The Four Best Cleaning Chemicals To Clean Your Wood

Josh Richards • Jan 30, 2023

If you're a homeowner, you know how important it is to keep your wood looking its best. But what's the best way to do that? Some experts recommend that homeowners clean their exterior woods at least once or twice a year. It is safer and more environmentally friendly to try your best to eliminate the possibility of toxic chemicals entering the environment.

It is possible to get rid of all of that moldy, mildewed wood by recycling it. But not always feasible or the best or most practical choice. Instead, why not consider renovating your old one? As it's better to fix rather than replace.

Wood cleaning chemicals

There is no single solution or chemical that is best for every job. The best way to restore wood is to know the species of your wood and how sealers and chemical reactions work. These factors will help you analyze the best course of action during the wood restoration process. It is best to follow the conservation rule regarding wood restoration. This means you use the least amount of treatment possible and get the desired results.

Here are the best cleaners you should consider using for your exterior wood cleaning projects. 
1. Sodium bicarbonate (oxygenated bleach)
2. Sodium hypo-chloride (chlorine bleach)
3. Sodium hydroxide
4. Sodium metasilicate

Sodium bicarbonate (oxygenated bleach)

Percarbonate or soda, also known as oxygen bleach, is an alternative to chlorine bleach and is safe, gentle, and biodegradable. It is popular due to its ability to remove stains, brighten the whites, and deodorize the laundry and textiles.

It is a natural stain and disinfectant and can replace all other "Oxy" products. Ingredients are derived from salt, water, and chalk. It is an excellent natural bleaching (oxygen-bleach) agent, and the stain solver softens the water and greatly increases cleaning product efficiency. This is a great combination with washing detergent and soap nuts. It is great for maintaining and cleaning exterior wood. 

1. Sodium hypo-chloride (chlorine bleach)

Because bleach is not a cleaner, these formulas contain a surfactant (soap). These cleaners require mild scrubbing to get the best results. They can be rinsed with a hose or lightly power washed.

There has been much controversy over using liquid bleach on wood recently. It has been shown to damage wood's glue (lignin that holds the wood together). The solution can cause fuzzing and further degrading of wood if left on the surface for too long or in too high a concentration. This also causes poor stain adhesion and failure of stain absorption into the wood. Bleach can also cause rust to nails and screws in wood.

There are many methods to clean with chlorine-free bleach. However, it is important to read the label and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure you spot-test on a hidden area of your wood surface before using homemade oxygen bleach as a spray cleaner. Do not use oxygen bleach on unfinished wooden surfaces.

1. Sodium Hydroxide ( NaOH)

This chemical is used to dissolve previous dirt, stain, and dead wood layers. To clean bare wood, we often use very small diluted amounts. Pre-formulated stripping solutions, surfactants, buffers, and other misc contain chemicals to work in collaboration with NaOH. To work together with NaOH. 

Sodium Hydroxide is caustic and can cause severe irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. For personal protective equipment (PPE), refer to the manufacturer's guidelines before use. Pure sodium hydroxide (basic) is between 12-14 on the pH scale. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application as well. Citric/oxalic acids are usually applied to neutralize and rinse afterward. 

1. Sodium Metasilicate

You can use sodium metasilicate as a cleaning agent on its own or as an ingredient in soaps and detergents, also as a cleaner for exterior wood. The chemical formula for sodium metasilicate can be described as an alkali salt. This gives it excellent stain lifting properties and the ability to kill mold, moss, and other organic growths from your wood.

If mixed with a high enough concentration, sodium metasilicate could also be used to strip wooden woods to prepare them for their new coat of paint, varnish, or sealer.

If you mix enough sodium metasilicate in a sufficient amount, it can also be used as a stripping agent (that removes old paint or stain from wood) for woods to prepare them for a new coat of stain, varnish, or sealer.

Final Words

Wood cleaning chemicals can be dangerous if swallowed or come into contact with your skin. Use gloves, eye protection, skin protection, and a respirator to protect yourself. Before you start your wood restoration project, make sure to read the safety instructions and warnings. You can also hire a professional to help you.

Professional wood cleaning services in Orlando, Florida

If you need exterior wood cleaning in Orlando, we can help. Our cleaning specialists use various methods to ensure your wood, fence, and dock look fantastic and new again. We are here to make your wood look new again using our combined skills and the best eco-friendly products. When you call us to clean your exterior wood in Orlando, you can rest assured that you will get top-quality service for a reasonable price.

FAQ:

What is the difference between bleach and oxygen bleach?

The major difference between oxygen bleach and chlorine bleach is that chlorine bleach uses sodium hypochlorite, while oxygen bleach has sodium percarbonate as an active agent. Oxygen bleach is an all-fabric bleach that is color-safe, whereas chlorine bleach can strip the color from surfaces.

Which chemical is better, sodium metasilicate or Sodium Hydroxide?

The highly corrosive nature of sodium hydroxide is more than sodium metasilicate, making it a stringer stripping chemical. It is recommended for thicker wood finishes or to use when you want to do the job faster.

This corrosive nature makes sodium hydroxide difficult to use as a wood cleaner. It can quickly eat away wood if left unchecked. Therefore. as a general cleaner, sodium metasilicate should be preferred.

Which is the best Deck and Fence Environment Friendly Pressure Washer Cleaner?

Simple Green Oxy Solve Deck and Fence Pressure Washer Cleaner is environmnetally safer for outdoor use. Reference