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You’ll get best results if you use a non-toxic exterior cleaning product designed to be applied and then washed off. Scrub the surface with a soft car wash brush with a long handle. Rinse thoroughly with clear water after washing and scrubbing, then let the walls dry for two warm days before examining the surface.
How do you clean logs on a log home?
We recommend cleaning logs with a combination of water and a wood-friendly detergent, i.e. TSP (Trisodium Phosphate Cleaner). We want to stress that we DO NOT recommend power-washing logs to clean them. Applying water under high pressure can be detrimental to the “health” of a log building.
Can I use bleach to clean my log home?
Bleach shouldn’t take the place of a log-wash (which cleans but does not brighten) to remove stains or dirt, but when combined with 1-part bleach and 4-parts water, it will work well to brighten your logs and kill any harbored mold or mildew.
Can you pressure wash log siding?
Pressure washing can be perfectly safe for your log home so long as you use the right technique. Always keep the wand moving, especially at higher psi settings, and use a wide fan setting. Holding the stream in the same place for too long or standing too close could damage the wood.
How do you restore a log cabin exterior?
5 Essential Tools for Restoring a Log Home Pressure Washer. When a log home requires substantial restoration, you’ll want to start by cleaning the exterior thoroughly. Buffing Brushes. Wood Hardener or Wood Epoxy Paste. Wood Finish or Stain. Chinking.
Can you soft wash a log cabin?
We have seen the damage high pressure cleaning has caused to window screens, siding, decks and log cabins. Using properly developed, eco friendly soaps and rinsing agents, soft washing completely disinfects and loosens those unsightly stains, while clean water rinses them away completely.
How do you get rid of mold on a log cabin?
Mix a solution of 1 part household bleach with 4 parts water and 1/2 cup biodegradable dishwasher soap. Scrub the logs with the solution and a stiff brush. Apply generously. Scrub from the bottom of the foundation and work up to the top.
How do you disinfect logs?
A general dusting may work, but to actually clean the logs, a sponge saturated with a bleach and water combination may be used.Cleaning Apply cleaning agent from the ground and work up. This will avoid streaking of the logs. Allow to stand for 10-15 minutes before power washing. Rinse thoroughly.
What maintenance does a log home require?
Maintaining a log home should be a bi-annual activity, specifically during spring and fall. Regular maintenance of your log cabin reduces the damage from UV, water, insects, and air infiltration.
How do you clean wood siding naturally?
Mix equal parts bleach and water, filling a garden sprayer with the solution. Test a small section of the siding to make sure it won’t cause damage. Spray the siding with the bleach solution, focusing mainly on areas with mold or stuck-on grime. Use a soft bristle brush to scrub and rinse when the spot is gone.
Can you restore an old log cabin?
A log home restoration can be a lot of work, but fear not! From water damage to carpenter bees, here’s how to take care of — and even prevent — them all. After a thorough media-blasting, sanding and cleaning, older log walls are ready to accept a fresh coat of stain.
How do you repair a rotting log home?
How to Repair Log Rot Make a vertical cut on either side of the soft spot to the depth of the soft wood. Then use a coal or vibrating chisel and hog out the rotted wood until you reach solid sound wood. Level out the area to a flat surface. Coat the area with Shellguard RTU (borate) to prevent further expansion of rot.
What is TSP cleaner good for?
Power through accumulated layers of dirt, grease, grime, soot, and stains on exteriors—notably masonry (brick, stone, cement, and concrete), wood (decks and siding), and roofing. When prepping for a paint job, TSP can clean and de-gloss painted surfaces and remove peeling, flaking old paint.
How often should you seal a log home?
How often should I reseal my log home? The short answer is usually every 3-5 years but this can vary due to many factors.
How do you clean tree logs?
Scrub the wood down using soapy water or a combination of detergent, bleach, and water to clean the wood. Always remember to protect yourself with proper safety equipment from the fumes of the cleaner and any mold spores. If the wood isn’t cleaned the first time, don’t be afraid to restart the process.
How do I clean my log siding with TSP?
Mildewed Decks and Siding: Remove by washing with solution of 1 cup of TSP dissolved in 3 quarts of warm water and add 1 quart fresh chlorine bleach. Use solution to scrub area thoroughly, using scrub brush or coarse rags. The bleach kills fungus growth and removes stains.
Do log cabins need to be stained?
A log cabin should be stained every four to seven years. The time between each staining of the log cabin is going to vary depending on where your log cabin is located. If you are in an area where your cabin gets a lot of exposure to rain, wind, hail, and even sun, then you will need to stain the home more often.
