QA

Quick Answer: How To Clean Cedar Siding

The Cedar Bureau recommends using a solution no stronger than one-part bleach to three parts water. Apply it with a pump sprayer and let it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with a garden hose. Be sure to keep the hose pointed downward to avoid forcing water up behind the shingles.

What is the best cleaner for cedar siding?

A safe deep-cleaner for wood siding is oxygen bleach. It is a powder that mixes with water. It is non-toxic to vegetation and trees and will not remove any natural color from the siding. You simply keep the wood siding wet with the oxygen bleach solution for 15 minutes.

How do I make cedar siding look new again?

After cleaning your cedar to bring back its color, apply a clear exterior varnish to help sustain it. A quality weatherproofing product will prolong the fresh look of your cedar and help limit algae growth. If you would prefer your siding stained another color, choose a stain that is darker than the cedar.

Can you pressure wash cedar siding?

Power washing can be used to clean cedar as long as the sprayer is set at a low pressure to prevent damaging the wood’s soft surface. For cedar siding with a smooth surface, scrape the paint and clean the cedar before painting.

What do you clean cedar wood with?

Washing Cedar Wood You can use water mixed with a bit of mild detergent for a basic cleaner. If you need a stronger cleaner, you can dilute bleach with water for a cleaner that will accentuate the natural luster of the cedar. This is particularly effective in the removal of mildew.

Can you use OxiClean to clean siding?

OxiClean is just one of many different brands of oxygen bleach cleaners. Oxygen bleach, aside from being great at cleaning siding covered in mold or mildew, is perfectly safe for you and the environment. It’s actually nothing more than a souped-up relative of hydrogen peroxide in powdered form.

How do you brighten cedar siding?

One part white vinegar to 3 or 4 parts water is fine. Dip a sponge in the vinegar solution, and wipe it on the bleached wood. Rinse the sponge in clear water before dipping it again in the neutralizing solution. Once the cedar is dry, you can leave it as is or apply the finish of your choice.

How do you clean cedar siding with OxiClean?

Mix the powdered Oxiclean as four parts water to one part powdered product and apply the solution with a garden sprayer. All the OxiClean to soak into the wood for around fifteen minutes. Once the time is up, you can use a soft-bristled scrub brush to remove the debris, followed by a rinse-off with the garden hose.

How do you make old cedar look new?

Iron vinegar on cedar – cheap, easy and fast! Soak some steel wool in white vinegar for a few hours or a few days – the longer it steeps, the darker the aged effect will be. Use 0000 steel wool (shown here) so it breaks down even faster in the vinegar.

How do you get black off cedar siding?

Mix the powdered bleach according to directions on the bottle, such as 4 parts water to 1 part powder. Apply the solution with a clean garden sprayer, allowing it to soak for 15 minutes. The bleach will remove much of the discoloration. Use a nylon-bristled scrub brush to remove the rest.

How do you care for cedar siding on a house?

Like other types of external siding, cedar is prone to accumulation of dust and dirt. You have to clean it twice a year to keep it easier. Use a soap and water solution for general cleaning to scrub the siding and then wash it down. You can use some bleach if you have mold and mildew problems.

How do you clean outdoor cedar?

Pour one gallon of water into a bucket, mixed with 2 ounces of oxalic acid. This type of acid can be found at any hardware or home improvement store and works well on cedar. Dip a cleaning brush into the solution, then scrub the solution into the wood. Rinse outdoor areas with a hose.

Can you use teak cleaner on cedar?

The key to Helmsman® Teak Oil is allowing it to dry in the wood, not on the wood. You can use it on either indoor or outdoor furniture constructed of dense woods, such as mahogany, cedar, teak and other imported hardwoods.

What is the best thing to clean siding with?

The best vinyl siding cleaning solution uses gentle products such as dish soap and water, or vinegar and water. Or, you can purchase a commercial vinyl siding cleaner to do the job. Apply the solution and clean the siding using a soft-bristled brush or microfiber cloth, then rinse off with a spray hose.

How do you clean siding without a pressure washer?

Household Cleaner #1: Bleach Solution One of the most popular alternatives to power washing your siding is detergent, bleach and water. If your white siding is beginning to look a little green, then this is the route you want to go, as it is very powerful against mildew and mold.