How To Clean Cedar Siding

Cedar shingles can also grow moss and algae or develop iron staining which requires periodic cleaning.

How to clean cedar siding. Department of agriculture s forest services laboratory recommends cleaning cedar shingles with an oxidizing bleach as opposed to a household bleach to avoid damaging the wood. Clean the soap and remaining grime off the siding. It is highly toxic to vegetation. Turn the hose end sprayer back to the light hose spray setting.

The cedar bureau recommends using a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water. Mix three quarts of water with one quart of household bleach and 1 2 cup of ammonia free dish washing liquid in the garden sprayer. This is a cleaning solution specially designed for removing any stubborn stains or greasy marks on the wood. Apply this to the entire surface of cedar siding making sure that the wood is completely saturated with it.

The safe and effective way to clean the wood is oxygen bleach. Apply it with a pump sprayerlet it sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing it off with with a garden hose. It is non toxic to trees and vegetation and will not remove natural color from the siding. Use the wood cleaner according to instructions on the product s packaging.

Make any necessary repairs then clean the cedar with warm water and phosphate free soap. Make sure to rinse away all bleach because any bleach left behind may discolor the cedar. Mix the powdered bleach according to directions on the bottle such as 4 parts water to 1 part powder. Be sure to keep the hose pointed downward to avoid forcing water up behind the shingles.

Removing the the wood mold with oxygen bleach. Cleaning away the age is the first step in caring for cedar shingles. If necessary a stiff bristle non metallic brush can be used. Stand roughly 4 feet away from the cedar while washing.

The oxygen bleach comes as a granular powder that mixes with water. If there is mold or mildew brown or black spots it needs to be killed with a commercially available mildew killer cleaner or warm water and oxygen bleach. If you had mold growing dry the siding a second time with a heater or. Step 2 spray the test section of the cedar siding with the bleach and water mixture and allow it to soak into the test area for 15 minutes.

Apply the solution with a clean garden sprayer allowing it to soak for 15 minutes. There is no need to scrub the area.