How do you bleach cedar siding?

Oxygen bleach is highly recommended because it is natural, noncorrosive and completely safe. If using oxygen bleach, mix a quart of bleach with a gallon of water. If using household bleach, use only 1 cup bleach per quart of water.

Then, can you use bleach on 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.

Also, how do you remove stains from 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.

Also asked, how do you lighten 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.

Is Power Washing bad for 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. Once cleaned and allowed to dry, the wood can then be painted using a urethane-acrylic house paint. It is unsightly, but the cedar has not been damaged.

32 Related Question Answers Found

Why is my cedar siding turning black?

The most common culprits are tannins, mildew, and mold. Tannins ordinarily leach from cedar wood, and do not normally cause any problems. However, when tannins mix with metal and iron, a chemical reaction occurs and a black stain can form. Cedar, along with any other wood, is a natural habitat for mildew and mold.

How do you pressure wash cedar siding?

Use a white or green tip to deliver a moderate amount of water pressure. Yellow and white tips are much stronger and more concentrated, and will strip paint or sealant off of the wood. When you're ready to begin, keep the wand two feet away from the siding. Then move gradually closer should you need more power.

How do you keep cedar wood looking new?

Sweep or brush off the cedar area completely with your broom, removing any large debris and any dirt that can be brushed off easily.
Mix the exterior wood wash, according to package directions, with water in the large bucket.
Clean off the wood wash mixture using a power washer or garden hose.
Dry the cedar.

How do you clean cedar siding with OxiClean?

Chlorine bleach weakens wood fibers, increasing the wear and damage to the wood. To safely remove stubborn stains, dissolve the OxiClean in water according to package directions and apply the solution to the wood siding. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes, then rinse it off thoroughly.

Can you use bleach on wood 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.

Does cedar siding need to be stained?

When To Stain Cedar Siding

Bare cedar requires immediate staining. When properly applied, cedar stain should last for five to seven years or longer if weather conditions are mild. The service life of a stain also varies depending on the quality of the stain and the texture of the siding.

What is the best stain for cedar siding?

The Flood Pro series by PPG Paints comes in a wide range of exterior stains that are ideal for Western Red Cedar products. To add a rich, long-lasting opaque color, there's PPG's 100% acrylic stain which protects against sun and water damage.

Can you change the color of cedar siding?

Because cedar siding is receptive to paint or stain, homeowners can easily add, change, or extend the color of it over the years. With new cedar siding, all coating options remain on the table including semi-transparent stains.

How long will cedar siding last?

Cedar siding endures the elements well and if maintained properly can last many years. Some manufacturers offer warranties of 25 years or more. Cedar is classified as a durable species. The proper application of a finish coat will allow cedar siding to last for decades.

Should cedar siding be stained or painted?

The stain is Durable:

Another important reason why stain lasts longer than paint on cedar siding is that they are durable enough to take foot traffic. In fact, food traffic results in more abrasion than regular paint is meant to take. Due to its durable nature, stain protects wood better than the normal paint.

Can you sand cedar siding?

Cedar wood is lightweight, stable and relatively easy to work with. It can be sanded to remove surface defects and prepare the wood for painting or staining. Rougher sandpaper can be used to remove material, and finer sandpaper for smoothing the wood surface and preparing for finishing.

Mix 1/4 cup of dishwashing soap and 1 tbsp. of vegetable oil with a bucket of warm water.
Wipe the stained wood area to be cleaned with a dry, clean cloth to ensure the surface is free of dust and loose dirt.
Warning. Don't use abrasive cleaners like ammonia on your hardwood floors.

How do you get stains off siding?

Steps to Remove the Stain:

Stripper is available at Home Depot or other hardware stores that sell Behr products.
Spray the cleaner onto the stained areas and allow it to set for 20-30 minutes.
Use the sponge or cloth to scrub the stain away.
Repeat until the stain is removed.
Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water.

Why does wood turn black?

When the wood itself is black, the discoloration may be caused by mold, or it may result from tannins in the wood reacting with minerals in the water.