaces: Cedar, pine, pressure-treated lumber, ipe, teak, mahogany, fir, spruce, and other wood types
Exception: Not recommended for redwood — colors may be affected
Application: Pump sprayer, mop, or brush; pressure washer at ≤1,000 PSI
Cleanup: Water
Safety: Safe for pets, people, and plants. No sodium hypochlorite (bleach), sodium hydroxide (lye), or trisodium phosphate (TSP).
System: Step 1 in the C2 Guard wood protection system

Do I need to clean my deck before staining or sealing?

Yes — and this is the step that makes or breaks your finish. Wood pores accumulate dirt, mold spores, oxidation, and UV-damaged fibers over time. Seal over that, and you're locking contamination inside the wood — giving mold a protected environment to grow while blocking the stain from bonding properly. Cleaning first means deeper penetration, stronger adhesion, and a finish that lasts years instead of months.

What's the green, slippery stuff on my deck?

That's a combination of algae, moss, and wood fibers damaged by UV exposure. C2 Wood & Deck Cleaner's oxygen-based formula lifts all of it — along with mold and mildew stains — and restores the original color and texture of the wood underneath.

Can I use this on redwood?

Use with caution. The formula is safe for nearly all wood types, but redwood's natural color may be affected. Test in an inconspicuous area first.

Will this remove old stain or sealer?

C2 Wood & Deck Cleaner removes dirt, mold, mildew, and surface discoloration — not existing coatings. If you need to strip an old stain or sealer, use a dedicated stain stripper first, then clean with C2 Wood & Deck Cleaner to prep the bare wood.

Can I use a pressure washer?

Yes. Keep pressure at 1,000 PSI or less with a wide fan tip (25° soft wash tip). When using the pressure washer method, the spray replaces the brush scrub — no need to do both. Always spray in the direction of the wood grain and maintain enough distance to avoid damaging the wood surface.

How much do I need?

The 2 lb container covers 600–800 square feet. For larger projects: 10 lbs covers 3,000–4,000 sq ft and 40 lbs covers 12,000–16,000 sq ft. Coverage varies depending on wood porosity and how heavily soiled the surface is.

How long does the mixed solution last?

About 4–6 hours. After that, the hydrogen peroxide-based formula biodegrades into water and oxygen — which is what makes it one of the most environmentally friendly wood cleaners available. Mix only what you'll use in a single session.

Is it safe around pets and plants?

Yes. The formula is hydrogen peroxide-based with no bleach, lye, or TSP. It's safe for pets, people, and plants. Pre-wetting nearby landscaping before you begin is always a good idea, but the product won't harm vegetation.

Why shouldn't I use bleach-based cleaners on my deck?

Cleaners containing sodium hypochlorite (bleach), sodium hydroxide (lye), or trisodium phosphate (TSP) can eat away at wood fibers and cause premature aging and deterioration. They may make the surface look cleaner in the short term, but they damage the wood's structure in the process. C2 Wood & Deck Cleaner achieves the same cleaning result through oxygen activation — no caustic chemicals required.

How soon after cleaning can I apply C2 Guard?

Once the wood is clean and dry — typically 24–48 hours depending on weather. Test readiness by sprinkling water on the surface: if it soaks in, the wood is ready. If it beads, give it more drying time.

How often should I clean my deck?

Once a year keeps most decks in good shape — ideally in spring before the outdoor season. Decks in heavy shade or humid climates may benefit from cleaning twice a year to stay ahead of mold and algae buildup.

What's the difference between a deck cleaner and a deck brightener?

Most wood restoration systems require two separate products: a cleaner to remove contamination and a brightener to restore color and balance the wood's pH. C2 Wood & Deck Cleaner combines both functions — cleaning, brightening, and mold removal — in a single application. One product, one step.

Can I use this on a dock or boat deck?

Yes. C2 Wood & Deck Cleaner works on any compatible natural wood surface, including docks, piers, and marine decking. Pair it with C2 Guard, which is safe for use near fresh and saltwater environments.