We Put This 30-Second Outdoor Cleaner to the Test
Updated: Feb. 22, 2023Spoiler alert: It cleared up gross mildew and old stains off my plastic deck furniture in seconds — just like it promised.
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When I built a new deck last summer, I wanted to create a backyard oasis. I used durable poly-deck boards, and filled the space with Trex patio furniture and plastic-based pieces supposedly tough enough to stand up to weather.
One year later, I found something I didn’t expect — mildew and grime on my outdoor furniture. So I was eager to try 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner, a popular product on social media. Spoiler alert: The deck and patio cleaner holds up, but you need to know how to make the most of it.
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What Is 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner?
As the name suggests, 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner is a concentrated formula that cleans outdoor surfaces in 30 seconds or less. When applied, it clears up almost every type of algae, mold and mildew on your patio furniture. It’s easy to use and strong enough to skip pressure-washing.
Simply dilute the solution with tap water in an old spray bottle and apply it to stains and gunk. It’s safe around your best plants — just spray down affected garden areas and the cleaner will break up in the soil.
30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner offers a powerful clean on outdoor surfaces like wood decking, concrete sidewalks, asphalt driveways, bricks, canvas awnings, plastic furniture and vinyl siding.
How We Tested It
One corner of my deck receives limited direct sunlight, so anything in that corner collects mildew and pollen if it’s not wiped down every few days. I’d be lying if I said I had the time (or motivation) to wipe everything down every 72 hours, so it was time to put 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner to the test.
I mixed a 1:1 solution of cleaner and water in a spray bottle. Then I went after the mildew and pollen, concentrated in a few particular crevices. Much to my delight, the stubborn mildew broke up instantly. I was truly shocked. I grabbed a damp cloth, wiped down the affected spots, and the gunk vanished. No need for pressure washers or high-powered hoses.
Impressed, I moved on to a pair of colorful Adirondack chairs that had grown dim from rain and dust storms. No more than a teaspoon of 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner and my chairs were like new. To say I was thrilled is an understatement.
Product Features
This plant and garden-safe cleaner makes cleaning even the grimiest outdoor furniture a breeze. It breaks up tough mold, mildew and algae stains before your eyes.
It works on family heirloom swing sets, all the outdoor furniture you can buy online and even hardwood and poly-based decking. If you have a long list of yard maintenance tasks, a single gallon bottle should last you all summer long.
Pros
- Easy to use;
- Concentrated formula;
- Plant-safe;
- Good in a spray bottle or as a wipe-down product;
- Works on most types of algae, mildew and mold;
- Affordable price.
Cons
- Needs to be diluted before using;
- Contains bleach, which irritates skin. We recommend gloves for optimal protection.
FAQ
Can 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner be used on vinyl fences?
Yes! Vinyl fences are actually one of the best places to use it, though it’s best to spray the diluted solution on, then hose it off. It works particularly well in corners, cracks and crevices that other cleaners seem to miss.
Will it discolor my roof tiles?
Amazon reviewers in Florida and Texas report the cleaner didn’t damage or discolor their roofing. It’s their go-to, monthly tune-up for stucco and Spanish tile roofs.
Can it be used to clean RVs and fifth wheels?
Yes! 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner works on fiberglass exteriors and hulls, and it boasts a large fan base of RV enthusiasts and campground visitors.
What Other Reviewers Had to Say
Christine, a verified Amazon purchaser writes, “I just sprayed, waited, brushed lightly and rinsed with my hose, and all the green stains were gone from my white shutters. I used this product on all my siding, then my neighbor used it to clean his. I love it. Works very well, and did not harm my plants. It does contain some bleach so beware what you wear.”
“So simple and so efficient at cleaning mold from the outside of my home,” writes Jably, another five-star Amazon reviewer. “It was a breeze, literally. Will be ordering more only because it’s a big house and we couldn’t cover all of it. Some spots were really bad and will need a second treatment, though. Very few.”
“So we were out camping with a friend, and I got jealous of his awning and how clean it was,” writes verified Amazon purchaser Brian. “He tells me to try 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner. So I order from Amazon … and, well, I’m glad I did. This was AMAZING. Best stuff I have used to clean the awning, and it was so simple.”
Final Verdict
If you take pride in your home’s curb appeal, keeping a bottle of 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner on hand is a game-changing move. It’s affordable, easy to use and removes grime off everything from Trex to stucco, concrete sidewalks and tile roofs. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Where to Buy 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner
A one-gallon bottle of 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner retails on Amazon for about $19. It’s also available at Walmart, The Home Depot, Lowe’s and Ace Hardware for $12-13.
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