Call the Doctor

• Dr. Bronners Castile Soap is a great product to use for outdoor cleaning. It is vegetable-based and is completely biodegradable. This soap also contains fair trade and organic oils that help moisturize wood. Simply apply a solution of 1 cup of Dr. Bronners Castile Soap to 2 gallons of warm water to your deck and scrub it with a brush. Rinse with cold water and allow the deck to dry. Use Dr. Bronners Tea Tree or Eucalyptus Soap if insects are a problem. The tea tree or eucalyptus oil will discourage insects from burrowing into the wood of your deck. This soap can also be used to bathe your pets and is a fabulous soap to take camping or hiking, as it does not damage the environment. It does not dry out the skin, and it leaves you feeling squeaky-clean.
  
  

Oxygen Bleach

• Using an oxygen bleach, such as OxyClean, is also a good method of green-cleaning your deck. Mix oxygen bleach according to package instructions and apply it to the deck using a mop or scrub brush. Rinse with cool water using a hose and allow the deck to dry. Oxygen bleach and water solution can also be applied with a power washer. Take care when using a power washer on a wood deck, as the pressure can damage the wood fibers. Use the lowest setting possible to effectively clean the wood without damaging it.
  
  

Simple Green

• Simple Green Deck and Fence cleaner is another product specially formulated for outdoor green-cleaning. Like oxygen bleach, Simple Green can also be used when washing decks by hand or in a power washer. It is nontoxic, biodegradable and available in an economical concentrate. A little goes a long way. Mix this product according to package instructions. Simple Green is available in hardware, building supply and department stores.
  
  

Homemade Herbal Cleaner

• An herbal cleaning solution can be made by mixing 5 cups of grated castile soap (or 2 cups liquid castile soap), 1/2 cup baking soda, 1 teaspoon of borax, 1 teaspoon of eucalyptus oil and 1 gallon of strong, hot peppermint tea. Dilute this mixture in 2 gallons of warm water. Apply this solution to your deck and scrub the wood using a stiff brush. Rinse with cool water and allow the deck to dry. This cleaner can be used indoors and out, for cleaning floors, furniture and tile.