Cleaning Wood
Some Priceless Information About Cleaning Wood Properly
For cleaning wood properly, you must first determine whether or not the wood is treated, and if so, with what. Painted or sealed woods are somewhat easier to maintain and deep clean, as they are protected from harsh chemicals and damaging moisture. For cleaning wood which is properly sealed, all you need is a high pressure garden hose system, or even a long handled scrub brush and a garden hose for rinsing. Some often use a push broom for scrubbing, and this works very well on wooden shudders and deck boards. Be sure not to use an overly sudsy cleanser on these large areas, as the bubbles can be hard to remove completely. A tiny bit of Murphy’s Oil Soap, for instance, could go a long way, and be sure to dilute it within your cleaning bucket prior to use. Pouring cleaning products directly on any wood surface is not a good idea.
If you are cleaning wood which has not been properly sealed, you will definitely need to readjust your game plan. Unsealed wood, especially that which is outdoors, is highly susceptible to the elements. You may never regain the original color of the wood, as the sun and wind will bleach out the surface and change it permanently. You will want to clean it, however, before treating against further damage, so you may want to rent or purchase a power sprayer. This type of machine can be used with plain water, as the pressure behind it is enough for thoroughly cleaning wood deep into the grain. This machine can also be used for the staining or sealing of your outdoor wood constructions, making for a sound investment in the long term as well.
For cleaning wood within your home, the same rules apply. If you use water to clean your untreated wood pieces, you must allow at least a week for the wood to completely dry before applying any sealants, stains, or paints. Wood is extremely porous, which is why it takes so well to color additives. This absorbent quality can cause issues, however, should excess water be trapped inside.
When making an attempt at cleaning wood items indoors, you may not want to completely submerge your pieces in water. A damp rag should suffice, depending on how rough or smooth the surface of the piece is. Murphy’s Oil Soap can be used in this situation, as it offers a bit of protection to untreated wood products. Dilute your oil soap into the water that you use for cleaning and then proceed with the wiping and scrubbing process. One of our favorite things about wood is the unique character that it brings to each piece made of it, so don’t worry if you can’t get it perfect. Cleaning wood should bring out the natural beauty and the imperfections at the same time.