Wood Cleaners
Oxygenated Bleach
(cleaning and, in some cases, finish removing products)

Oxygenated bleach products, (Sodium Percarbonate), such as Timber Wash and Oxy Boost, clean by releasing oxygen molecules when mixed with water (a bit like hydrogen peroxide), which help in the overall cleaning process. 
Due to the release of Oxygen molecules, it is suggested you don't store left over diluted product, (the stuff that you dissolved in water), in an air tight container as it may leak.
Additionally, these products are most effective during the first 6 hours after dilution. Their effectiveness drops quickly after that.

There are several lines of thought on the proper application of these alkaline based cleaners. To summarize, here are a few examples (some conflict with others):

• At the least you need to rinse with copious amounts of water to remove as move of the product as possible and return the wood to it's natural pH. This is probably what the majority of homeowners and many contractors do. Take care here when considering applying in a solution stronger than recommended, it's been argued that the application of these products in a stronger solution increases the possibility of a breakdown in the Lignin, (the "glue" that bonds the wood fibers together). Applying "extra strength" may also leave residual product deep in the wood, (cracks, checks, even just below the surface at a level the water doesn't rinse enough out), which can be reactivated by the application of the finish. If your finish seems to wear (fail) prematurely, it's possible this is part of the problem. (even here there is a school of thought that recommends using double strength to work more like a stripper...we tend to disagree).

• Additionally, many professionals agree than the extra step of applying an acid based product, such as Timber Brite is necessary to both neutralize the wood, (return it closer to it's natural pH, and to give a final brightening to the wood). Again, you'll need to rinse with plenty of water or you could end up with wood that is now too acidic.

• Why all the discussion about acid and alkaline (base)? Well, the pH of most wood falls somewhere around 7, which is considered neutral. Different species of wood vary in what is a normal pH for them. Some woods are normally "slightly" acidic. Since most wood has a neutral, or close to it, pH, the manufacturers of wood finish and sealers develop their products to bond and react with a neutral pH. Wood with a higher or lower pH, (due to chemical residue), may react with the finish (e.g. the chemical residue is reactivated) and shorten the lifespan of the wood finish.

Notes: 

• Not all Oxygenated bleach products are the same. Those using a sodium percarbonate base in a high percentage of total product, >80% tend to work best for cleaning decks, logs, and wood items (ours are >80%). 

• Sodium percarbonate dissolves readily in water, (warm water is quicker). Sodium Percarbonate is typically 13-14% oxygen which is released when dissolved in water, at which time the Sodium Percarbonate breaks down into it's natural base of soda ash which is natural, biodegradable and effective. 

• Oxygenated bleach products are safe enough that you can use them as a laundry substitute for chlorine bleach. They are also used to clean vinyl and aluminum siding, sailboat sails, remove spots in carpets and innumerable other items. 

TimberWash  is an oxygenated bleach. An environmentally friendly powdered concentrate that is mixed with water. It safely cleans, brightens, and restores the natural beauty of exterior wood. It is also an excellent cleaner for vinyl and aluminum siding. Unlike chlorine bleach based cleaners, TimberWash is biodegradable and will not harm wood fibers, pets, grass, or most plants. 

Removes dirt, grime, mildew stains, many previous failing coatings (not paint-worn semi-transparent stains. Anything more than this try one of the finish Strippers/Removers listed below) and weathered graying from horizontal and vertical wood surfaces. Recommended for surface preparation prior to application or reapplication of finishes and stains. Comes in powder form that you mix with warm water. 

• Restores natural beauty of wood
• Contains no acid or chlorine bleach
• Safe for plants and animals
• Biodegradable
• Remove failed sealers (not paint)
• Open pores and allow wood finish to penetrate 25% deeper. 
• Should not be used to clean redwood. 
  
  TimberWash is basic and has a pH greater than 7. TimberWash removes anything that is organic, or that was once living i.e. blood, grass stains, etc. To effectively clean, TimberWash should remain on wood 15 minutes before rinsing or power-washing, particularly if wood is badly stained. If TimberWash does not stay in contact with stains long enough, it may not completely remove them. Power-washing TimberWash is recommended for optimum performance.

Click HERE to read more about Oxygenated Bleaches.

Click HERE to read about cleaning and preparing your wood decks using Timber Wash.

Samples available. Click HERE for sample policy.

A Pound of Oxy-Boost can clean up to 150 to 300 square feet of deck surface. Dirty horizontal deck surfaces sometimes need a second quick cleaning. Each lineal foot of average railing has 4 square feet of surface area. 

Generally, the average deck (15x15), including railing, requires a minimum of 4 lbs. of Oxy-Boost. 

To clean your deck first remove any loose soils or other matter. Dissolve 6 ounces of OXY-BOOST in a gallon of hot water (generally takes about 5 minutes). Apply to pre-wetted deck.

For railings a hand pump sprayer does a really excellent job. Wait 10-15 minutes. Scrub with a stiff broom or brush, then rinse. 

OXY-BOOST will not remove rust stains or mineral deposits from hard water.

Click HERE to read more about Oxygenated Bleaches.

Samples available. Click HERE for sample policy.

Looking for a for a stronger finish remover? Click HERE for Finish Removers